FAMILY STRUCTURE IN SHAPING JUVENILE DELINQUENCY IN NIGERIAN COMMUNITIES: A THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This paper discussed the role of family structure in juvenile deviance in the Nigerian communities in relation to the interaction of social-economic factors and regional-disparities with family structures. The research was based on the Hirschi Social Control Theory that highlights family attachment, involvement, and supervision as factors in delinquency prevention. The study employed a qualitative methodology, using secondary data sources (textbooks, journal articles and government reports), and content analysis to analyze the data. The results showed that the single-parent families were the most related to juvenile delinquency because of emotional neglect, lack of supervision, and poverty. Poor communication and inconsistent parenting were some of the factors that influenced nuclear families, which are usually stable and led to delinquency. The extended families, despite the fact that they provided more comprehensive support, also had the problem of inconsistent parenting and adverse influences. Also, externalized institutions like schools, religious groups and peer groups were also found to play a significant role in delinquency with positive peer environment and school environment decreasing delinquent behaviors. Juvenile delinquency was worsened by socio-economic determinants such as poverty, unemployment and also regional inequalities, especially in poor regions such as the Niger Delta and the North of Nigeria. Finally, the paper has emphasized the intricate interplay between family structure, community norms and socio-economic status in the development of juvenile delinquency. The results highlighted the importance of multi-dimensional interventions to deal with these factors. Strategies such as enhancing family support mechanisms, encouraging positive peer and in-school interventions and relaxing socio-economic disparities with specific development programmes are recommended.