Contemporary Social Problems in Nigeria

What are Contemporary Social Problems?

Contemporary Social Problems (also called Contemporary Social Issues) are problems that negatively influence a large number of individuals in our present-day societyThe term society is derived from the Latin word 'socius' meaning friendship or companionship. Society is a community, nation or group of people who share the same traditions, institutions, rules and... More. 

Contemporary Social Problems are issues that exist and are contrary to the acceptable normsA norm is a rule, standard, or pattern for action. Social norm refers to shared standards of acceptable behaviour by a group of people. The norms in any society are based... More and values of our present-day society. They are conditions and behaviours that make life unsafe and uncomfortable for members of the community and affect the development of society.

Examples of Contemporary Social Problems:

Contemporary social problems in Nigeria include:

• Cultism
• Examination malpractice
• Religion and ethnic conflicts
• HIV/AIDS
• Prostitution
• Rape
• Domestic violence
• Drug abuse
• Corruption
• Human trafficking
• Unemployment
• Poverty
• Incest

Cultism: 

This is an act of belonging to an unacceptable group or sect in society. These groups engage in negative activities which bring about loss of lives and properties.

Examination Malpractice: 

These are all fraudulent acts perpetrated in the course of writing examinations in schools; these include impersonation, ‘giraffing’, bringing cheat sheets into the examination hall, etc. This is a problem because it affects educational development.

Religious and Ethnic Conflicts: 

These are fights and conflicts between two or more religious groups and discord among ethnic groups or tribes. It usually leads to loss of lives and properties and affects the development of the entire society, e.g. Boko Haram, Niger-Delta militants, etc.

HIV/AIDS: 

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and the resulting Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are infectious diseases contracted through sexual intercourse, blood transfusion, or the use of sharp objects belonging to an infected person. It is dangerous because it is deadly. The first case of HIV and AIDS in Nigeria was identified in 1985 and reported at an international conference in 1986.

Prostitution: 

This is the act of having sexual intercourse in exchange for money. It is dangerous because both participants can contract sexually transmitted infections or diseases, which can be very dangerous to health.

Rape: 

This is the act of having forceful sexual intercourse without the consent of the victim. It is a nightmare for the victim and almost always affects the victim psychologically.

Domestic Violence: 

This is the act of aggressive behaviour or violence between couples, in a home or family. It is a situation where people physically harm, act aggressively or violate each other. It is a social ill because it affects the individual and other members of the family psychologically and emotionally. Domestic Violence also exists where it is a child or other members of the household (such as relatives or house helps) being harmed.

Drug Abuse: 

This is an act of using drugs outside of the Doctor’s Prescription, e.g. taking an overdose or underdose. Taking illegal drugs is also drug abuse.

Corruption: 

This is any case of dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power. Some examples of corruption include giving and taking bribes, forging papers, embezzlement, etc.

Human Trafficking: 

This involves the act of recruiting, transporting, transferring, harbouring or receiving a person (or persons) through the use of force, coercion or other means, for the purpose of exploitingTo use someone or something unfairly for your own advantage. More (or taking economic advantage of) them. The Victims here are, unfortunately, usually women and children.

Unemployment: 

This is a situation where there is a lack of job opportunities for graduates and youths. Thereby, increasing the risk of such youths engaging in criminal activities in society.

Poverty: 

This is a situation where people are extremely poor and cannot afford to take care of their needs. It involves a lack of basic resources and opportunities, leading to various social problems, including increased crime rates, strained family relationships, etc.

Incest: 

This is an immoral sexual relationship that occurs between family members, such as a parent and child, or brother and sister. It is a contemporary social problem which is regarded as forbidden or taboo, and also illegal, with individuals potentially facing imprisonment if found guilty.

Incestuous relationships can lead to profound negative impacts on individuals, including psychological trauma, mental health problems, and difficulties with social relationships. It can also significantly increase the risk of genetic illnesses in offspring, including blindness, hearing loss, disorders of sex development, and several others.