1.1 Introduction
Criminality is defined as any act or behavior that violates the established laws of a society and is punishable by the legal system (Okon, 2018). It is a phenomenon that affects individuals, families, communities, and national development. In Nigeria, criminal activities have been on the rise, manifesting in various forms such as theft, fraud, assault, armed robbery, human trafficking, and other social vices (Nwankwo, 2020). Gender criminality refers to the patterns, tendencies, and consequences of crime as influenced by an individual's gender. Studies indicate that males and females engage in crime differently due to socio-cultural, economic, and psychological factors (Akinlabi, 2017). Male criminality is frequently associated with violent offenses such as armed robbery, physical assault, and kidnapping, which have immediate and tangible consequences on public safety. Conversely, female criminality tends to manifest in non-violent forms like fraud, embezzlement, and human trafficking, often impacting economic structures and social relationships (Ibe, 2019).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Historically, crime in Nigeria has been shaped by cultural norms, colonial legacies, economic disparities, and governance challenges. According to Okon (2018), the colonial era introduced formal legal structures that criminalized certain behaviors while simultaneously marginalizing traditional conflict resolution systems (Okon, 2018). Gender-specific patterns of criminality have also evolved over time. Akinlabi (2017) reported that traditional Nigerian societies often attributed deviant behavior differently to men and women, with male criminality generally associated with public and violent offenses, while female criminality was often linked to domestic, economic, or moral transgressions. The historical underpinnings of gendered roles contributed to societal expectations, which continue to influence the way men and women engage in criminal acts and how they are perceived by the community.
The post-independence era witnessed an increase in urbanization, population growth, and socio-economic inequalities, which according to Nwankwo (2020), created fertile ground for criminal activities across genders. Male criminality became more pronounced in violent crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and violent gang activities, while female involvement in crime shifted towards non-violent forms such as fraud, prostitution-related offenses, and trafficking (Ibe, 2019). Scholars have asserted that these changes reflect both economic pressures and shifting cultural dynamics, as women increasingly participate in economic ventures and public life, sometimes resorting to criminality as a means of survival or social mobility.
Criminality is a global phenomenon that affects social, economic, and political structures, and Nigeria is no exception. According to Okon (2018), criminal behavior refers to acts that violate established laws and social norms, which are punishable under the legal system. In Nigeria, the prevalence of crime has been rising over the years, manifesting in violent crimes such as armed robbery, assault, and kidnapping, as well as non-violent crimes like fraud, embezzlement, and human trafficking (Nwankwo, 2020). Gender has been identified as a significant factor in the manifestation and impact of criminal behavior. Akinlabi (2017) reported that males are more likely to engage in violent criminal acts, while females tend to commit crimes that are non-violent in nature, often related to economic or social manipulations. This distinction, according to Ibe (2019), affects not only the type of crimes committed but also the societal perception, legal treatment, and rehabilitation of offenders. The criminal justice system, for instance, often imposes more lenient penalties on female offenders, reflecting cultural expectations and gender norms, while male offenders face harsher sanctions (Adeleke, 2021).
Furthermore, scholars have asserted that the consequences of gendered criminality extend beyond individual offenders to affect families, communities, and national development. Male criminality, often associated with violence, disrupts social order and endangers lives, whereas female criminality, frequently linked to fraud and trafficking, impacts economic stability and social trust (Nwankwo, 2020). Several studies contend that understanding these gender differences is crucial for formulating effective crime prevention strategies, judicial policies, and rehabilitative measures that are equitable and inclusive (Okon, 2018; Akinlabi, 2017). This research study is set against the backdrop of these realities, seeking to provide a comprehensive comparison of the impact of gender criminality in Nigeria.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that criminality in Nigeria has become a pressing social concern, influencing public safety, economic development, and social cohesion. Various studies have shown that both men and women engage in criminal activities, but the nature, extent, and underlying causes of these activities differ significantly across genders (Okon, 2018; Nwankwo, 2020). Male criminality is often associated with violent crimes such as armed robbery, assault, and kidnapping, whereas female criminality frequently involves non-violent crimes such as theft, fraud, and human trafficking (Akinlabi, 2017).
On the other hand, society tends to perceive male and female criminals differently, with gender stereotypes impacting the legal process, law enforcement practices, and rehabilitation opportunities (Ibe, 2019). Women offenders are often treated more leniently in the judicial system, reflecting societal expectations of femininity, while men face stricter penalties and harsher societal condemnation (Adeleke, 2021).
Furthermore, the consequences of gender-specific criminality extend beyond the individuals involved to affect families, communities, and national development. Male criminality often results in direct physical harm and insecurity, whereas female criminality contributes to economic loss and social destabilization. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to investigate and compare the impact of gender criminality in Nigeria.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to examine the comparative impact of gender criminality in Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study are as follows:
- To identify the common types of crimes committed by males and females in Nigeria.
- To assess the socio-economic impact of male and female criminality on society.
- To evaluate the differences in legal and judicial treatment of male and female offenders.
- To investigate the societal perception of gendered criminal behavior.
- To recommend measures to address disparities in crime prevention, justice administration, and rehabilitation based on gender differences.
1.5 Research Questions
Based on the objectives of the study, the following research questions have been formulated:
- What are the common types of crimes committed by males and females in Nigeria?
- What are the socio-economic impacts of male and female criminality on Nigerian society?
- How does the legal and judicial system treat male and female offenders differently?
- How does society perceive male and female criminal behavior?
- What measures can be recommended to address disparities in crime prevention, justice administration, and rehabilitation based on gender differences?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H0: There is no significant difference in the impact of criminality between males and females in Nigeria.
- H1: There is a significant difference in the impact of criminality between males and females in Nigeria.
1.7 Significance of Study
The outcome realized from the research findings will be significant to the following stakeholders:
- Policymakers: The study will assist in formulating gender-sensitive crime prevention and justice policies.
- Law Enforcement Agencies: The study will guide officers on effective strategies for managing male and female offenders.
- Judiciary: The study will inform the development of equitable sentencing and rehabilitation programs.
- Academics and Researchers: The study will provide a foundation for further research on gender criminality and socio-economic impacts.
- Community Leaders and NGOs: The study will support interventions aimed at reducing crime and improving social cohesion in communities affected by gendered criminal behavior.
1.8 Scope of the Study
The study focuses on gender criminality within Lagos State, Nigeria. It examines both urban and semi-urban areas, analyzing cases from police records, court judgments, and community reports. The research covers male and female offenders over the last ten years, with emphasis on crimes that have notable social and economic consequences.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- 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).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Criminality:
Criminality is defined as any action or behavior that violates established laws and social norms and is punishable under the legal system (Okon, 2018). It reflects both social and legal dimensions of deviant behavior.
Gender Criminality:
Gender criminality refers to the study of criminal behaviors as influenced by an individual's gender, including the types, causes, and consequences of crimes committed by males and females (Akinlabi, 2017).
Socio-Economic Impact:
Socio-economic impact refers to the effects of criminal activities on the economic well-being and social structure of communities, including financial loss, disruption of social order, and psychological consequences (Nwankwo, 2020).
Judicial Treatment:
Judicial treatment refers to how offenders are processed, sentenced, and rehabilitated within the legal system, taking into account societal norms and legal frameworks (Ibe, 2019).
Rehabilitation:
Rehabilitation is the process of reintegrating offenders into society, aiming to correct behavior, provide skills, and reduce the likelihood of re-offending (Adeleke, 2021).
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