CAUSES AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF PROSTITUTION IN F.C.T.
ABSTRACT
This study deals with the problem of prostitution in FCT Abuja, Nigeria. The main objective of the study is to identify the socio economic factors and condition that are associated with the profession. It is an attempt to study socio economic background, pattern of establishment, social organization and modes of operation of the prostitutes with a view to suggesting effective ways of reducing prostitution. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study. A total of 150 prostitutes form the sample of the study. Multi-stage sampling technique involving cluster and simple random sampling methods were used to select the respondents. The major instrument for data collection was the interview. Descriptive statistics such as frequency tables and percentages were used in analyzing the data collected. The findings revealed that the driving force behind prostitution is economic gain. Prostitutes are found to have pathological problems at their backgrounds and the social relations amongst them are based on primordial pattern. Prostitution has both the positive and negative effects. Considering the fact that all attempts at legislation throughout history have not succeeded in eradicating prostitution, this paper calls for urgent steps toward the reduction of prostitution in the country. Such steps include the provision of job opportunities, public enlightenment, reformation and rehabilitation programmes, provision of facilities for recreation, sports and cultural activities, formal education of the illiterate and unskilled prostitutes and the introduction of sex education in the curriculum of secondary schools and tertiary institutions.