Household discriminatory practices on the girl-child have drawn attention worldwide due to deep-rooted socio-cultural beliefs, values and practices. Despite extensive empirical evidence in literature there is a dearth of studies in Nigeria in particular. This study examined the socio-cultural factors and practices affecting the girl-child among the Annang, an ethnic group in Akwa-Ibom State-Nigeria. The study adopted the Weber"s social action theory as theoretical framework to provide theoretical orientation to the issue investigated. A multi-methodological approach was adopted in generating data. A household survey was conducted among 100 respondents which comprised of pairs of fathers/male-children and mothers/female-children. A four-staged sampling technique was used to purposively select 3 Enumeration Areas (EAs). Structured questionnaires elicited information on cultural construction of girlhood, familial roles and household practices from both adults and boy and girl-children. Four Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and IDIs which centred on gender socialization, gender relations, household practices, and socio-cultural factors were conducted among adults males and females as well as male and female-children. Indepth interviews were also conducted with religious leaders, traditional rulers, as well as male and female community leaders. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The qualitative data employed content analysis as well as thematic narratives of participants and key informants views and responses. Adult respondents" mean age was 40.3±10.0 years, 98.1% were married, and 81.7% were farmers. The mean age for boys and girl-children was 13.5±3.2 years. Majority of the respondents were rural dwellers (82.0%). Majority of respondents (97.1%) opined that the status of the girl-child was very low relative to the boy-child. About 99% affirmed that girl-children were disadvantaged with regard to opportunities and privileges. The girl-child faced household discriminatory practices in domestic work assignment (79.0%), education (78.4%) and restrictive food taboos (32.2%). Significant others approved such practices. About 67% of girl-children perceived the practices as acceptable to the Annang people. The qualitative data identified socio-cultural factors such as conception of gender roles, gender socialization, son preference, cultural construction of girlhood, and valuation of the girl-child, decision-making, gender stereotyping among others engendered these practices. Cultural construction of girlhood was largely defined by the respondents" societal notions on femininity. Household discriminatory practices among the Annang people, was largely due to socio-cultural factors and practices. Therefore, serious attention should be given to community mobilization and sensitization to address the socio-cultural factors and harmful practices which limit the empowerment of the girl-child.
Against theoretical evidence postulating a positive relationship between campus residency and collegiate outcomes, prior research has not established a causal link. This study undertook a socio-criminological analysis of Urban Housing problems and learning among off-campus students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi with particular reference to Angwan Lambu Area. The objective of this research was to evaluate the learning implications of off-campus accommodation students. The prevalence of social vices among students living off-campus and their preferences for off-campus accommodation was also examined. Social structure and Anomie theory was used as theoretical justification. The study employed the survey research design. A sample of 214 was drawn from a student population of 25380 using the questionnaire as data collection instrument. Data were collated, analyzed and presented through graphs and charts. Findings revealed that overcrowding, filth and slum-nieghborhoods are the poor living conditions of off-campus Angwan Lambu residences. Cultism, drug dealing and prostitution are some of the social vices common in the area. The study therefore calls on stakeholders by way of recommendations to invest more on students' accommodation. Security should also be strengthened around off-campus residences that are within the University neighborhood in order to monitor and contain any untoward behavior. The study concludes that learning can be improved and social vices resulting from, and affecting off-campus students can be curtailed where students are provided accommodation and a conducive learning environment by the University Authority either on-campus and/or through private estate developers.
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