Introduction: Drinking Cultures in Nigeria, Gender, Transgression, and Study Methodology

This introductory chapter provides detailed contextual background information about the multi-cultural, ethnic, and religious diversities in Nigeria and how these diversities reflect in the drinking cultures and practices in the country. The chapter summarises and synthesises drinking cultures in different regions of Nigeria and exemplifies how alcohol was used in traditional Nigeria and who occupied drinking spaces before discussing the concepts and theories of gender and transgression that were used to frame the analyses in the following chapters. The chapter shows that although the drinking cultures in different parts of Nigeria are similar, they are not entirely homogenous. This chapter also describes the Gendered Transgressive Drinking Study, highlighting the entire research process, the methodology, and the ethical considerations taken in the project. The background information that the chapter provides is essential to guide readers in understanding the traditional drinking cultures and the gendered and divergent reconfigurations of drinking norms and practices in contemporary Nigeria. The chapter also highlights the two key themes explored in the remainder of the book.