An Assessment of the Impact of Poverty on Criminal Behaviour among Youths

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background of Study

Poverty remains one of the most pressing socio-economic challenges affecting global development, with developing countries like Nigeria bearing a significant portion of its consequences. According to the World Bank (2022), poverty is not merely the absence of income, but a multidimensional phenomenon that includes lack of access to basic needs such as food, healthcare, education, and shelter. In Nigeria, poverty is deeply entrenched and widespread, affecting the lives and choices of millions of individuals, especially youths who are at a critical stage of identity formation and socio-economic development (World Bank, 2022).

The youth demographic in Nigeria is significantly large, accounting for over 60% of the country's population. However, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (2020), over 40% of Nigerians live below the national poverty line, with unemployment and underemployment rates among youths reaching alarming levels.  Aghedo and Eke (2013) asserted that poverty has a strong link to criminal activities, particularly among youths, who may see crime as a pathway to economic empowerment or social relevance. Similarly, Obioha (2014) reported that poor socio-economic conditions, including unemployment and low educational attainment, are key drivers of youth involvement in crimes such as theft, robbery, cybercrime, cultism, and drug trafficking.

UNDP (2021) stated that inequality in wealth distribution and limited access to social infrastructure are contributing to the rise in youth criminality in urban and peri-urban areas. The agency affirmed that without adequate social safety nets and inclusive development strategies, many vulnerable youths are likely to continue engaging in deviant activities. In addition, Adebayo (2013) contended that while not all poor youths engage in crime, poverty increases exposure to criminogenic environments and weakens moral resistance, particularly when compounded by peer pressure, family dysfunction, and inadequate law enforcement (Adebayo, 2013). The connection between poverty and youth criminal behaviour is not merely theoretical but has manifested in practical realities, as seen in the increasing rate of youth involvement in armed robbery, internet fraud, kidnapping, and political thuggery in Nigeria. Although successive governments have introduced poverty alleviation programs and youth empowerment initiatives, the outcomes have been inconsistent due to poor implementation, corruption, and policy discontinuity.

Poverty is commonly defined as the condition in which individuals or groups lack the financial resources and essentials for a minimum standard of living. According to the World Bank (2022), poverty is the pronounced deprivation in well-being, encompassing not only low income but also lack of access to education, healthcare, clean water, and adequate shelter. In Nigeria, poverty is a persistent problem that affects millions, particularly the youth population, who are often at a critical stage of personal and socio-economic development (World Bank, 2022). Youths are considered the backbone of any nation, possessing the energy, creativity, and potential to drive development and social transformation. However, when they are subjected to harsh economic realities such as unemployment, lack of access to quality education, and limited social mobility, their potential is stifled. In many cases, these unfavorable conditions push them toward negative coping mechanisms, including involvement in criminal activities. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS, 2020) reported that over 40% of Nigeria's population lives below the poverty line, with youth constituting a significant portion of this demographic. This study is set against the backdrop of these socio-economic realities and seeks to explore the impact of poverty on criminal behaviour among youths in Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of Problems

Investigation revealed that the absence of viable economic alternatives for youths in impoverished communities is influencing their behavioural choices. Young individuals without access to legitimate income sources or vocational opportunities are more vulnerable to recruitment into criminal networks. This is particularly evident in urban slums and rural communities where poverty is most severe. The social structures that should provide support, such as family, and education, are often weakened or nonexistent in such settings, further exacerbating the issue (Ajah & Ugwuoke, 2018).

Furthermore, existing studies often focus broadly on crime or poverty without drawing a clear link between the two in relation to youth behaviour. There is limited empirical data that explores how poverty specifically shapes the mindset, decisions, and actions of young people who engage in criminal acts. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to assess the impact of poverty on criminal behaviour among youths.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study is to examine the extent to which poverty contributes to criminal behaviour among youths, identify the socio-economic factors that influence such behaviours, and provide practical recommendations for reducing youth crime through effective poverty reduction strategies.

1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of this study is to assess the impact of poverty on criminal behaviour among youths in Nigeria. The specific objectives of this study are:

1. To investigate the relationship between poverty and youth involvement in crime.
2. To examine the socio-economic conditions that influence criminal behaviour among youths.
3. To identify the types of crimes commonly committed by impoverished youths.
4. To evaluate the effectiveness of poverty alleviation programs in curbing youth crime.
5. To recommend strategies for preventing youth crime through poverty reduction initiatives.

1.5 Research Questions

Based on the objectives above, the following research questions will guide the study:

• What is the relationship between poverty and youth involvement in crime?
• What socio-economic factors influence criminal behaviour among youths?
• What are the common types of crimes committed by impoverished youths?
• How effective are existing poverty alleviation programs in reducing youth crime?
• What strategies can be employed to prevent youth crime through poverty reduction?

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.

Hypothesis One

• H0: There is no significant relationship between poverty and youth involvement in crime
• H1: There is a significant relationship between poverty and youth involvement in crime

Hypothesis Two

• H0: Youths from impoverished backgrounds are not to commit crimes than their more affluent peers
• H1: Youths from impoverished backgrounds are more likely to commit crimes than their more affluent peers

Hypothesis Three

• H0: Poverty alleviation programs do not significantly reduce youth criminal behaviour
• H1: Poverty alleviation programs significantly reduce youth criminal behaviour

1.7 Significance of Study

The outcome of this research will assist policymakers in identifying the root causes of youth criminality beyond surface-level enforcement approaches. In addition, educational institutions and researchers will find the study valuable as a reference for further academic inquiry into the socio-economic dimensions of crime.

Furthermore, the study will serve as a call to action for all stakeholders involved in youth development and national security. It will also stimulate more data-driven research and support curriculum development in criminology, sociology, and youth development programs.

Lastly, the study will add to existing literature, bridge knowledge gaps, and serve as a useful reference for future academic and policy-oriented studies. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will also find the study useful for designing community-based interventions targeting at-risk youths.

1.8 Scope of Study

The scope of this study is limited to Lagos State, Nigeria, with a particular focus on youth between the ages of 15 and 35 residing in low-income urban and suburban communities. The study will explore the socio-economic conditions influencing their involvement in criminal behaviour and the role of poverty in shaping their decisions.

1.9 Limitations of the Study

A study of this nature is bound to experience certain problems as such the constraints imposed on the research include:

1. Time Constraints: A study of this nature needs relatively long time during which information for accurate or at least near accurate inference could be drawn. The period of the study was short, time posed as constraints to the research.
2. Financial Constraints: The research would have extended the survey to other area at the empirical level, but limitation as included cost of transportation to the source of material and the cost of time setting of the already completed work.
3. Lack of Cooperation: Many of the respondents are usually aggressive on issue that border cooperation among the respondents border.
4. Response Bias: The study will involve surveys and interviews with cooperative managers and members. Response bias may occur if respondents provide socially desirable answers or if there is reluctance to disclose negative financial information due to privacy concerns or fear of repercussions.

1.10 Definition of Terms

Poverty: A condition characterized by severe deprivation of basic human needs, including food, shelter, healthcare, and education. According to the World Bank (2022), poverty encompasses both income deprivation and lack of access to essential services.

Criminal Behaviour: Any act that violates the law and is punishable by the state. It includes a wide range of activities such as theft, assault, fraud, and drug trafficking (Siegel, 2015).

Youths: Individuals within the age range of 15 to 35 years, often considered to be in transition from childhood to adulthood. This group is especially vulnerable to socio-economic challenges (NBS, 2020).

Socio-Economic Factors: The social and economic conditions that influence an individual's behaviour and opportunities in life, such as education, employment, income, and family background (UNDP, 2021).

Poverty Alleviation: Governmental or organizational efforts to reduce the level of poverty in a population, often through programs such as job creation, education access, and skill acquisition (Adebayo, 2013).