Theorizing Youth Violence in Socially Disadvantaged Neighborhoods in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigerian urban centers, especially the socially disadvantaged neighborhoods (sdns), like other disadvantaged communities across Africa, are increasingly becoming breeding grounds for youth violence and Armed Non-State Actors (ansas). The increasing waves of violence in socially disadvantaged communities in Nigeria and the inability of security apparatus to curtail them, suggests a ‘nation’ bewildered and a comatose state. This article attempts to dissect the root causes of youth violence in socially disadvantaged urban areas of Nigeria using relevant sociological theories. The paper subjects the current waves of youth violence across ethnic cleavages in Nigeria to a more nuanced and pragmatic analysis in order to dissect and unravel the socio-structural and political factors responsible. The paper argues that the inherent social structural maladies embedded in socially disadvantaged communities appear to have provided an impetus for youth violence and the emergence ofansas in Nigeria. These social structural maladies are captured within the context of social disorganization, relative deprivation, and broken windows theories. The assumptions of these theories provide insights into understanding the predisposing and enabling factors to youth violence and the emergence ofansas in socially disadvantaged communities in Nigeria and beyond. They also provide fundamental policy and research options to nip the contours of violence in socially disadvantaged environments in Nigeria and beyond in the bud.

Socioeconomic Factors as Determinants of Crime Rates in Abraka, Delta State

“…This finding resonates with broader literature emphasizing the multifaceted nature of crime dynamics and the need for holistic strategies (Oyelade, 2019). While education may influence employment opportunities, other dynamic factors such as economic conditions and market dynamics play pivotal roles in shaping the landscape of gainful employment (Abdullahi & Issah, 2016).…”

“…A more educated community or youth population demonstrates an increased tendency to refrain from committing crimes. This is because, despite the limited relationship between education and gainful employment, education opens up socio-economic opportunities (Achinulo, 2017;Ajide, 2019;Atakpo, 2020;Abdullahi & Issah, 2016;Ajide, 2021).…”

“…The Social Disorganization Theory, which centers on the breakdown of social cohesion and order within communities, holds significant relevance for the examination of the impact of socioeconomic factors on crime rates in Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria. According to this theory, when a community experiences weakened social bonds, the disintegration of community structures, and insufficient social control, it becomes more vulnerable to criminal activities (Abdullahi & Issah, 2016). In the context of Abraka, socioeconomic factors such as high unemployment, educational disparities, and income inequality have the potential to disrupt the social fabric of the community.…”

Drug addiction and marital conflicts: Exploring the experiences of drug‐addicted wives in Abuja, Nigeria

“…Socially disadvantaged neighborhoods (SDNs) are unplanned settlements usually populated by the less privileged individuals in the society. They are characterized by poor infrastructure, dilapidated and abandoned buildings, as a result of which they become breeding‐grounds for the commercialisation and consumption of illicit drugs (Abdullahi & Issah, 2016). A study by Handley et al (2015) found that neighborhood disadvantage was associated with more marijuana dependence symptoms among the adolescents.…”