Causes And Effects Of Prostitution Among Youths
(A Case Study Of Obollo Afor Community Of Udenu Local Government Area Of Enugu State)
Prostitution among youths, often stemming from economic hardship, lack of opportunities, or vulnerability, manifests as a complex societal issue with profound ramifications. Economic instability, exacerbated by unemployment or poverty, can drive marginalized youths into the sex trade as a means of survival, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and marginalization. The commodification of sex not only exposes youths to physical and psychological risks, including sexually transmitted infections and trauma but also undermines their dignity and self-worth. Moreover, involvement in prostitution can disrupt educational attainment and hinder socio-economic mobility, trapping youths in a cycle of poverty and marginalization. Addressing the root causes of youth prostitution necessitates comprehensive interventions that tackle economic disparities, provide educational and vocational opportunities, and offer support services to empower vulnerable youths and mitigate the adverse effects of prostitution on their well-being and prospects for the future.
This study considered and sought to find out the causes and problems of prostitution among youths in Obollo Afor community of Udenu Local Government Area in Enugu State. Five research questions were developed in consonance with what the study sought to find out. Questionnaire and oral interview were used to elicit the required information from married and unmarried people. Two hundred people were the respondents and out of this, one hundred and fifty (150) were unmarried while fifty (50) were married men and women. The responses were presented in tabular from using (x) mean. Findings from the study indicated that poverty, unemployment, inadequate up bringing and broken homes were responsible causes of prostitution.
Title Page
Approval Page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table Of Content
Chapter One
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background Of The Study
1.2 Statement Of The Problem
1.3 Purpose Of The Study
1.4 Significance Of The Study
1.5 Scope Of The Study
Chapter Two
2.0 Literature Review
Chapter Three
3.0 Research Method
3.1 The Design
3.2 Area Of The Study
3.3 Population Of The Study
3.4 Instrument To Be Used
3.5 Validation Of The Instrument
3.6 Reliability Of The Instrument
3.7 Method Of Data Collection
3.8 Method Of Data Analysis
Chapter Four
4.0 Data Presentation And Analysis
Chapter Five
5.0 Summary Of Findings, Conclusion And Recommendations
5.1 Summary Of Findings
5.2 Summary And Conclusions
5.3 Recommendations
References
Appendix
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
1.1 Introduction
Prostitution has been viewed as a social taboo for a nation both developed and undeveloped. Are, Iffih and Gibben (1997) pointed out that prostitution is contrary to the culture norms and values of the society. According to Academic American Encyclopedia (1980) “The practice of prostitution dates back to the medieval period”. It is not only associated with the modern world and it’s technology.
The history of the Romans stipulated that prostitution is subjected to public mockery where they are made to dance naked in the public before they are subjected to other punishment. However, prostitution According to Obienye in (2003) is the act of indulging to sexual intercourse for money. According to Academic Encyclopedia (1980) prostitution is the sale of sexual services.
A prostitute is an individual who engage in sexual activities with strangers or other persons with whom the individual has no affectionate relationship but in exchange of money or other valuable materials that are given at or near the times of the act (Paul, 1981). However, the rapid increase of this business in our country Nigeria can be attributed to poverty, unemployment, inadequate parental upbringing.
Poverty according to Adejo (1985) is the absence of fundamental human needs and expectation.
It is the inability to provide materially for oneself and family. Most times, some people go into prostitution in order to meet up with their needs. However, there are other causes and consequences of prostitution which this study aims at finding out.
1.2 Statement Of The Problems
Prostitution is one of the social vices which is common in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State and in Nigeria in general.
Inspite of it, contamination in all quarters including the church has continued to be on the increase, the resultants consequences is the unabated spread of sexually transmitted diseases e.g. AIDS, HIV and candidiasis. Despite all these problems encountered by the people who engage in prostitution, people still indulge in the and so we tends to investigate this problems to find out solutions.
1.3 The Purpose Of Study
1. To identify the causes of prostitution.
2. To identify the problems associated with prostitution.
3. To identify the effect of prostitution on the Obollo Afor.
4 To determine the social class of people in prostitution.
5. Suggest solution to the problems of prostitution.
1.4 Significance Of The Study
This study will be of significant to the parent and to the society. It will help the parent to know the teenager need generally for the proper upbringing of their children in the scene that when they are given adequate care during the tender age, they will not deviate from it. It will be of benefit to the teenager in that case they will be careful in making choice of friends because, most of these problems normally associated with the type of friend they keep.
It will help the interested reader (Public) to be aware of health problems associated with prostitution and also make every effort to be innocent of such act.
This study will also benefit to all the people of Udenu Local Government especially the rural communities to get acquainted with the problems of prostitution so that they will know what to do to eradicate prostitution in their communities.
1.5 Research Question
1. What is Prostitution?
2. What are the causes of prostitution?
3. What are the problems?
4. How can prostitution be stopped in Obollo Afor Community?
1.6 Scope Of The Study
The study will be limited to sample drawn from only Udenu Local Government Area. The sample will be drawn from five communities in Udenu local government of Enugu State. This are Amalla community, Ohulor community, Obollo-Eke community, Obollo Etiti community and Obollo Affor community. This sample will be obtained from unmarried people, literate and illiterate ones.
Causes And Effects Of Prostitution Among Youths:
Prostitution among youths can have complex causes and far-reaching effects. It’s important to note that youth involvement in prostitution is a serious social issue that requires a nuanced understanding. Here are some common causes and effects:
Causes:
- Poverty: Economic hardship is a significant factor that may drive young people into prostitution. They may see it as a way to make quick money to meet their basic needs or support their families.
- Childhood Trauma: Many youths involved in prostitution have experienced childhood trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse. These experiences can lead to emotional and psychological issues that make them vulnerable to exploitation.
- Lack of Education: Limited access to education can limit future employment opportunities. Some young individuals may turn to prostitution as an alternative when traditional career paths are closed off to them.
- Homelessness: Homeless youths are at a higher risk of engaging in prostitution as a means of survival. They may lack stable housing and turn to sex work as a way to secure shelter or other necessities.
- Peer Pressure and Recruitment: Young people can be lured into prostitution by peers or older individuals who manipulate or coerce them into the profession.
- Substance Abuse: Substance abuse can lead to desperation for money to support addiction, making prostitution a perceived solution for acquiring drugs or alcohol.
Effects:
- Physical and Mental Health Risks: Young prostitutes are at a higher risk of physical violence, sexual assault, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and drug addiction. The trauma associated with these risks can lead to mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Stigmatization and Discrimination: Prostitution often carries a strong social stigma. Young people involved in sex work may face discrimination, rejection from their families, and limited opportunities for social integration.
- Legal Consequences: Prostitution is illegal in many places, and youth involved in it may face legal consequences that can affect their future prospects, including education and employment.
- Exploitation: Many young prostitutes are vulnerable to exploitation by pimps and clients who may use physical or emotional coercion to control them. This can trap them in a cycle of exploitation.
- Interrupted Education: Engaging in prostitution can disrupt a young person’s education, limiting their long-term prospects and perpetuating the cycle of poverty.
- Social Isolation: Young prostitutes may become socially isolated due to the secretive nature of their work and the stigma associated with it, leading to a lack of support networks.
Addressing the causes and effects of youth involvement in prostitution requires a multi-faceted approach that includes providing economic opportunities, access to education and mental health services, and addressing the social stigma associated with sex work. Additionally, efforts should focus on prevention and early intervention to support vulnerable youth and reduce their risk of entering the sex trade.