The Rising Culture of Quick Money: Social Impacts on Youth and Communities in Ondo State

Abstract

This study investigated the rising culture of quick money and its social impacts on youths and communities in Ondo State. Two research questions were raised, and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The target population comprised male and female youths aged 17 to 45 in the Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State. The sample consisted of 120 youths—60 males and 60 females—selected from five communities using multistage, stratified, and simple random sampling techniques. A 25-item questionnaire, tested for reliability, was used as the instrument for data collection and was personally administered to respondents. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), while hypotheses were tested using the chi-square statistic. Findings revealed that factors such as laziness, unemployment, peer group influence, corruption, and parental pressure contribute significantly to the rising culture of quick money. The consequences include loss of life, negative international image, sexual abuse, social isolation, and racism. The study also found no significant differences in the perceptions of male and female youths, as well as between less-educated and highly educated youths regarding the phenomenon. It was recommended, among other things, that a massive campaign and sensitization exercise against the menace be encouraged and actively supported by parents and other stakeholders.