Socio-Economic Factors and Effects of Prostitution in Nigeria (A Case Study of Wukari, Taraba State)

Authors

Ishaku Rimamtanung Nyiputen (PhD)

Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Science Federal university wukari Taraba State, Nigeria. (Nigeria)

Abdulhadi Haruna Aliyara

Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Science, Taraba State university Jalingo, Nigeria. (Nigeria)

Achinulo Ogochukwu Favour

Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Science Federal university wukari Taraba State, Nigeria. (Nigeria)

Article Information

DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.10100226

Subject Category: economics

Volume/Issue: 10/1 | Page No: 2892-2901

Publication Timeline

Submitted: 2025-12-31

Accepted: 2026-01-05

Published: 2026-01-31

Abstract

This study examines the socio-economic factors influencing prostitution in Wukari local government of Taraba State, Nigeria. Prostitution, often considered a deviant behavior, persists due to various economic, social, and cultural dynamics. The study explores the causes, patterns of establishment, and modes of operation of prostitution within the region, focusing on economic hardship, broken homes, migration, and urbanization as major contributing factors. Using primary data, the research employs statistical analysis to assess the impact of prostitution on the local economy and its social consequences. Findings suggest that poverty, unemployment, and lack of parental guidance significantly contribute to the prevalence of prostitution, while societal attitudes and stigmatization hinder rehabilitation efforts. The study concludes that targeted economic empowerment programs, stricter regulatory frameworks, and enhanced social interventions are crucial for addressing the issue. Key word: socio-Economic factors, prostitution, effects and economic growth

Keywords

economics

Downloads

References

1. Aderinto, S. (2015). When sex threatened the state: Illicit sexuality, nationalism, and politics in colonial Nigeria. University of Illinois Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Agaba, J. (2018). The impact of socio-economic factors on prostitution in urban Nigeria. African Journal of Social Sciences, 12(2), 45-62. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Alobo, E. E., & Ndifon, R. (2014). Addressing the socio-economic factors influencing prostitution in Nigeria. Journal of African Studies, 19(4), 125-138. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Azuonwu, O. (2020). Unemployment and prostitution among young females in Nigeria: A sociological perspective. International Journal of Social Research, 28(1), 55-73. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Clinard, M. B. (2008). Sociology of deviant behavior (14th ed.). Cengage Learning. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Davis, K. (2003). The sociology of prostitution: Economic exchanges and social implications. Sociological Review, 51(3), 89-107. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Ekott, E. (2015). Graduate employability crisis in Nigeria: The root causes and solutions. Nigerian Economic Review, 8(3), 78-96. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Gertler, P., Shah, M., & Bertozzi, S. (2003). Risky business: The market for unprotected commercial sex. Journal of Political Economy, 111(3), 518-550. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Heidensohn, F. (1997). Women and crime: Gender perspectives in criminology. Palgrave Macmillan. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. James, R. (2007). Prostitution and economic hardship: A case study of Nigerian urban centers. Journal of Contemporary Social Issues, 14(2), 134-148. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Komara, J. (2000). The poverty-prostitution nexus: A review of economic conditions and sex work in Nigeria. African Economic Studies, 10(1), 25-42. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Lamptey, P. (2000). Socio-economic determinants of prostitution in sub-Saharan Africa. Journal of Public Health, 18(1), 67-81. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Marshall, C. (2008). Deviance and prostitution: A sociological approach. International Journal of Crime and Deviance, 22(4), 98-113. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Obinna, C. (2005). Urbanization and the growth of prostitution in Nigerian cities. Nigerian Journal of Urban Studies, 15(2), 201-219. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Overs, C. (2002). Sex work and migration in West Africa: Understanding economic survival strategies. Institute of Development Studies. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Rao, V., Gupta, I., Lokshin, M., & Jana, S. (2003). Sex workers and the cost of safe sex: The compensating differential for condom use among prostitutes in Calcutta. Journal of Development Economics, 71(2), 585-603. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Rosenblum, K. (2003). Sexuality and power: Gender inequality and commercial sex work. Sage Publications. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Samir, K. (1999). The influence of urbanization on prostitution in African cities. Journal of African Urban Studies, 13(1), 78-92. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Sullivan, T. (2010). Social backgrounds of prostitutes: A case study of deviant behavior. Journal of Social Deviance, 29(3), 67-85. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Terfa, J. (2001). Child prostitution in Nigeria: Causes and consequences. African Journal of Child Development, 16(4), 115-129. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

Metrics

Views & Downloads

Similar Articles