CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

In every society, there exists groups that are part of the larger society but whose members adhere to norms and values that favour the violation of the norms of the larger society. Hence, Criminal behaviour often times represents a collective response that is directed by subcultural values and norms of distinct collectivities such as peer groups within the larger group. Individuals in society will usually make friends or have their closest associates from among their peer groups. Therefore, peer associates have a great influence on the lifestyle of their members. Infact peer group association as an agent of socialization, determines to a large extent, what social codes an individual learns (Sutherland 1949, Allen, 2003, Nsofor, 2013). This implies that individuals whose core group members believe and act criminal within norms will learn and internalize more of criminal codes than those that conform with the norms of the society. As a result, they conclude that individuals become delinquent through association with people who are the carriers of criminal norms and that criminal behaviour is learned within primary groups in particular, peer groups. That is, Criminal behaviour in adolescents is as a result of social influence. It is important to note here, that primary groups are the smallest units of interactions in society and a small group within the society is more likely to have a stronger control over an individual‟s action or behaviour. Infact, Simmel (1971), observed that “a small group is likely to control the individual completely”. Again, behaviour that is deviant or criminal (that is behaviour that violates the norms of a society and is punished) is relative to different social contexts. Societies especially modern ones, consists of various groups with different subcultures. Hence, behaviour that conforms to one particular subculture, maybe considered or viewed deviant outside of it. For example, there might be a strong pressure on a member of a university cult group to prove himself by raping a girl or even killing a student. So also there may be pressure on someone in a position of affluence among the peer clique to engage in embezzling and tax evasion or to take or give bribe so as to be approved of or accepted. Peer groups or associations have their own cultures, sanctions or rituals into which members are socialized and accordingly, members (especially new members) who do not comply with any of these may be ostracised (Carlson, 2010). Peer pressure extends to all groups. A peer group refers to persons that belong to the same age (or about the same age) and/or status. Examples of peer groups include, age peer group, school or educational peer group, social peer group, professional peer group and work peer group.

1. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Peer pressure in among adolescents is contrary to that of adults; some of the environmental factors that could lead to peer pressure and criminal behavior among adolescents in Makurdi metropolis are family background, socio economic status of parents, the school environment  and the nature of the Makurdi society. Children born in a poor homes tries to meet up with his/her colleagues in schools thus led him/her into having criminal behavour and mindset. Lastly there have been series of studies on peer pressure but not even a single study has been carried out on peer pressure influence and environmental factors as predictors of criminal behavior among adolescents in Makurdi metropolis

1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main aim of the research work is to examine peer pressure influence and environmental factors as predictors of criminal behavior among adolescents in Makurdi metropolis. The specific objectives of the study are:

1.  to determine the relationship between peer pressure, environmental factors and criminal behaviour among adolescents in Makurdi metropolis
2. to identify the environmental factors that can influence criminal behavior among adolescents in Makurdi metropolis
3.  to determine the extent to which peer pressure has influenced criminal behavior among adolescents in Makurdi metropolis
4. to identify ways to remedy the issues of criminal behaviour among adolescents in Makurdi metropolis

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The study came up with research questions so as to ascertain the above stated objectives of the study. The research questions for the study are:

1. What is the relationship between peer pressure, environmental factors and criminal behaviour among adolescents in Makurdi metropolis?
2. What are the environmental factors that can influence criminal behavior among adolescents in Makurdi metropolis?
3.  To what extent has peer pressure influenced criminal behavior among adolescents in Makurdi metropolis?
4. What are the ways to remedy the issues of criminal behaviour among adolescents in Makurdi metropolis?

1.5 STATEMENT OF THE HYPOTHESIS

H0: there is no significant relationship between peer pressure, environmental factors and criminal behaviour among adolescents in Makurdi metropolis

H1: there is significant relationship between peer pressure, environmental factors and criminal behaviour among adolescents in Makurdi metropolis

1.6 SIGNIFICANT OF THE STUDY

The study on the peer pressure influence and environmental factors as predictors of criminal behavior among adolescents in Makurdi metropolis will be of immense benefit the youths, parents and the Makurdi society. The study will determine the correlation between peer pressure, environmental factors and criminal behaviour among adolescents in Makurdi metropolis. The study will educate policy makers, schools, churches and the security department on the environmental factors that could lead to criminal behavior. The study will also help counselors on areas to focus on when counseling the young adolescents in Makurdi Metropolis. The study will also serve as a repository of information to other researchers that desire to carry out similar research on the above topic. Finally the study will contribute to the body of the existing literature on peer pressure influence and environmental factors as predictors of criminal behavior among adolescents

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study on the peer pressure influence and environmental factors as predictors of criminal behavior among adolescents will focus on youths in Makurdi metropolis.  The study will also cover on the correlation between peer pressure, environmental factors and criminal behaviour among adolescents in Makurdi metropolis

1.8 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work

 1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Peer pressure: Peer pressure is the direct influence on people by peers, or the effect on an individual who gets encouraged to follow their peers by changing their attitudes, values or behaviors to conform to those of the influencing group or individual

Criminal behavior: Criminal behavior refers to conduct of an offender that leads to and including the commission of an unlawful act

Adolescents: Adolescence is a transitional stage of physical and psychological development that generally occurs during the period from puberty to legal adulthood. Adolescence is usually associated with the teenage years, but its physical, psychological or cultural expressions may begin earlier and end later