SOCIAL INEQUALITY AND SOCIAL VICES AMONG YOUTHS IN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated social inequality and social vices among youths in Cross River State, Nigeria. Three theories were adopted to guide the study. To achieve the purpose of this study, a specific objective, research question and null hypothesis was formulated. The review of related literature was carried out accordingly in line with the specific objectives raised. Expost Facto research design was adopted for the study. The area of the study is Cross River State. The target population was all household members aged 18-35 years. Multiple sampling techniques were adopted in selecting the local government, wards and four hundred (400) respondents used for the study. A thirty five item modified four point Likert scale questionnaire titled “Social Inequality and Social Vices Questionnaire” (SISVQ) was the instrument used for gathering data for the study. To test the hypothesis formulated for the study, multiple regression statistical tool was used as statistical tool for data analysis. The result revealed that there is a joint significant prediction of education inequality, employment inequality, income inequality, class inequality, political inequality on social vices among youths in Cross River State. Based on the findings of this study the researchers concluded that there is a significant relationship between social inequality and social vices among youths in the study area. Based on the findings it was recommended among others that the government and all stake holders should ensure that vital resources are distributed equally to every zone of the state without bias.