INFLUENCE OF FAMILY ENVIRONMENT ON CRIME AMONG NIGERIAN INMATES OF CORRECTIONAL CENTRES IN ANAMBRA AND FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY (FCT)
Abstract
The Nigerian family environment and Correctional Centres are witnessing an enormous increase of people going into crime despite adverse consequences. The present study examined the influence of demographic characteristics and family environment on crime among Nigerian inmates of Anambra and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Correctional Centres. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design and also a purposive sampling technique to choose participants for the study. The entire population of inmates from 4 correctional centres was 2,971. Using an online sample size calculator, the calculated sample size was 333. This number was further proportionately distributed but 170 questionnaires that were adequately filled and returned were analysed. One hypothesis was tested. The result of the hypothesis indicated that components of family environment inversely related with crime; interpersonal relationship(r= -0.259, P < 0.01); system maintenance (r= -0.204, P < 0.01)and personal growth(r= -0.294, P< 0.01). The study concluded among others that family environment independently correlate with crime. The study recommended that government’s consideration to establish family environment management agency in the ministry of humanitarian and social development that would provide functional family services for training, retraining and capacity building for parents or caregivers on interpersonal relations, system maintenance and children’s personal growth and development.
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