This study addresses the role of gender in the leadership of the family. The study generally sought to ascertain the influence of family heads on the behaviour outcomes of youths in selected tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A representative sample size of 396 was derived using the Taro Yamane Formula. A two-stage sampling technique was employed to select the 396 students within the study area. A structured questionnaire was employed to obtain information from the respondents. Data was analyzed by employing descriptive statistics, and the student’s z-test. Upon analysis, it was found that 96% of the respondents had less than 70,000 (minimum wage) as their monthly allowance. It was discovered that youths’ behaviour outcomes can be both positive and negative (pro social and antisocial). Gender had a strong association with both prosocial behavior (x2 =2.877, p < 0.10) and antisocial behavior (x2 =1.740, p < 0.10), as revealed by the Chi-square analysis results. According to the z-test scores of students, there is a significant difference in their antisocial behavior based on the gender of their household heads. The study recommended the provision of targeted measures to assist both male- and female-led households to promote healthy behavioral development of their children.
Written By
Victoria Nkan, Ph.D
Department of Home Economics,
University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
Prof. Uju Nnubia
Department of Home Sciences,
College of Applied Food Sciences and Tourism
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State
Mildred Ekot, Ph.D
Department of Home Economics,
University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
aiteevin@gmail.com
