Correcting Moral Decadence Through Theatre for Development
CHAPTER ONE
Objectives of the Study
This research aims at examining the role of TFD in curbing immoral acts prevalent among the youths in Lagos State. Specifically, the study seeks to achieve its aims through the following objectives which are to:
- Critically examine the various perceived causes of moral decadence among the youths in Lagos State.
- Determine the negative influence of immorality on the lives and development of the youths especially in Lagos State.
- Critically examine and analyze some of the programmes and activities put in place by TFD in Lagos State to checkmate moral crises among the youths.
- Critically examine the impact of Theatre for developmenton the lives of the young ones.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Introduction
This study seeks to investigate the role of theatre for development in curbing moral decadence among the youths in Nigeria. This chapter deals with review of related literature on the following sub-headings: Concept of youths, Morality as a concept, Moral decadence among Nigerian youths, causes of moral decadence among Nigerian youths, influence of moral decadence on the lives and development of Nigerian youths, moral behaviour, Moral Models of Development, Moral Judgement and behaviour.
Concept of Youths
The United Nations (1985) puts the age of the youths between fifteen and twenty four years. Here in Nigeria, the National Youths Service Scheme applies to graduates of thirty years and below. According to Balogun (1999) in Ogunsanju (1999), the concept of youth is perceived by age brackets which differ from country to country and from one culture to another. According to Marshall (1978), the term youth refers to young adults who are no longer adolescents but are yet recognized as adults in the full sense of the term. This research views youthful age as a period when an individual takes all the training he/she needs to be able to accept responsibility for himself//herself.
Characteristics of Youths
One of the indisputable features of the society is its dynamism; a feature which increases the demands of the youths who want to be recognized and accepted as grownups but not as babies. It is very common for young people to grow impatient and sometimes display rebellious tendencies because of their consciousness of their own importance in the life of the society as leaders of tomorrow. Realizing that the young person is caught up in conflict with himself/herself and in deep disharmony with his environment, and faced numerous challenges in the effort and the need to attain maturity, Biliyock (2002) pointed out some of the needs of the youth, namely; identity, individuality, integrity, independence and aspirations. Each of these needs is elaborated upon as follows:
Identity: This is a period when the young person demands to know whom he is, he knows that he is no longer a child and he knows that he is not an adult due to changes taking place in him. He wants to know his sexual, vocational, social, moral, religious and personal identification. During this period, the youths tend to reject rules forced on him by the society. This identity role starts first in the family. He wants to prove to the family that he is no longer a child by trying to act like either his father or mother.
Individuality: Young people prefer to be amongst their peer group, they always want to be seen as individuals within the group. If the young person is treated as an individual, he is allowed to make progress in his own way despite his limitations. The young person needs to be accepted as an individual with potentials. This is a sign of proper development which should be encouraged.
Integrity: The young person wants to develop his individual personality, but he also fear being suspected of misbehaviour and being chastised by the adult members of the society; he needs some privacy to organize his life. For young people to develop and grow into good citizens, they need to be properly educated in all aspects of life. Fourth,
Independence: The young person fights for freedom to enable him make his own choices and be responsible for his own actions. He wants to have money of his own and spend it without being asked to give an account. The young person needs the affirmation and cooperation of adults.
Youths Aspiration: Many young ones want to know and see what lies ahead of them. They want to create a world of their own, better than that of their parents. At this stage, they accept themselves as being responsible and ready to face life situation and future responsibility.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction
In this chapter, we would describe how the study was carried out.
Research design
Nworgu (1991) viewed research design in any area of study as a plan or blue print which specifies how data relating to a given problem should be collected and analyzed. It provides the procedural outline for the conduct of any investigation.
An analysis of the social research methodologies suggests that survey is the handy tool for managers to collect primary data using questionnaire and interviews about the perceptions and attitudes of the respondents. “It is noted somewhere that questionnaire approach is the “most frequently used mode of observation in the social sciences because surveys are reportedly the excellent vehicles for measuring attitudes in large populations” (Sekaran, 2003:257).
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Introduction
This chapter presents the analysis and interpretation of the data collected from the questionnaire. The instrument was geared towards finding information on the role of theatre for development in curbing moral decadence among the youths in Lagos State.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
SUMMARY
This study covers the role of Theatre for development in curbing moral decadence among the youths and their implications for a national development. After a brief introduction in chapter one of what morality means especially to the African society, this study further stated the statement of the problem which focused on the alarming rate of immorality among the youths. The study asserted that despite the effort of traditional leaders, religious institutions, governmental and non-governmental organizations to check the issue of moral crises among the youth it is obvious that this syndrome of immorality still persists. In order to achieve the aim of the study, four objectives formulated. Chapter two, which dealt with the review of related literature, examined the concept of youth. The youths were described as the future of any nation due to the vital role they play in the society.
REFERENCES
- Abdullahi, S.A. & Haruna, M. (1991). Poverty and Drug Abuse: A Case Study of Dawan Rehabilitation Centre Kano State. Kano Studies: Special Issue, 23-39.
- Adu – Amonkwah, S. (2000). Conflict in West Africa and Women’s Effort towards Peace Building. In GAP Matters: Peacekeeping and Peace Building. Nairobi: Abantu Publications.
- Agbana, I.E. (2003). Counselling as a Preventive Measure. Conference paper presented at National Annual Conference of CASSON, Held at Ibadan 18th – 22nd August.
- Agubamah, E. (2009). Religion, Politics and National Development. A paper presented at the National Association for the Study of Christian Religion and Education, Faculty of Education Ahmadu Bello University ,Zaria. 26-29 October, 2009.
- Agugbuem, E.O. (1999). ‘Examination Malpractice’. Orbit Educational Journal, 1(1),27.
- Agusuibo, O.N. (1996). ‘Personal Factors Influencing the Occupational Choice of some Selected Undergraduates at the University of Nigerian Unpublished Doctorate Thesis of Wisconsin University U.S.A.
- Akinbote, O. (1988). Teaching and General Methodology: An Introduction. Ibadan: Global Books.
- Akinyele, G.A. (2003). ‘Contemporary Issues’. Paper Presented at the National Annual Conference of Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON) held at Ibadan 18th – 22nd August.
- Aku, S.Y. & Aku, P.S. (2007). Establishing Strong Families. Zaria: Depeaks Publishers.
- Ali, O.O. (2009). Psychology of Adjustment and Career Development for all Educational Levels. Zaria: Ahmadu Bello University Press Limited.
- Aliyu, J.S. & Adeloye, J.A (1991). Examination Cheating among College Students: A case study of advanced Teachers College A.B.U Kano. The Nigerian Teachers, 1 (1), 25.
- Allision, M. (1995). The Weapons of Our Warfare. England: Sovereign World Ltd .
