AN EXAMINATION OF THE PREVALENCE AND CAUSES OF SEXUAL HARRASSMENT AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN NIGERIA
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background Of The Study
The rising prevalence of some social vices in Nigeria's higher institutions has been a source of worry, considering it may be harming the quality of graduates produced. One such issue is sexual harassment, which has garnered scholars' and the media's attention as a pervasive occurrence at Nigerian universities (Gaba, 2010). Sexual harassment is a widespread problem that has entered society's fiber, including university groups and businesses. (Aluede, 2000; Oswalt & Wyatt, 2007; Wilson & Krans, 2014; Taiwo, Omole & Omole, 2014; Long & Hubble, 2018; Taiwo, Omole & Omole, 2014; Long & Hubble, 2018). Sexual harassment among students is therefore not unique to Nigeria or Africa. Sexual harassment's prevalence and causal elements must be studied, and what can be done to lessen students' susceptibility must be researched (Okeke, 2012).
Sexual harassment is described as an uninvited, undesired, and unrecognized sexual approach made by one person to another in order to induce unwanted sexual interactions (Schuffer, 2000). This includes any improper sexual overture, unwanted sexual approaches, sexual favor requests, and persistent behavior that is both subtle and unsubtle (Amadu, 2009; Aditi, Sangeetha, & Binu, 2016). Sexual harassment in schools has also been defined as inappropriate sexual behavior that makes victims feel uneasy, afraid, or helpless and interferes with their academic performance (Magley, 2011).
According to Aluede (2000), sexual harassment between male offenders and female victims is prevalent among university students.
According to the related literature, many instances of sexual harassment go unpunished, leaving victims to cope with the trauma, which often lasts a long time and occasionally manifests as psychiatric illnesses and mental health issues. According to Quaicoe-Duco (2010) and Long and Hubble (2018), sexual harassment has a destabilizing influence on female students' education, since the consequences of sexual harassment are more harmful for female students than for male students (Gaba, 2010). Silva and Hill (2005) highlighted that sexual harassment is more traumatizing for female students, particularly when it includes rape. Unwanted sexual actions that irritate or make other people feel uncomfortable may take the form of verbal, non-verbal, physical, or sexual coercion, which is a kind of sexual harassment at its most severe (Comer, 2013). Thus, the purpose of this research is to determine the incidence and causes of sexual harassment among Nigerian undergraduate students.
1.2 Statement Of The Problem
There have been surveys and observations on gender violence in higher education in the form of sexual harassment for at least three decades (Morley, 2011). Such misconduct has a big impact on the psychological well-being of female students because of their socioeconomic vulnerability and how politically and culturally they are seen.
According to Schuffer (2000), the most prevalent kind of sexual misconduct in Nigerian universities is sexual approaches by male lecturers against female students, reinforcing the uneven power dynamics in which the assailant has a higher and more important position of authority than the victim. There are also instances of sexual harassment directed at female students by male students, which may escalate into rape in severe circumstances when the female student refuses to react to male approaches (Taiwo et al., 2014; Aditi et al., 2016). According to Imonikhe, Idogho, and Aluede (2011), some of the causes of sexual harassment stem from moral deficiency and lust, particularly in cases where some female students engage in sexual harassment by seducing male lecturers or are lured into sexual harassment by their male lecturers in the expectation of receiving undeserved grades on With this context in mind, this study will explore the incidence and causes of sexual harassment among Nigerian undergraduate students.
1.3 Objectives Of The Study
The general aim of this study is to critically examine the prevalence and causes of sexual harassment among undergraduate students in Nigeria. Hence, the study will be channeled to the following specific objectives;
1. Determine prevalence of sexual harassment among Nigerian universities.
2. Identify the factors contributing the level of sexual harassment among undergraduate students.
3. Ascertain whether there is any difference between the effect of sexual harassment on male and female undergraduates.
1.4 Research Question
The study will be guided by the questions below;
1) What is the prevalence of sexual harassment in Nigerian universities?
2) What are the factors contributing the level of sexual harassment among undergraduate students?
3) Is there any difference between the effect of sexual harassment on male and female undergraduates?
1.5 Significance Of The Study
The act of sexual harassment has been a factor rising public concern, hence this study will go a long way in bringing to the awareness of students and the general public on the causes of this unpalatable act, and its repercussion on victims. The study will further quicken the public to fight this irresponsible at all cost.
Additionally, subsequent researchers will use it as literature review. This means that, other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regards to the prevalence and causes of sexual harassment among undergraduate students in Nigeria.
1.6 Scope Of The Study
This study is structured to generally examine the prevalence and causes of sexual harassment among undergraduate students in Nigeria. However, the study will further determine prevalence of sexual harassment among Nigerian universities, identify the factors contributing the level of sexual harassment among undergraduate students, and ascertain whether there is any difference between the effect of sexual harassment on male and female undergraduates. Thus, the respondents for this study will be obtained from selected universities in Awka, Anambra State.
1.7 Limitation Of The Study
In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, and the attitude of the respondents. However, the researcher were able to manage these just to ensure the success of this study.
1.8 Definition Of Terms
Sexuality: This is the way people experience and express themselves sexually.
Harassment: This is an aggressive pressure or intimidation.
Sexual harassment: This is a type of harassment involving the use of explicit or implicit sexual overtones, including the unwelcome and inappropriate promises of rewards in exchange for sexual favors.
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