A Study of Public Perception on the Causes and Consequences of Prostitution among Single Females in Bauchi State, Nigeria

Prostitution is not a new phenomenon in human history. However, recent decades have witnessed a new trend where some single women engage in commercial sex while residing in their parental homes. This study analysed the emerging trend of prostitution among single Muslim females in Bauchi State, Nigeria. The study adopted Differential Reinforcement Theory, which provided a framework for understanding how social and economic rewards, peer influence, and environmental reinforcement encourage and sustain involvement in commercial sex among single Muslim females. Using a survey research design, the study employed multi-stage cluster, availability, and purposive sampling techniques to collect data from 180 respondents. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews. The findings indicate that prostitution among single Muslim females is driven by interconnected socio-economic and psychosocial factors, including poverty, peer influence, poor socialisation, street hawking, and the desire luxury lifestyle. These factors particularly affect vulnerable groups such as female hawkers, students, school dropouts, and illiterate women, increasing their likelihood of engaging in commercial sex during routine economic and social activities. Consequently, involvement in prostitution exposes them to significant health, social, and physical risks, including sexually transmitted diseases, stigmatization, and violence. The study concludes that the persistence of prostitution among single Muslim females is primarily driven by interconnected socioeconomic and family-related challenges, posing significant public health and social concerns. Therefore, effective responses should focus on strengthening family supervision, improving socioeconomic opportunities, and promoting value-based socialisation to address both the root causes and consequences of the problem.