SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS AND JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AMONG SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ABAKALIKI, EBONYI STATE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Juvenile delinquency has become a pervasive issue in contemporary society, with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families and communities in Abakaliki Ebonyi State. The problem of juvenile delinquency among secondary schools students has assumed alarming proportion necessitating urgent attention from stakeholders. This study investigates the socioeconomic factors contributing to juvenile delinquency among selected secondary schools in Abakaliki (Egbochuku, 2019).

Abakaliki, the capital city of Ebonyi State is a rapidly urbanizing area with a growing population of youths. The city's socioeconomic landscape is marked by poverty, unemployment and inequality which have contributed to the rise in juvenile delinquency. Many families struggle to provide basic needs for their children, leading to a lack of supervision and guidance (Nwankwo et al., 2020).

Juvenile delinquency is that behavior on the part of children which may, under the law, subject those children to juvenile court. It refers to the participation of minors typically between the ages of 10 and 17, in unlawful behavior or activities. This also encompasses children who exhibit persistent mischievousness and disobedience, making them uncontrollable by their parents and subject to legal action by the court system. The United Nations International Children Emergency Funds (UNICEF, 2020) defines juvenile delinquency as "any behaviour that violates the laws or social norms of the community and which if committed by an adult would be considered criminal".

The Pew Charitable Trusts (2015) highlights that out of home placements such as correctional facilities do not necessarily reduce recidivism rates among juvenile offenders. In fact, studies have shown that juvenile incarceration can even increase the likelihood of reoffending in some cases. Furthermore, it is nothing but a fact to say that a juvenile offender who after serving a good or complete numbers of his or her punishment in prison and still continue in deviance is because they are associated with adult prisoners. Different forms of delinquency have been with man as far back as we can think but modern trends have made them take a very sharp rise.

The foregoing studies are among numerous studies that highlight the problem of juvenile delinquency. This challenge begs the question: What is being done to address juvenile delinquency at its onset before it escalates into serious crime and possible persistent misbehavior? Daniel. N. (2013) discovered that early onset of delinquency predicts persistence into adulthood; distinct trajectories of delinquency exist such as chronic offenders, desisters etc. Jennifer. L. (2015) also concurs with him that early childhood aggression predicts later delinquency and crime and that harsh parenting style and peer rejection contributes to childhood aggression. She also discovered that authoritative parenting and social support reduces aggression and cultural and socioeconomic factors influence parenting and child development.

In Africa, the most common offense is theft and delinquency is more prevalent in urban areas. Although juvenile delinquency in Africa is widespread, it has been the subject of few studies. Delinquency has been found to be related to a family disruption, technological development and government policies. While delinquency rates generally are lower in developing than developed countries, delinquency appears to be a growing social problem. Suggested causes of delinquency in Africa have included urbanization, instability of the family structure, broken homes, lack of employment and educational opportunities, migration, lack of parental control and individual maladjustment. While no firm conclusions can be drawn about the effectiveness of this prevention, treatment and rehabilitation programs do appear to have had a beneficial effect on juvenile crime and recidivism.

The persistent increase in the rate of juvenile delinquency crimes in Nigeria and abysmal failure by the diverse educational institutes to curb this problem have constituted a serious barrier to the country’s economic development since many “young ones who epitomizes the nations’ future are enmeshed in moral decadence. Juvenile delinquency is therefore viewed as a major impediment to socioeconomic progress and significant threat to national security. Although the subject of juvenile delinquency is an aged long problem, it seems that the juvenile delinquency of the past cannot be evaluated with that of the present era in Nigeria. The challenge has become a cankerworm that has transmitted some juvenile delinquency to a violent crime which has subjected the country to a security threat and all sorts of crisis.

The challenges of these delinquencies in Nigeria have thus become an academic concern owing to the damages suffered by its perpetrators. These challenges cannot be effectively discussed without highlighting the probable social cost of this endemic disease to Nigeria nation. Most uncurbed delinquencies has in recent times, developed into violent crimes which the evidence is manifested in the activities of bombing by the Boko Haram sect and other violent groups in Nigeria (Oyebade, 2020). Therefore, a thorough search in the challenges of juvenile delinquencies in Nigeria has called for reawakening of the roles of education whose major function is appealing to the conscience of the juveniles through ethical teachings and building of moral behavior. It is worthy of note that children form the bedrock of any society and adequate protection of this young segments of population is thus a sine qua non for development albeit national security of modern nations states. (Comolli, 2015).

The impact of socioeconomic factors in secondary schools in Abakaliki is profound. Students from disadvantaged background often lack access to quality education leaving to poor academic performance and increased dropout rates. Lack of resources and infrastructure in school has created an environment conducive to delinquent behaviour. Teachers and administrators face significant challenges in managing student's behaviour and the overall learning environment suffers as a result.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Juvenile delinquency among selected secondary schools in Abakaliki Ebonyi State has been a pervasive and complex issue posing significant challenges to the educational system, families and the community at large. The phenomenon is characterized by a range of antisocial behaviours including truancy, theft, violence, substance abuse and other form of deviance which have become increasingly prevalent among adolescents in the area.

The problem of juvenile delinquency in Abakaliki's secondary schools is multifaceted with various factors contributing to its persistence. Poverty, unemployment etc are rampant in the area, leading to a lack of access to quality education, poor living conditions and limited opportunities for social mobility. These socioeconomic challenges have created an environment conducive to delinquent behaviours, as adolescents seek alternative means of expression and survival. (Nwankwo et al., 2020).

The increasing rate of juvenile delinquency has become a major social problem globally and locally. Researchers and concerned individuals have traced the prevalence of juvenile delinquency to the increasing rate of family instability, poverty among other factors. Juvenile delinquency in secondary schools is a major social problem which affects the whole society and constitutes a serious impediment to development. Children from unstable homes are more likely to run away from their families than children who come from more stable families. Also, children from a poor family background are more likely to commit delinquent acts like pick pocketing, petty theft etc. in order to survive in the society. These young people usually have family related problems; some of them are products of broken homes. The family by its internal weakness has become a major factor contributing to juvenile delinquency. (Kazuhiro, 2015). Here, the parents may be separated, dead or poor-stricken. The juvenile here is forced to usually steal or engage in illegal activities in order to help feed their siblings, so whereas a crime is committed.

Peer group is another factor that determines juvenile delinquency among selected secondary schools in Abakaliki. Adolescents sometimes prefer the approval of their peer group to school or parental approval as a result; they tend to exhibit some antisocial behavior tendencies just to please members of the group. Criminal behavior is acquired through interactions with others. (Pyrooz, 2014). s

1.3 Research Questions

This study seeks to find answers to the following questions.

1. What are the socioeconomic factors causing Juvenile Delinquency among selected secondary schools in Abakaliki?

2. What are the differences in delinquent behaviour between male and female in secondary schools students in Abakaliki?

3. To what extent does the society contributes to juvenile delinquency among selected secondary schools in Abakaliki?

4. What are the possible solutions to the problems of juvenile Delinquency among selected secondary schools in Abakaliki?

1.4 Objectives of the Study

The general objective of the study is to examine the socioeconomic factors and Juvenile delinquency among selected secondary schools in Abakaliki. Specifically, the study seeks to:

1. identify the socioeconomic factors causing Juvenile delinquency among selected secondary schools in Abakaliki.

2. compare the differences in delinquent behaviours between male and female secondary schools students in Abakaliki.

3. examine the influence of society on delinquent act among selected secondary schools in Abakaliki.

4. suggest possible solutions to the problem of juvenile delinquency among selected secondary schools in Abakaliki.

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Ho1: There is no significant relationship between socioeconomic factors and juvenile delinquency among selected secondary schools in Abakaliki.

Ha1: There is a significant relationship between socioeconomic factors and juvenile delinquency among selected secondary schools in Abakaliki.

Ho2: There is no significant difference in delinquent behaviours between male and female secondary schools students in Abakaliki.

Ha2: There is a significant difference in delinquent behaviours between male and female secondary schools students in Abakaliki.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study will have both theoretical and practical significance

Theoretically, the study will help strengthen the existing theories on the research. It will also provide a better approach on how to tackle the problem among selected secondary schools in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State and other secondary schools in other states and Nigeria as a whole.

The study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on juvenile delinquency, providing a framework for future research in this area. The findings of this study can inform the development of evidence based policies and interventions at reducing delinquency and promoting positive youth development. The study will provide scholars and researchers with basic reference material for further research on the topic at hand. Various theories have been developed to explain juvenile delinquency, each offering unique perspectives and insights. These theories help researchers and practitioners in several ways.

Practically, Juvenile Delinquency has significant practical implications in Nigeria. It affects not only the individuals involved but also the society as a whole. Addressing juvenile delinquency among selected secondary schools in Abakaliki is crucial for the well-being of young people and the overall development of the nation. It provides a comprehensive approach that includes preventive measures, rehabilitation programs, community involvement and support systems like youth empowerment programs for at-risk youth.

1.7 Scope of the Study

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