Social Studies Js 1
Social Studies Js 1
Social Studies Js 1
Social and health issues refer to a wide range of problems that affect individuals, communities and
societies as a whole. These issues can have a significant impact on the wellbeing of individuals as well as
of the communities.
They are negative occurrences among the youth, students, in our workplaces and religious people
They are general problem that affects the whole society. The government and the society as a whole ought
to find solutions to such (social) problem.
Some common social problems.
1. Juvenile crimes.
2. Kidnapping.
3. Poverty.
4. Cultism.
5. Examination malpractice.
6. Corruption.
7. Drug abuse and drug dependence.
8. Infectious diseases. HIV/AID
9. Divorce.
JUVENILE CRIMES
Juvenile crime refers to criminal offences committed by individuals who are under the age of 18. They are
those bad behaviours by children before the age of 18 years. These offences can range from minor
infractions such as truancy or curfew violations to more serious crimes such as theft, assault,
shoplifting(that is stealing from shops and supermarket), underage purchase and consumption of alcohol,
fighting in public place, drawing on public walls, vandalism(that is deliberate damage or destruction of any
property), or even homicide.
Causes.
1. Lack of adequate parental care/ supervision: when parents have little or no time to take care of
their children it can lead to juveniles having more opportunities to engage in criminal activities.
2. Negative peer influence: juveniles may feel pressure from their peers to engage in delinquent
behavior(one who disobey or breaks rules)or bad and undesirable behaviours such as stealing or
using drugs.
3. Poverty: juveniles living in poverty may turn to criminal activities as a way to survive or to gain
access to material possessions they otherwise could not afford.
4. Academic difficulties: juveniles who struggle academically may feel disconnected from their peers
and may turn to delinquent bahaviour as a way to gain acceptance or attention.
Effects.
1. Increase in school dropout: when student indulge(that is to give way to a habit or temptation) in
crime, they get distracted from school activities. Student can get suspended or expelled from their
various schools.
2. Family strain: juvenile offenders may strain relationship with their families, who may feel ashamed,
disappointed, or angry about their child’s behavior. Such behaviour most times destroy the image of
their families.
3. Public safety: juvenile crime can also impact public safety, as some juvenile offenders may go on to
commit more serious crimes as adults. This can lead to increased fear and a need for increased law
enforcement and security measures.
4. Legal consequences: juvenile offenders may face legal consequences, such as being placed on
probation, attending counseling, or being sent to a juvenile detention center.
Solution.
1. Parental care: parents and guardians are to monitor the activities of their wards. They are to stop
and punish them as soon as they notice such behaviour in them. This is because the home is the
first agent of socialization of a child.
2. Education and counseling: education and counseling programs that address underlying issues such
as substance abuse, mental health, and family problems can help prevent juvenile crime and reduce
recidivism (committing new offenses after being punished for a crime.
3. Free education: education should be made free so that children from less privileged homes can go
to school, like their counterpart from rich homes.
4. Religious institutions: they should teach children good morals through their sermons and special
programmes for children and youths.
KIDNAPPING
Kidnapping is the crime of taking someone against their will and holding them captive which usually
involves the use of force, threats, deception, or any other means to take someone away from their home,
workplace, or any other location without their consent.
Kidnapping can also be to take someone somewhere illegally by force, often in order to get money for
returning them. Kidnapping is typically done for a ransom, political or ideological reasons, as a form of
revenge, or for sexual purposes.
Kidnapping is a serious crime and can have severe consequences for both the victims and the perpetrator.
Causes.
1. Greed/ransom: people kidnap others for ransom (money request) because they see it as a way of
making easy money. Kidnappers target individuals who they believe can pay a large sum of money
in exchange for their release.
2. Insecurity: most public places and schools are not secure enough. Even the police do not have
sophisticated weapons to curb the menace.
3. Political or ideological reasons: in some cases, terrorist organizations may kidnap individuals to
demand the release of prisoners or to advance their political agendas.
4. Sexual purposes: kidnapping can also be carried out for sexual purposes, such as human trafficking
or forced marriage.
Effect.
1. Psychological trauma: kidnapped victims suffer severe emotional trauma and shock that sometimes
lead to heart diseases, and other illness. Kidnapping can have long lasting effects on the victim,
including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental issues.
Victims may also experience feelings of helplessness, isolation, and loss of control.
2. Physical harm and death: victims may be physically harmed by their kidnappers, including being
subjected to physical violence, sexual assault, or other forms of abuse. They may also be injured
during the kidnapping itself, especially if the kidnappers use force to take them. Many victims who
tried to resist abduction (kidnapping) or whose relatives could not pay the ransom demanded by
the kidnappers are killed.
3. Reduced sense of security and mistrust: kidnapping can also have a lasting impact on the victim’s
sense of security and safety. Victims who were once kidnapped feel more vulnerable and fearful
and may struggle to trust (others) those around them, even their own family members.
4. Unemployment: where kidnapping is rampant, it will lead to the closure of firms and other
organizations in that area.
Solution.
1. Security: government should provide better security in our communities to discourage kidnapping.
2. Reporting questionable characters: people with questionable characters should be reported to the
police. More so, children should be warned not to open the door for strangers or answer them when
they call them.
3. Job creation: job opportunities should be created by the government, private sector and self-
employment should be encouraged to improve the living standards of the citizens.
4. Addressing underlying factors: kidnapping is often driven by underlying social, economic and
political factors, such as poverty, inequality, and political instability. Addressing these underlying
factors can help reduce the incidence of kidnapping. Factors like poverty and inequality, promoting
economic development, and supporting efforts to promote peace and stability.
POVERTY
Poverty is a state of deprivation, lack of resources, or insufficient income to meet basic needs such as food,
shelter, clothing and healthcare.
Poverty can be absolute or relative. Absolute poverty is a condition where people lack the basic necessities
of life, such as food, clean water, shelter, and healthcare. Relative poverty, on the other hand, is a
measure of poverty in relation to the overall wealth of a society or country.
Poverty is a state of lacking socially acceptable amount of money or material possession. Poverty is a state
of being poor.
Causes.
1. Unemployment and underemployment: when people find it difficult to earn good, regular income,
they become a problem or a liability to society. Underemployment (where people work but earn
low) leads to poverty.
2. Laziness: people who are lazy in school to get a good certificate or learn a good trade end up being
poor. Proverb 10:4Laziness leads to poverty; hard work makes you rich.
3. Conflicts and displacement: armed conflict, violence, and forced displacement can lead to poverty
by disrupting people’s lives, destroying homes and infrastructure, and limiting access to education
and employment.
4. Lack of access to education or illiteracy: people who lack education often have fewer job
opportunities and earn lower wages, which can lead to poverty.
Effect.
1. Hunger: people who live in poverty are often malnourished and ill because they cannot afford to
buy food, or even eat balanced meals. Some of them resort to begging people for money to feed
themselves.
2. High rate of crime and violence: the desire for material goods often leads to crime. Poverty
puts a grate pressure on people. They often lack material things that they need or want, and they
feel that the only way possible to get these things is through crime.
3. Poor health outcomes: poverty is strongly associated with poor health outcomes, including
higher rates of chronic diseases, malnutrition, and mental illness. It leads to people dying early as
they are exposed to all kinds of diseases, as a result of poor living conditions. Many live in shanties
or environments that are not conducive for their health. And when they are sick, many cannot
afford to treat themselves in hospitals. They therefore die in their illness.
4. Illiteracy: poor people are unable to afford proper education for their children. A nation saddled
with a lot of illiterate people cannot progress.
Solutions.
1. Education and free training: can provide individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to
access better paying jobs and improve their economic situation. Providing free education can also
aid their opportunities
2. Economic growth and creation of jobs: a growing economy and job opportunities can provide
individuals with a stable income and improve their standard of living. Loans should also be given as
a way of encouraging and assisting those that are interested in starting a small business.
3. Development of agricultural sector: farmers and potential farmers must be encouraged through the
provision of loans, agricultural machines, and other forms of assistance.
4. Access to basic services: access to basic services such as clean water, sanitation, and health care
can help reduce poverty by improving outcomes, reducing healthcare costs and freeing up
resources for other necessities.
CULTISM
Cultism refers to a form of organized group of people that promotes a set of beliefs, values, and practices
that are often secretive, exclusive and sometimes involve illegal activities. Cultism is also referred to as a
secret society, confraternities, or fraternities.
Their activities are only meant for its members. Secret cult meetings and activities are carried out usually in
the dark, most often against the accepted norms and values of the society. They engage in a form of ritual,
usually under oath(swearing) which binds members to a common cause. In some cases, cultism can lead
to violence and criminal activities, making it a serious social issue.
Causes.
1. Peer pressure: young people are often influenced by their peers, it can be a significant factor in the
decision to join a cult group. Some are lured into cultism by their mates living in affluence (that is
having plenty of money, nice houses, expensive things etc) in campus, and who persuade them to
join in other to enjoy same material things they possess.
2. Lack of parental guidance: children who lack proper parental guidance or who come from
dysfunctional families may seek acceptance and guidance from cult groups. Some parents who are
in secret cult and have children in higher institutions, could encourage their children to join any cult
group they so desire.
3. Poverty and unemployment: economic hardship and a lack of job opportunities can lead young
people to join cult groups that provide them with a source of income or protection. Automatic slot
into any department of their choice when seeking admission, promise of security, then a job upon
graduation, are all ways applied to lure students into cultism.
4. Psychological factors: psychological factors such as need for identity, purpose, and belonging can
lead some individuals to join cult groups.
Effect
1. Violence: cultism is often associated with violence, including physical assault, intimidation, and
murder. Members may be forced to participate in violent activities or be subjected to violent
retribution if they try to leave the cult. Cult members are potential murderers because they kill
members of the opposing groups, in revenge attacks and even innocent people who they see as a
threat to their groups.
2. Health consequences: cultism can also lead to health consequences such as drug addiction, sexually
transmitted infections, and mental health disorder. Cultist spread HIV/AIDS when they rape
innocent victims. Also during oath taking and initiation ceremonies.
3. Academic disruption: cultism often disrupts academic activities in schools and universities as a result
of inter-or intra-cult clashes. School authorities are forced to close down schools. It may also lead
to the expulsion of cult members and innocent students.
4. Distortion of societal values: the values of the society have been distorted by cult activities because
the values and practices of cult members are directly against the values of the society. For instance,
the society is against murder, violence, immorality, drug abuse and crime. These, on the contrary
are negative societal values promoted by cult members.
Solutions.
1. Education and awareness: education young people about the dangers of cultism and the negative
consequences of joining cults can help prevent them from being lured into cult. Schools, community
centers, and religious organizations can organize seminars and workshops to sensitize young people
about the dangers of cultism.
2. Counseling and psychological support: providing counseling and psychological support to young
people who may be vulnerable to cultism can help them build their self-esteem and resilience, and
empower them to make positive choices.
3. Good upbringing of children: parents and guidance should be encouraged to play a more active role
in the lives of their children, they should instill in them the fear of God and acceptable standard of
living, they should constantly monitor the behavior of their children even while they are in school,
providing guidance and support to help them resist the temptation to join cults.
4. Reporting cult members to authority: innocent students being terrorized to join cults should report
such cultist to the appropriate authority.
EXAMINATION MALPRACTICE
Examination malpractice refers to any dishonest or fraudulent behavior exhibited by individuals
during an examination or test, with the aim of achieving a better result than they would have obtained
through fair means. This can include activities such as cheating, plagiarism, copying from another
person’s work, or using unauthorized materials during the exam.
Can also be defined, as the form or means students, their sponsor and teachers employ to make
students to get examination results which they do not merit. It can take place in various ways, before
exam, during exam and after exam.
Causes.
1. Lack of adequate preparation by student: some students find it difficult to commit themselves
to proper reading in preparation for exam and may feel overwhelmed or anxious and may turn to
malpractice as a way to compensate for their lack of knowledge.
2. Lack of trained and disciplined teachers: many unemployed people take up teaching job which
they have no zeal or training for. This indirectly affect the students as they are ill-prepared for
examinations. They see cheating as the only way to pass.
3. Pressure to perform/desire for academic success: many student may feel pressure to
perform well on exams, either from their parents, teachers or peers. In some cases some students
may feel that their academic success is the most important thing in their lives and may be willing to
do whatever it takes to achieve it, including cheating on exams.
4. Lack of confidence: some students cheat in an examination because they lack confidence in their
ability to pass such subject on their own.
Effect.
1. Delay of scores: this happens when the whole result of a school is withheld because some students
where caught cheating during an examination.
2. Disgrace: students caught cheating during examinations end up bringing shame to themselves and
to their family by denting their image, and wasting their hard earned money.
3. Legal and ethical consequences: students who engage in examination malpractice may face legal
and ethical consequences, including expulsion, suspension, and criminal charges. This can have
long lasting effect on their academic and professional careers.
4. Inefficiency in workplace: many who end up getting jobs do not perform well on the job, and many
end up with queries from their superiors, while others are dismissed from service.
Solution.
1. Strict enforcement of rules and regulations: educational institution should enforce strict rules and
regulations to prevent examination malpractice. This may include random searches, electronic
devices bans, and proctoring (proctor; a person who supervises students as they take an
examination) during examination.
2. Employment of competent teachers: there is need to employ competent teachers, and also send the
existing ones on training workshops relevant to their fields. By this they will have the tactics to
impact knowledge to the students and to examine them correctly.
3. Use of technology: the use of technology such as biometric identification, artificial intelligence, and
secure examination software can help prevent examination malpractice. This can help institutions
detect and prevent cheating during examinations.
4. Reading habits: students should attend classes regularly, develop good reading habits, and be fully
prepared for all examinations.
5. Supervision of examination: examination halls for students must be spacious in order to curb
cheating. Moreover, responsible individuals should be appointed for supervision of exams.
Corruption.
Corruption can be defined as the misuse of office or position for a private gain or to benefit a group
to which on is affiliated or to give unfair advantage to one’s family and friends. It involves both
monetary and non monetary benefits, involves dishonest or illegal behavior, including bribery,
embezzlement, nepotism, money laundering, fraud and other forms of unethical conduct.
Causes.
1. Greed and personal gain: this is the excessive desire for money and goods. People that are greedy
are not satisfied. They would always look for crooked (corrupt) means to get more, thereby
enriching themselves, their families or their associates.
2. Poverty and inequality: when salaries are low, workers may be compelled to use their official
positions to collect bribes as a way of making ends meet.
3. Weak legal and regulatory framework: weak laws and regulations can make it easier for individuals
and institutions to engage in corrupt practices without fear of punishment. Corruption strives where
punishment for offenders is mild or hardly exists. In Nigeria, many of the people who embezzle
public funds are hardly prosecuted, some who are prosecuted still have their cases dragged in court
for many years.
4. Unemployment: unemployment is the reason why so many youths are into internet fraud, where
they swindle innocent victims of their hard earned money.
Effect.
1. Impeding economic development: corruption reduces economic growth by diverting resources away
from productive uses and toward corrupt practices. It also makes it more difficult for businesses to
operate fairly and efficiently, creating an uneven playing field.
2. Exacerbating poverty and inequality: corruption can deepen poverty and inequality by diverting
resources away from those who need them the most. This can lead to a cycle of poverty, where the
poor become more vulnerable to corruption.
3. Undermining the rule of law: corruption weaken the rule of law by creating culture of impunity and
undermining the credibility of legal and judicial system.
4. People now regard it as a way of life. This is why a community can give a chieftaincy title to a
convicted criminal.
5. It results to the influx of substandard goods into the country.
6. It leads to waste of talents and initiatives as youths are more involved in criminal activities to make
money.
Solution.
1. Strengthening legal and regulatory laws: strong laws and regulations can help prevent corruption by
creating clear standard of behavior and imposing penalties for violations. It is also important that
this laws are enforced fairly and effectively.
2. Employment creation: government and private sectors should create employment for the masses.
Also, money should be given to individuals who are interested in starting a small business.
3. Education: the government should ensure that only educated people with integrity are elected or
selected into political posts. More so, the masses have to be educated on their rights and
responsibilities as citizens of Nigeria.
4. Promoting international cooperation: international cooperation can help prevent corruption by
sharing best practices, providing technical assistance and supporting the recovery of stolen assets.