Journal of Social Science for Policy Implications

Residents’ Perception of Youth Gangsterism and Socioeconomic Life in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria.
Etuk, Grace Reuben; Ihejiamaizu, Grace Chinonye; Obaji, Nyambi Obaji

Abstract
Nigeria has a large youthful population. However, a large proportion of these youths have remained jobless owing to the high unemployment rate in the country. Unfortunately, for many of these unemployed youths, frustration has become unavoidable. As a result, a number of them cannot help but express their frustrations through antisocial means like participating in gang activities and lifestyles. In Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria, gangs and gang activities are among major social vices residents have to put up with on a day-to-day basis. This study investigates this gang situation in Calabar South, seeking to find out residents’ perception of the effects of these gangs and their activities on socioeconomic life in the area. Guided by the survey type of research design, a total of 356 respondents were selected for the study using accidental sampling. Data were obtained from subjects via the use of a four-point Likert-scale questionnaire. Based on the responses supplied by subjects, three hypotheses were tested using the Chi-square, to determine the effect of gangs and their activities on three aspects of socioeconomic life in Calabar South. Results revealed that gangsterism is a significant factor to three aspects of socioeconomic life in the area namely: school dropout, loss of lives and property and the level of preference of the area for residential and business purposes. However, of the three aspects of socioeconomic life examined, it emerged that gang influence on the extent of preference of Calabar South for residential and business purposes came out the strongest, having the highest Chi-square Test value. The study recommends among other things the need for government to intensify its fight against gangs, cultism and similar vices, as well as step up its job creation efforts, so as to get jobless youths off the streets and gainfully employed

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jsspi.v4n1a2