DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY

This study focused on the assessment of the socio-economic empowerment intervention of Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN) on rural rubber farmers in Edo and Delta states. RRIN was formed with the aim of researching into rubber and latex trees for its economic purposes. Among its mandate is to also impact on the smallholder farmers who have chosen to farm rubber trees. Over the years, there have been series of complaints by the farmers which led to the development of empowerment intervention programmes by RRIN in order to educate these farmers on the best practices of rubber plantation. The general objective of this study therefore was to analyse the effect of the socio-economic empowerment intervention of (RRIN) on rural rubber farmers in Edo and Delta state, with the intent to determine the effect of the vocational trainings and new rubber based technology acquired by the smallholder rubber farmers while identifying the constrain they faced before and after RRIN intervention. The study adopted the survey research design and the population of the study consisted of all the smallholder rubber farmers in the selected local government areas of Edo and Delta states respectively which was 853. The sample size of this study was 800 and the study adopted the multistage sampling techniques. Copies of questionnaires were administered to 800 respondents and764 were retrieved, valid and used for the analysis. Six (6) (RRIN) staff were also interviewed through the in-depth interview method. Quantitative and qualitative data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and manual content analytical method respectively. Analysis of the data revealed that most of the respondents (47.49) had primary education in Edo while Delta had (26.75). Those who had tertiary education in Edo were (25.86%) and Delta state had (45.45%), implying that most of the respondents were literate and can easily comprehend and adopt new technological innovations. The results showed a multiple response with fair distribution of impact of the technologies; 26.16% in Edo and 24.92% of the respondents agreed that they have benefited in knowledge enhancement on rubber management techniques n Edo and Delta respectively,and the intervention program has helped in improving their farm yield and also financial status. This means that the training impacted the farmers’ economically. Constraints identified by the farmers before the intervention include, inadequate funds, inadequate information on rubber technology, pests and disease control. It was concluded that though the intervention program has impacted the smallholder farmers, The research recommended that the intervention program should be a regular activity of the Institute.

Domestic violence has become one of the most persistent social problems affecting homes and families in Nigeria and across the world. It occurs when one partner in an intimate relationship uses power, control, or force to dominate the other through physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, or economic abuse. This study examined domestic violence within married couples, using Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria as a case study. The main
objectives of the study were to find out whether domestic violence is common among married couples, identify its causes, examine its effects, and determine possible solutions to reduce it within the study area. The research adopted a survey research design using structured
questionnaires as the main instrument for data collection. A total of one hundred (100) questionnaires were distributed, out of which ninety-nine (99) were retrieved and analyzed using simple percentages and frequency tables. The findings revealed that domestic violence is indeed common among married couples in Egor L.G.A. Major causes identified include poverty, poor communication, infidelity, drug and alcohol abuse, and cultural beliefs that promote male dominance. The most common forms of violence reported were physical abuse, emotional or verbal abuse, and financial abuse. The effects of domestic violence were found to include emotional trauma, depression, marital instability, loss of trust, and fear and insecurity, which greatly affect not only the victims but also their children and the community at large. The study concludes that domestic violence remains a serious social and public health concern that threatens the peace and stability of families. It recommends that government and non-governmental organizations should work together to promote public awareness, counseling services, economic empowerment programs, and stricter legal actions against offenders. It also suggests that premarital and marital counseling, as well as educational campaigns, should be encouraged to promote understanding and communication between couples and reduce domestic violence in homes

This study examines the effects of early marriage on the girl child. To find out peoples perceptive on early marriage, to examine the factors that promote early child marriage, to access the psychological health and emotional consequences of early marriage on young girls, to explore strategies for reducing the prevalence of early marriage. The study adopted the survey design on the bases of which data was sourced; simple percentage instrument was employed to analyze the data collected. The findings reveal that early marriage negatively affects the physical, emotional and psychological health of the affected girls in general. Childbirth complications, domestic abuse and exploitation are some of the consequences of early marriage. The study recommends that legal intervention as well as sensitization should be taken into consideration. Laws should be enforced and public awareness should be encouraged. Basic education should be made compulsory and economic empowering programs should be established and implemented. Families who force/ coerce their children into early marriage should face the consequences as stipulated in the law.

Youth unemployment remains a major social and economic challenge in many urban areas, with significant implications for crime and social stability. This study examined the relationship between youth unemployment and the prevalence of crime in Oredo Local Government Area. The research focused on how limited access to employment opportunities among young people contributes to increasing criminal activities in urban communities.

The study adopted a quantitative research approach, with data collected through the use of structured questionnaires administered to respondents within the study area. The research was guided by Strain Theory, which explains how individuals may resort to criminal behavior when legitimate means of achieving societal goals are limited. Data obtained from respondents were analyzed to determine the relationship between unemployment and crime among youths in the area.

The findings revealed a significant correlation between high youth unemployment rates and increased involvement in criminal activities such as theft, robbery, and drug abuse. The study also identified other contributing factors, including limited access to education, inadequate vocational skills, and poor economic opportunities, which further aggravate the problem of youth crime.

The study concludes that youth unemployment plays a significant role in the rise of urban crime in Oredo Local Government Area. It recommends the development of sustainable employment opportunities, expansion of vocational and skills acquisition programs, and the strengthening of community support systems as strategies to reduce unemployment and mitigate its associated impact on crime.

Domestic violence remains a major social problem affecting women across the world. Studies have shown that globally, domestic violence accounts for a significant proportion of recorded crimes, with women being the most frequent victims. Women experience different forms of violence such as rape, physical battering, trafficking, and even murder. Although the level and nature of domestic violence vary from one society to another, its effects are often severe and far-reaching, leading to psychological, physical, emotional, and social disorders among victims.

In Nigeria, domestic violence cuts across different social, cultural, and economic groups, making it a persistent issue in society. Despite the efforts of international organizations such as the United Nations, through instruments like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as constitutional provisions aimed at promoting equality and protecting human rights, many Nigerian women continue to experience violence within their homes. Victims often face difficulties in obtaining justice due to social stigma, legal barriers, and inadequate institutional support.

This paper therefore examines the reported incidence of domestic violence against women, its various effects on victims, and the challenges associated with seeking justice. It further provides recommendations that may help reduce the occurrence of domestic violence and promote the protection of women’s rights in society.

This study examines social and psychological effect of drug abuse among University
Students in Benin City, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to examine the social effect of drugs abuse among University Students in Benin City, to investigate the psychological effects of drug abuse among University Students in Benin City, to compare the rate of abuse of drugs by Students in public and private University in Benin City, to find out the reasons for drug abuse among University Students in Benin City and to determine the strategies employed by Government and Schools to curb drug abuse among youths in Benin metropolis. Respondents were selected from two (2) universities from Benin City (University of Benin and Benson Idahosa University. The data -were collected through personal administration of 460 copies of questionnaire through Google Form and had valid responses. The study also used frequency distribution, mean, and tables as major statistical tools for data analysis

This study examined the relationship between stress and academic performance among final-year students in the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Benin. Stress, as a response to academic, financial, and personal pressures, often exceeds students’ coping capacities and affects their academic outcomes. The research aimed to assess the effect of stress on performance, identify its major causes, and examine coping mechanisms among students. Guided by Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Model of Stress and Coping (1984), the study employed an explanatory design. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 150 students selected via stratified random sampling across six departments and analyzed using simple percentages and frequency distributions. Findings revealed that most students frequently experience academic-related stress, which intensifies during their final year. The major sources of stress were financial difficulties, examinations, and project work. The study further discovered that stress negatively affects students’ concentration, motivation, and overall academic performance, often leading to physical and emotional exhaustion. Many students reported experiencing burnout and health-related issues resulting from prolonged academic pressure. Sleeping and talking to friends or family were the most common coping strategies, while only a few students sought professional help, indicating inadequate use of institutional support systems The study recommended establishing stronger mental health services, reducing academic workloads, and improving communication between students and faculty. It concludes that unmanaged academic stress has a significant adverse effect on students’ performance and well-being, emphasizing the need for proactive institutional interventions to promote healthier coping mechanisms and academic success

Stress and mental health challenges among university students have become a growing concern, impacting their academic performance, social interactions, and overall well being. This study investigates the prevalence, causes, and coping mechanisms of stress among students at the University of Benin. Using a survey method, data was collected from a diverse group of students to examine key stressors such as academic workload, financial challenges, and social pressures. The study also explores how demographic factors, including age, gender, year of study, and socioeconomic background, influence students’ mental health experiences. The study is grounded in the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping by Lazarus and Folkman (1984), which emphasizes the interaction between individuals and their environment in determining stress responses. Findings reveal that academic workload is the most significant stressor, with 70% of students reporting it as their primary concern. Financial constraints, social relationships, and future uncertainties also contribute to mental health challenges. While students adopt various coping strategies such as social interaction, physical exercise, and relaxation techniques, only 15% seek professional mental health support, highlighting barriers such as stigma and lack of accessibility. Based on these findings, thestudy recommends the implementation of university-led mental health programs, including peer support initiatives, stress management workshops, and increased access to affordable counseling services. Universities should also integrate financial aid programs and career counseling to help students manage academic and financial pressures. Addressing mental health challenges among students is crucial for fostering a more supportive academic environment that promotes well-being, resilience, and overall student success.

This study investigates public perceptions of how poverty influences youth criminal behavior in Benin City, Nigeria. Despite the city’s cultural and economic significance, escalating youth crime has emerged as a major social concern, often attributed to widespread poverty, unemployment, and social disorganization. Grounded in criminological frameworks such as Strain Theory, Social Disorganization Theory, and Attribution Theory, the research explores how residents interpret the relationship between economic hardship and youth involvement in crime and how these perceptions shape support for social or punitive policy responses. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was adopted. Using stratified random sampling, 100 adult respondents were selected across the three local government areas of Benin City—Oredo, Egor, and Ikpoba-Okha. Data were collected through structured questionnaires validated by experts and tested for reliability using the test-retest and Cronbach’s Alpha methods. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including frequency distributions, mean scores, and Chi-square tests, were employed to analyze quantitative data, while open-ended responses were thematically interpreted. Findings reveal an overwhelming consensus that poverty is a major determinant of youth criminality. Eighty-five percent of respondents identified poverty as the leading cause of crime among youths, with 60 percent rating its influence as “very high.” Unemployment, peer influence, and poor family background were also cited as significant contributing factors. The study found that 88 percent of respondents agreed that poverty breeds desperation, compelling young people to adopt illicit means of survival. Similarly, 84 percent believed that poverty- reduction initiatives would substantially decrease crime rates. A large majority (82 percent) expressed preference for preventive, welfare-oriented strategies—such as job creation, vocational training, and youth empowerment—over punitive measures like policing and incarceration. Demographic data highlighted that most respondents were young (ages 18–35), low-income earners with moderate education levels, reflecting the socioeconomic group most affected by unemployment and vulnerability to crime. These characteristics underscore the structural and psychological pressures shaping youth deviance in Benin City. The findings align with global criminological theories emphasizing the interplay between economic deprivation and social breakdown as key drivers of criminal behavior. The study concludes that public perception in Benin City strongly links poverty to youth criminality and favors socio-economic intervention over coercive control. It recommends that policymakers, law-enforcement agencies, and community organizations prioritize integrated poverty-alleviation programs, job-creation initiatives, and educational opportunities as core components of crime-prevention strategy. Academically, the study contributes to literature on the socioeconomic determinants of crime and provides empirical evidence for testing and refining criminological theories in Nigerian contexts.

This research examines the influence of social media on the sexual behaviour and interpersonal relationships of adolescent students at the University of Benin. Guided by the Uses and Gratifications Theory and Social Learning Theory, the study employed a survey design. Data were collected from 200 students selected from halls of residence using a structured questionnaire and analysed through descriptive statistics. The results demonstrate that social media plays a significant and dualistic role, facilitating connection and information while simultaneously introducing substantial risks to relationship quality and sexual conduct. Key issues identified include the prevalence of social comparison, exposure to explicit content, and a critical gap in guidance from parents and educators. The study concludes by advocating for integrated educational programs and stronger protective policies to safeguard adolescent well-being in the digital age.