@article{CRSIJ26000100,
                  author = {Bankole Moruf Adebisi},
                  title = {The Interaction of Poverty, Unemployment, and Weak Social Control as Factors in Juvenile Delinquency among Youths in Ado-Odo, Nigeria},
                  journal = {Cosmo Research and Science International Journal},
                  year = {2025},
                  volume = {1},
                  number = {5},
                  pages = {166-182},
                  issn = {3108-1584},
                  url = {https://cosmorsij.com/published/CRSIJ26000100.pdf},
                  abstract = {Juvenile delinquency in semi-rural Nigerian communities, such as Ado-Odo, Ogun State, is influenced by a complex interplay of poverty, unemployment, and weak social control. This study investigated how these factors interact to shape youths’ engagement in delinquent behaviours, including truancy, petty theft, vandalism, gang involvement, and substance use. A mixed-methods approach was employed, collecting data from 325 youths aged 12–24 through structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. Findings revealed that multidimensional poverty was pervasive, with 52% of respondents experiencing household financial instability and 47% facing inadequate food availability. Unemployment and economic marginalization affected 54% of youths, while 62% reported low parental supervision and limited school engagement. Correlation and regression analyses indicated that poverty (β = 0.35, p < 0.001), unemployment (β = 0.29, p < 0.01), and weak social control (β = 0.31, p < 0.001) significantly predicted juvenile delinquency, collectively explaining 52% of the variance. Qualitative insights highlighted that economic deprivation, lack of employment, and insufficient family or community oversight pushed youths toward deviant peer networks and survival-driven misconduct. Using an integrated framework of Social Disorganization, Strain, and Social Control theories, the study underscores that juvenile delinquency emerges from the synergistic effect of structural and relational vulnerabilities. Effective interventions must therefore address both economic hardship and the strengthening of social institutions to reduce youth delinquency in Ado-Odo.},
                  keywords = {Juvenile, delinquency, Poverty, Youth unemployment, Weak social control},
                  month = {March}
        }