Theorizing Youth Violence in Socially Disadvantaged Neighborhoods in Nigeria

Abdullahi, Ali Arazeem; Issah, Moshood

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Periodical article

Title:	Theorizing Youth Violence in Socially Disadvantaged Neighborhoods in Nigeria
Authors:	Abdullahi, Ali Arazeem Issah, Moshood
Year:	2016
Periodical:	Perspectives on Global Development and Technology (ISSN 1569-1500)
Volume:	15
Issue:	4
Pages:	363-390
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	youth violence social inequality
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1163/15691497-12341396
Abstract:	Nigerian urban centers, especially the socially disadvantaged neighborhoods (SDNs), like other disadvantaged communities across Africa, are increasingly becoming breeding grounds for youth violence and Armed Non-State Actors (ANSAs). The increasing waves of violence in socially disadvantaged communities in Nigeria and the inability of security apparatus to curtail them, suggests a 'nation' bewildered and a comatose state. This article attempts to dissect the root causes of youth violence in socially disadvantaged urban areas of Nigeria using relevant sociological theories. The paper subjects the current waves of youth violence across ethnic cleavages in Nigeria to a more nuanced and pragmatic analysis in order to dissect and unravel the socio-structural and political factors responsible. The paper argues that the inherent social structural maladies embedded in socially disadvantaged communities appear to have provided an impetus for youth violence and the emergence of ANSAs in Nigeria. These social structural maladies are captured within the context of social disorganization, relative deprivation, and broken windows theories. The assumptions of these theories provide insights into understanding the predisposing and enabling factors to youth violence and the emergence of ANSAs in socially disadvantaged communities in Nigeria and beyond. They also provide fundamental policy and research options to nip the contours of violence in socially disadvantaged environments in Nigeria and beyond in the bud.

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