DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY

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.

This study examined the influence of socio-cultural factors on stress management among undergraduates in the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. The research was motivated by the growing concern over the increasing rate of stress among university students and the limited attention given to the socio-cultural dimensions that influence stress experiences and coping mechanisms. The study adopted a descriptive survey design to allow for the collection of data from a large and diverse population of students. A structured questionnaire was developed and administered to a purposive sample of 100 undergraduates drawn from various faculties of the university. The instrument was divided into sections covering demographic characteristics, triggers of stress, stress prevalence, socio-cultural influences, and stress management techniques. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages to interpret students’ responses. The findings revealed that academic workload, financial challenges, family expectations, and peer pressure were the major stressors among students. The study further showed that female students experienced higher levels of stress than their male counterparts

This study examines the phenomenon of promiscuity among undergraduate students residing in the halls of residence at the University of Benin, Nigeria. Adolescence is a critical developmental period marked by identity exploration and sexual awakening, which, when combined with newfound independence at university, can lead to risky sexual behaviors. The research is situated within a Nigerian socio-cultural context characterized by a double standard that often stigmatizes female sexual expression while tacitly condoning male promiscuity. The study adopts a qualitative approach to investigate the cause manifestations, and consequences of student promiscuity. Guided by Social Learning Theory, it explores how behaviors are learned through imitation and reinforcement from peers, family, and the media. The research addresses key questions regarding the root causes of promiscuity, the sexual attitudes of students, the frequency of sexual activity within the university environment, and its subsequent impacts Preliminary findings from the literature review indicate that promiscuity is driven by a complex interplay of factors, including freedom from parental control, pervasive peer influence, economic hardship leading to transactional sex, alcohol consumption, and exposure to permissive media content. The consequences are identified as multifaceted, encompassing heightened risks of sexually transmitted infections (including HIV/AIDS), unplanned pregnancies, emotional and psychological distress, and significant disruptions to academic performance and future prospects.This research contributes to the existing x literature by focusing specifically on the under-explored context of university halls of residence as epicenters of sexual experimentation. It concludes that addressing student promiscuity requires a holistic intervention strategy involving strengthened university policies, comprehensive sexuality education, proactive parental guidance, and broader societal reorientation to challenge harmful gender norms and mitigate the associated risks to student health and academic achievement.

The study investigated the impact of cyber fraud on the dignity of labour in contemporary Nigerian society: A case study of Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State. To achieve the purpose of the study, six (6) research questions were raised and answered. The sample size for this study consisted of one hundred (100) respondents. The data collected was analyzed using frequency count and simple percentage. The study revealed that cyber fraud has a significantly negative influence on students’ career ambitions, motivation for education, and adherence to professional ethics. It was concluded that participation in and admiration for cyber fraud significantly undermine the societal value and respect for honest labour among youths in Oredo Local Government Area. The study recommended among others that law enforcement agencies should be adequately equipped and trained to detect, investigate, and prosecute cyber fraud cases swiftly and fairly, ensuring that the consequences of such crimes serve as a deterrent.

Bullying and aggression within educational institutions are complex social issues that can have profound effects on students' well-being and academic performance. To address this concern, this study investigates the incidence and prevalence of bullying and aggression among undergraduate students in University of Benin, Benin city, Edo state, Nigeria. A descriptive research design was employed, involving a diverse sample of 200 undergraduate students. Data was collected through structured questionnaires, allowing for a comprehensive examination of
demographic characteristics, bullying experiences, and perceptions of university responses. The findings indicates that 45% of respondents reported experiencing bullying or aggression during their academic journey. Furthermore, the study reveals diverse demographic characteristics among participants, including gender, age and academic level. Dissatisfaction with the university's response to reported incidents was notable among respondents. This study contributes valuable insights
into the complex issue of bullying and aggression within higher education settings. It underscores the need for tailored interventions, improved support systems, and policies that promote a safe and inclusive environment for all students. By addressing this issue, [University Name] can enhance the well-being and academic success of its students, fostering a conducive learning environment.