SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS INFLUENCING PROSTITUTION IN AWKA

Abstract

Prostitution is one of the oldest professions in the history of mankind. It cuts across the different nations of the world. This study investigated the socio cultural factors influencing prostitution in Awka south local government area. The consequences of prostitution were also examined and suggestions were offered on how to reduce the functionalist theories were reviews. The anomie theory constituted the theoretical framework for this study. The study adopted the cross sectional survey design. A sample size of 200 respondents was chosen using Yamane’s sample size determination formula. The quantitative and the qualitative methods of data collection were used in the study. The study hypotheses were analyzed using the chi square statistics. It was found in the study that poor family background, peer group pressure, unemployment; lack of sexual education, brain drain and por academic performance are the major causes of prostitution in Awka South LGA. It was also found in the study that prostitution has very serious consequences which among others include public health issues (issues bordering on contraction of sexually transmitted disease), human trafficking and sexual violence (rape). The study then recommended that the government and other stakeholders should award scholarship and bursaries to indigent students as this may discourage them from indulging in prostitution. Parents should endeavour to live together for the proper upbringing of their children. The study further recommended that ll hands should be on desk in order to effectively tackle this social problem by exposing and tracking down the people behind the shameful business of sex work.