Juvenile delinquency as a contemporary issue in Nigeria: understanding the impacts of parenting styles, single parenting and marital discord.

Abstract

When addressing juvenile delinquencies in Nigeria, it is important to consider the roles and effects of parenting styles and family structures. Although, there are no universally accepted parenting styles, evidence and studies have pointed to some parenting styles that expose children to delinquent behaviours. We examined different parenting styles comprehensively in this article and how these styles can influence juvenile delinquencies. We also discussed the association between single-parenting and behavioural outcomes; accounting how single-parenting may increase risks of delinquencies. Furthermore, marital discord was discussed and social learning theory by Albert Bandura was adopted to buttress our positions. We concluded that parenting styles have roles in delinquencies and that while children raised by single parents may be vulnerable to delinquencies, the assumption may not always be true. This study posits that government and appropriate agencies should establish a functional child support systems across Nigeria and family institution should be paid more attention to.