Background of the study
Social institutions, encompassing family structures, peer groups, and community organizations, profoundly influence the behaviors and choices of minors. In Ikorodu Local Government Area, Lagos State, street hawking among minors has become a prevalent phenomenon linked to socio-economic pressures and cultural dynamics (Ajibade, 2023). Family economic hardship, limited access to education, and community normalization of child labor contribute to this issue. Social institutions, both formal and informal, play dual roles by either encouraging street hawking as a means of survival or attempting to curtail it through educational and social support initiatives (Balogun, 2024). The role of these institutions has been subject to scholarly inquiry, with studies highlighting how cultural expectations and economic necessities shape the decision-making process of minors (Ogunyemi, 2025). However, the complex interplay of social, economic, and cultural factors remains under-explored in Ikorodu. This study seeks to examine how various social institutions influence street hawking among minors, considering both enabling and restraining factors, and aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the phenomenon within a rapidly urbanizing context.
Statement of the problem
Street hawking among minors in Ikorodu poses significant challenges, raising concerns about child welfare and long-term socio-economic impacts. Although social institutions such as family and community networks are intended to guide behavior, in many cases, they inadvertently contribute to the normalization of child labor (Ibrahim, 2024). Economic pressures and cultural expectations often force minors into street hawking, thereby impeding their educational and social development. The problem is compounded by inadequate regulatory frameworks and a lack of coordinated interventions among social institutions, which results in persistent vulnerability and exploitation of minors. This issue necessitates an in-depth analysis of the social dynamics that perpetuate street hawking and the formulation of strategies to protect minors while addressing underlying economic challenges (Eze, 2023).
Objectives of the study:
To examine the influence of social institutions on street hawking among minors.
To identify factors that encourage or discourage child participation in street hawking.
To recommend strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of street hawking on minors.
Research questions:
How do social institutions influence minors’ involvement in street hawking?
What factors within these institutions contribute to the normalization of child labor?
How can interventions be designed to protect minors from exploitation?
Research Hypotheses:
Social institutions significantly influence minors’ participation in street hawking.
Economic pressures within families increase the likelihood of minors engaging in hawking.
Community-based interventions reduce the prevalence of child street hawking.
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it provides an in-depth understanding of how social institutions shape the phenomenon of street hawking among minors. The insights gained will inform policymakers, community leaders, and child welfare advocates in designing interventions that protect minors while addressing socio-economic vulnerabilities. The research will contribute to the literature on child labor and urban poverty, offering evidence-based recommendations for effective social policies (Olusegun, 2024).
Scope and limitations of the study:
This study is limited to the examination of social institutions and their influence on street hawking among minors in Ikorodu Local Government Area, focusing solely on current practices and socio-cultural challenges.
Definitions of terms:
Social institutions: Established systems and structures within society, including family, community, and educational organizations.
Street hawking: The act of selling goods on the streets, often by minors.
Child labor: Employment of children in work that interferes with their education and development.
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