SOCIOECONOMIC CORRELATES OF FEMALE CRIMINALITY IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Female criminality in Nigeria has historically been underexplored, with research and policy dominated by male-centric perspectives. In Delta State, recent trends indicate an increase in women’s participation in criminal activities, including petty theft, human trafficking, cybercrime, and drug-related offenses. This study examines the socioeconomic factors influencing female criminality in the state, focusing on poverty, educational attainment, unemployment, family background, and cultural norms. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 350 women involved in various criminal activities across urban and riverine communities. Analysis revealed that poverty, limited education, unemployment, dysfunctional family structures, and exposure to peer pressure and digital crime culture significantly influence women’s engagement in crime. The findings underscore the need for gender-sensitive criminal justice policies, social interventions, and rehabilitative programs tailored to address structural inequalities and prevent recidivism. The study contributes to criminological scholarship by highlighting the intersection of gender and socioeconomic determinants in shaping criminal behavior.