IMPACT OF POVERTY-INDUCED CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AMONGST THE YOUTHS IN ENUGU STATE

Abstract

Crime among youths is a pervasive problem that bedevils every human society. It becomes particularly disturbing when criminal activities are allowed to continue unabated. Poverty-induced criminality is a worrisome phenomenon that requires urgent attention. Against this background, this paper investigated the impact of poverty-induced criminal behaviour among youths in Enugu State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the influence of poverty on youths’ criminal behaviour; the socio-economic factors influencing youths’ engagement in criminal activities in the state; and the major effects of poverty-induced crimes among youths in Enugu State. The paper adopted the General Strain Theory (GST) and Social Control Theory (SCT) as its theoretical framework. A descriptive survey design was employed, and the study utilised a mixed-methods approach to data collection. A sample size of 625 respondents was selected for the administration of the quantitative instrument, while purposive sampling was used to select eight participants for the in-depth interviews (IDI).The findings revealed that poverty makes crime appear as a necessary means of survival for youths in Enugu State, thereby increasing their susceptibility to peer pressure and gang involvement. The study further found that a lack of educational opportunities, limited access to basic needs, and economic instability push young people into criminality. The study recommends, among others, that to reduce youths’ involvement in crime, the government, community-based organisations, and non-governmental organisations should prioritise the provision of job training and employment opportunities. Initiatives such as vocational training, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurship programmes can equip youths with practical skills and sustainable income sources, thereby reducing the appeal of illegal activities as a means of survival.