Family Dynamics and Social Structures as Determinants of Criminal Behavior in Nigeria: A Socio-psychological Perspective

This paper examines how family dynamics and social structural factors contribute to criminal behaviour in Nigeria from a sociopsychological perspective. Drawing on Social Disorganization Theory and secondary data sources, the study explores how family dysfunction, including parental neglect, poor supervision, and family instability, interacts with poverty, unemployment, social inequality, community disorganization, and weak institutions to increase vulnerability to criminal behaviour, particularly among youths. The findings indicate that criminal behaviour is shaped by the combined effects of weakened family structures, socioeconomic deprivation, neighbourhood disorganization, and deviant peer influence. Family dysfunction undermines moral development and social control, while economic hardship and social exclusion create conditions that encourage criminal involvement. The review concludes that crime is a product of interconnected family, psychological, and structural factors rather than individual choice alone, and recommends integrated interventions focused on strengthening families, empowering youths, promoting economic inclusion, enhancing community cohesion, and improving institutional effectiveness to address the root causes of crime in Nigeria.