Social Values and Prostitution in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

In every society, there are certain cultural values and value systems that guide every aspect of human behaviour. In Nigeria, our value system is in the process of decaying. This may be attributed to alien values of colonialism, imperialism and neo-colonialism. Prostitution which is regarded as a crime against morality, societal standard of right conduct and decency may be traced to western influence and decline in social values. This paper investigated the impact of declining social values on prostitution among females in Awka South LGA in Anambra State. The study adopted strain theory as its theoretical framework. The target population for the study comprises people who are 18 years and above. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted in selecting 200 respondents for the study. Quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection were used in this study. In view of this, questionnaire and in-depth interviews were the instruments of data collection used in the study. The findings indicate that decline in social values, poverty, and unemployment are major factors influencing prostitution. Therefore, the study recommends that all agents of socialization should ensure that our social values are maintained by inculcating these values in our youth. Also, efforts should be made to alleviate poverty and unemployment in our society which also tend to drive prostitution.