1.1 Introduction
Unemployment is a social as well as economic issue which every nation deals with regularly but differently. In fact, the classical economists averred that there can never be a situation of total employment in any economy (Ogunyomi & Oginni, 2013). Youth unemployment is a pressing global issue with far-reaching consequences. In many societies, the inability of young people to secure meaningful employment has been linked to an increase in crime rates. This connection is often rooted in the frustration and disillusionment experienced by unemployed youth, who may turn to illegal activities as a means of survival or as an outlet for their frustrations.
However, situation in Nigeria has assumed an unimaginable proportion. Statistics shows that almost 75% of those who are able and willing to work, cannot find gainful employment especially among the graduates/ school leavers. The situation has become very bad and appears to have defied any remedy. Furthermore, structural unemployment is the type of unemployment occurs when there is a change in the structure of an industry or the economic activities of the country.
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
Youth unemployment has become a critical issue in many countries around the world, posing significant challenges to economic stability and social harmony. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), global youth unemployment rates have remained stubbornly high, with young people being three times more likely to be unemployed than adults (ILO, 2020). This persistent issue has far-reaching implications, including its potential link to increasing crime rates among the youth.
Crime is one major problem, and a burning issue in which every society particularly a developing one is faced with. Nigeria as a developing country faces her own share of social, political, economic and cultural problems at different regions which have in no small measure affected the well-being of the populace. One major cause universally agreed is the rising or increasing nature of unemployment.
It is commonly observed for most countries that unemployment and crime rates are positively correlated, but it is much more unclear whether the relationship means that unemployment causes crime, crime causes unemployment, or other factors cause either or both. In other words, the sign of the correlation is clear but the direction of the causality is not. One direction of the causality, unemployment affects crime, has received wide attention in the literature, but the reverse one has been largely neglected (Calro - Armengo and Yves Zenous, 2003).
The problem of youth unemployment and rural crime has over the years become an Area of interest and great concern to most nations of the world. It is the intention of this nations to completely eliminate or at least minimize youth unemployment and rural crime in their various nations. The menace of youth unemployment in Nigeria could be said to a recent occurrence because in the pre-colonial days great value and dignity was attached to labour as a means of acquiring wealth but now the end justifies the means. Even if unemployment existed it was not the intractable problem it is today.
According to Balogun (2010:82), he opined that of Nigerian’s 150 million population 40 million are unemployed. As 45% of the population is between the ages of 15 to 40 years this means unemployment mainly affect the youth. The Nigeria ruling class is incapable of solving this problem, only the working class can take on the task of eradicating youth unemployment and rural crime.
Balogun (2010) argued that it is estimated that over 3 trillion naira has been spent since 2003 just to combat youth unemployment and rural crime. The question is where has this money gone and why does the menace still persist to solve the problem, the government buy a few thousand pepper grinding machines or five thousand bikes and distributes these to hungry youths numbering millions. These methods gives rise to massive corruption and provide room for political patronage. With the extent of human and national resources Nigeria possesses, she ought not to know any poverty, let alone this extent of youth unemployment and rural crime.
Moreover, the social impacts of youth unemployment extend beyond the immediate rise in crime rates. Unemployed youth are more likely to experience social exclusion, mental health issues, and reduced life satisfaction (Hammarström & Janlert, 2002). These factors contribute to a cycle of disadvantage, where prolonged unemployment leads to further disenfranchisement and an increased likelihood of engaging in criminal activities.
Policymakers and researchers emphasize the need for comprehensive strategies to combat youth unemployment and its associated social problems. Effective interventions may include targeted job creation programs, vocational training, and educational initiatives aimed at improving the employability of young people.
Therefore, in Nigeria the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Impact of Youth Unemployment on the Upsurge in Crime.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that Global youth unemployment rates remain significantly high, with young people being disproportionately affected compared to other age groups. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the youth unemployment rate is nearly three times higher than that of adults (ILO, 2020). This disparity not only limits the economic potential of young individuals but also poses broader societal risks.
Additionally, numerous studies have indicated a correlation between high youth unemployment and rising crime rates. Furthermore, unemployed youth are often marginalized and excluded from mainstream economic and social activities. This exclusion can lead to a sense of disenfranchisement and hopelessness, which may push young individuals towards criminal activities as an alternative means of achieving financial stability and social recognition (Hammarström & Janlert, 2002). Hence, it is against this backdrop that this study aims to examine the Impact of Youth Unemployment on the Upsurge in Crime.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to examine the Impact of Youth Unemployment on the Upsurge in Crime using Rural and Urban Areas of Nigeria as a case study. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To evaluate the broader socio-economic consequences of high youth unemployment in the area under study;
- To analyze the trends and patterns linking youth unemployment rates with various types of crime;
- To assess the effectiveness of these interventions in different contexts and identify best practices; and
- To propose evidence-based policy recommendations to address the root causes of youth unemployment and its link to crime.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Are there trends and patterns linking youth unemployment rates with various types of crime?
- What are the broader socio-economic consequences of high youth unemployment in the area under study?
- What is the effectiveness of these interventions in different contexts and identify best practices?
- What are the broader socio-economic consequences of high youth unemployment in the area under study?
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.
- H01: There is a negative correlation between youth unemployment rates and overall crime rates.
- H02: The relationship between youth unemployment and crime rates is not influenced by the duration of unemployment.
- H03: Higher youth unemployment rates are not associated with an increase in property crimes.
- H04: The impact of youth unemployment on crime rates is not moderated by socio-economic factors such as education level, family income, and community resources.
1.7 Significance of Study
The findings of this research will be used to develop and implement evidence-based interventions that are tailored to the specific needs of different communities. By understanding the local context and the specific factors that contribute to youth unemployment and crime, interventions can be more effective and sustainable.
Furthermore, the study adds to the academic literature by providing updated empirical data and analysis on the relationship between youth unemployment and crime. It also identifies gaps in existing research and suggests areas for future investigation, thereby advancing scholarly discourse on this critical issue.
Finally, the findings of this research study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Impact of Youth Unemployment on the Upsurge in Crime using Rural and Urban Areas of Nigeria as a case study.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- 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.
- Research Material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope 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).
1.10 Definition of Terms
Crime: Crime is any unlawful act punishable by a state or other authority. The act is considered a criminal offence when it is not only harmful to the individuals but to the society or community such as rape, robbery, murder, theft, vandalism, kidnapping etc. Criminal offences are defined by criminal law of every country.
Youth Unemployment:
It refers to the situation where individuals typically aged between 15 and 24 years, who are willing and able to work, are unable to find employment. This group is considered unemployed if they are actively seeking work but are not currently engaged in any paid employment (International Labour Organization, 2020).
Property Crimes:
They are offenses that involve the theft of property or certain forms of damage against the property of another without the use of force against the victim.
Unemployment:
This is a situation in which those willing and able to work do not find any, at the prevailing wage rate.
Criminal Activities:
Criminal activities are referred to as those activities that violate the law of the society and are punishable under the law.
