Sociology

This paper sought to advance alternative health care financing for the attainment of universal health coverage (UHC) in Nigeria considering the widening inequality, dwindling government spending, and non-inclusive health insurance scheme in the country. An adoptive narrative review of existing literature and authors' experiences and observations of health care financing system was used to develop an overview of health care financing system in Nigeria. The results showed that Nigeria has a long way to go in attaining universal health coverage considering her high burden of disease and low health care expenditure, especially in comparison with Africa and similar countries across the globe. The results further showed that out-of-pocket spending dominates health care expenditure in Nigeria, and that the only way to curb heavy reliance on unsustainable and inequitable health care financing is to encourage risk-pooling of resources. This article therefore argues that alternative health care financing through effective community partnership is a necessity to achieving health for all. This understanding could inform health Isaac Akintoyese Oyekola ABOUT THE AUTHOR Isaac A. Oyekola holds B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Sociology and Anthropology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He is an upcoming scholar with keen interest in social change and development studies, sustainable health care financing, public sector careers and informal sector. With background interest in public and informal sectors, he had written a number of journal articles and book chapters. He later extended his academic interest to social support and reliable health care financing few years ago due to his experience in and observation of the Nigerian health care financing system; and his PhD thesis is being written in that academic area. In the process, he had strengthened his social network and has built strong research team in that area among which are the co-authors who are also familiar with the Nigerian health care system. Currently, he is an

In Penal Institutions Social discrimination often poses a stumbling block to reformation and rehabilitation of inmates. Several Studies exist on treatment of inmates, however only few studies have investigated disparate treatment among High-Profile and Low-Profile Inmates of Nigerian correctional services. This study, therefore, investigated discriminatory treatment among High-Profile and Low-Profile inmates in Lagos correctional Command and its implications for reformation and rehabilitation. The research was based on Max Weber's theory of Life chances using descriptive research design .The research used a multistage sampling technique. Lagos Correctional Centres were purposively selected because they were noted for keeping all classes of inmates. Taro Yamane formula was used to randomly select 299 general duty Staff and inmates across three Correctional Centres in Kirikiri and Ikoyi axes. Sixteen (16) Key Informant interviews were conducted for Staff while 51 In-depth interviews were done which included 42 Inmates and nine trained guards with experience in handling all Classes of Inmates. A larger percentage of the High-Profile Inmates were satisfied with the treatment meted out to those in custody while a larger percentage of the Low-Profile Inmates were not satisfied with their treatment The study arrived at the conclusion that discriminatory treatment of Inmates creates difficulty in control of Inmates and hampers the cardinal objective of the Correctional Service which is reformation and rehabilitation of Inmates.

Casualization refers to the systematic replacement of full-time and part-time staff with staff employed on an ad hoc basis. Regular work is not provided but the casual worker is expected to be available when required. Theoretically, casualization leads to the reduction of an organization’s operational costs by increasing the ease with which workers can be included and excluded from the workforce. Therefore, a casual worker is a worker on a temporary employment contract with generally limited entitlements to benefits and little or no security of employment. The main attribute is the absence of a continuing relationship of any stability with an employer, which could lead to their not being considered “employees” at all. Casual workers differ from other non-permanent workers in that they often possess fewer rights and less protection). A plethora of terms have been deployed to define and account for the growth of this type of irregular employment contract. For example, the Internationa...

BackgroundPregnancy constitutes a global health concern, thus the need for spousal support during this period cannot be overemphasised. This study examined the kinds of support pregnant women expected and received from their spouse as well as the effect of such supports during pregnancy, labour and delivery. MethodsThe study adopted both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. The respondents were selected using multistage and simple random sampling techniques. ResultsFindings showed that respondents expected and received maximum support from their spouses during pregnancy, labour and delivery. Spiritual support such as praying and fasting were top on the kinds of support pregnant women expected and received from their husbands during pregnancy and delivery. Others include, helping in house chores, financial provision, taking care of other children, accompanying to labour room, and sexual support. More than three-quarter of the respondents stated that maximum suppor...

Gender inequality of women participation in agricultural production has become a worrisome discussion in the present dispensation. This is because women constitute large portion in agriculture business. The study therefore examines this issue, stressing on the extent of women’s participation in agriculture. The highest frequency of women that engage in farming all year round is 48 (30.0%), 44 (27.6%) respondents engage in farming activities half a year, 35 (21.8%) engage quarterly in a year. While cultural practices 36 (22.5%) form the highest causes of gender inequality and women’s participation in agricultural production in Warri South Local Government Areas of Delta State, using data collected through questionnaire interview from 160 subjects. The study reveals that gender inequality of women in agricultural participation has considerable impact on the production process.

No society is classless or without strata. Stratification is part and parcel of social life. Every society defines a means of categorising each person into a particular social group. The placement of each individual in turn determines his value, as defined by the larger society; hence, the greater role of society in defining every person’s value. Differences in values and statuses of individual engender stratification in the society. If social stratification affected only such matters as who gets elected as President or who becomes the Chief Executive Officer, separate chapter might not be dedicated to its discussion. But social stratification does much more: It results in some members of society benefiting greatly and others suffering. Most societies of the world are organised so that their institutions systematically distribute benefits and burdens unequally among different categories of people (Hughes & Kroehler, 2008). Social arrangements are not neutral, but serve and promote t...

In Nigeria, decent work is the aspiration of many youths and the development of any nation is largely influenced by the type and quality of work carried out either in the public or private sector. Although there are evidences of youths' preference for public sector jobs in Nigeria, the preferred government ministries, parastatals and/or agencies have not been empirically examined. Investigation of this sort is important in order to examine the root of gender discrimination and to prepare for social tension that may likely arise where youths' aspirations differ from social realities. To investigate government ministries, parastatals and/or agencies that are preferred, a survey was carried out using conclusive research design to collect primary quantitative data from urban youths in Ibadan, Nigeria. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as simple percentages, cross tabulation and chi- square. The results showed that almost all the respondents...

Infertility is perceived differently across socio-cultural contexts and studies have shown these perceptions affect the overall management of infertility. This study specifically explored the sociocultural definition and perceived cause of infertility among married infertile persons experiencing primary infertility in Kwara South, Nigeria. The study adopted a qualitative exploratory design. Snowball sampling technique was used to recruit infertile persons for this study. Data was collected through in-depth interviews of 13 infertile married women and 7 infertile men. The data was analyzed using conventional content analysis with the aid of Atlas.ti 7. Findings showed that infertility is defined as barrenness and childlessness. It is perceived as an undesirable private marital problem and not a disease. Infertility is believed to be men and women problem. However, it is assumed to be primarily caused by women. Sociocultural factors rather than biomedical factors were exalted as prima...

The coronavirus pandemic outbreak is wreaking much havoc across the globe, with many nations shutting down their economy and social life with the hope of flattening the curve while health practitioners are also gearing efforts in providing a cure for it. Part of the coronavirus challenges is the various spiritual undertones attributed to it in many quarters. Hence, this study seeks to understand the various spiritual undertones attributed to the coronavirus incidence in southwest Nigeria. Methodology: This paper examined the coronavirus pandemic and spirituality sociologically in southwest Nigeria, using secondary and primary data. Secondary data includes a review of literature, social media comments, official records, and newspaper reports. Primary data entails using google form (questionnaire) circulated via social media with 221 responses retrieved and analyzed using the frequency distribution tables and bar charts. Also, a one-sample t-test was used for further statistical analysis. Results: Findings show that rather than attributing coronavirus incidence to spirituality alone, most of the respondents also see it as a public health concern, and precautionary measures should adhere. They see the government ban on social gathering, which affected the religious houses as the right thing to do and not solely targeted as religious houses. However, most believe that religious houses provide 'essential' emotional and spiritual support to the people. Respondents also believe they can get their healing from their place of worship even if infected with the coronavirus. Conclusion: Based on the findings it was recommended that religious organizations should source valid data so that policy-makers can make informed decisions. Also, there is a need to have an accurate record of the number of infected persons and death rates to know the right time to ease lockdown and lift the social gathering measures. There should also be a place for easy and free testing for people. This will help the government ascertain the number of infected persons, reduce the associated fear with the pandemic, and lessen the people's economic, social, and religious effects.

This article is premised on the notion that infertility is a subjective construct that individuals employ to make meaning of their experiences (Greil & McQuillan, 2010). The study explored the sociocultural meaning and perceived causes of infertility among married women and men experiencing primary infertility in Kwara South, Nigeria. Results from the study showed that the bases of understanding infertility are engrained in culture. Infertility is broadly defined in the range of lack of conception and inability to achieve a live birth which is described as barrenness and childlessness respectively. It is also defined as a major life problem: defeat of the purpose of creation and/or marriage. Cultural and spiritual factors were exalted as primary causes of infertility. These include lifestyle choices or habits (waywardness/promiscuity, alcoholism, substance abuse and diet); beliefs on rape, dirtiness, abortion, wrong mate selection, and spiritual oppression, trial and punishment from...

The desire for a more peaceful society and the need to involve the people in crime prevention has led to the adoption of community policing as a policing strategy in Nigeria. Community policing emerged due to the inadequacy of the police in preventing crime and maintaining order in the society. This people-oriented partnership intends to make the people part of policing within the community. However, just like many other aspects of human life, security issues are often regarded as a "man's" job and therefore the contributions of women are neglected. Though women occupy a vital position in the family, they are still treated as part of property to be protected by men and therefore are left out of the synergy between the police and the public in crime prevention through community policing in Nigeria. This paper utilized Talcott Parsons Structural Functionalism and George J. Thompson's Gap Theory to explain the challenges of women participation in community policing operations and the need to include them in crime prevention and security operations in Nigeria. The study methodology comprised a combination of both quantitative and qualitative. Questionnaire and in-depth interview constituted the instruments of data

Infertility is perceived differently across socio-cultural contexts and studies have shown these perceptions affect the overall management of infertility. This study specifically explored the perceived causes of infertility among infertile married persons experiencing primary infertility in Kwara South, Nigeria. The study adopted a qualitative design. Infertile persons were recruited through snowball sampling technique. Data was collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews of 12 infertile married women and 7 infertile men. The data were analyzed using conventional content analysis with the aid of Atlas.ti 7. Findings showed that infertility is defined as barrenness and childlessness. Sociocultural factors rather than biomedical factors were exalted as primary causes of infertility. These include lifestyle choices or habits, rape, spiritual oppression, witchcraft/sorcery, trial and punishment from God. Understanding these perceptions will enhance the development of culture-specific programs targeted at managing infertility in Nigeria.

As human being we live in an organized word. Organizations of one form or another are necessary part of our society and solve many important needs. Organization is a dominant component of contemporary society. They surround us; we are born in them and usually die in them. Our life space in before is filled with them, they are just about impossible to escape. All organization has some function to perform and some incentive for their existence and for their operations. The goals of an organization determine the nature of its outputs and the series of activities through which the outputs are achieved.
Despite the differences among various organizations, there are some common factors in any organization, people, objectives, structure and management. It is the interaction of people in order to achieve objective which form the basis of an organisation. Some form of structure is needed by which people‟s interactions and efforts are coordinated. Some process of management is required by which the activities of the organization and the efforts of its members are directed and controlled towards the pursuit of this objectives. There are two types of organizations which are informal and formal organizations

Abstract
In the past three decades and beyond, there has been a worldwide upsurge in the number of organizations that use or
employ casual workers. This has been attributed to economic uncertainty or turbulence, massive unemployment,
globalization, the shift from the manufacturing sector to the service sector and the spread of information technology.
These changes have created a new economy which demands flexibility in the workplace and, as a result, caused the
decline of the permanent employment relations and a dramatic increase in casual work. This study therefore, examines
the choice faced by a potential worker in getting a permanent employment. This study was guided by the Labour
Market Segmentation Theory. The study is descriptive in nature and revealed that due to the state of the economy in
Nigeria, jobs are hard to find. Workers therefore preferred to take up jobs that are casual in nature, in order to meet
up with their daily needs. The study recommends that employers and owners of organizations should employ more
workers who are seeking for jobs, since they are benefiting from casual work; this will help to mitigate the rate of
unemployment in Nigeria.
Keywords: Casual workers, flexible work arrangement, unemployment, casual work arrangement and permanent
work arrangement

Abstract
One of the key features of industrial restructuring in the current globalized market is the increasing polarization in employment conditions and a growing differentiation in the workforce. One method employed by firms in their attempt to stay competitive through increased flexibility in the production process, is the “casualization” of employment. This includes part-time workers, seasonal workers, home workers and subcontracted workers. Globalization is often equated with growing integration of national economies. In the sphere of economics, globalization is reflected in the increasing acceptance of free markets and private enterprise as the principal mechanism of promoting economic activities. Labour restructuring can take different forms in different countries. One prominent aspect in the last two decades has been a process of casual employment, in the sense of an increase in the proportion of employees classified as “casual”. This study therefore examines casual employment and its effect in the globalized market, with particular reference to some selected countries. This study was guided by neo-liberal theory.
Key words: Casual employment, Globalized market, Casual labour, Flexibility, Casual workers

ABSTRACT
Casual work is increasingly becoming the norm of a global economy as companies undergo restructuring, privatization, concentration on core activities and modifications in work organization and technology. These factors certainly affect traditional employment relations and the exercise of freedom of association and collective bargaining rights inherent in them. Flexible work patterns are now becoming dominant in developing countries and this makes it more difficult to organize workers for collective representation. A fall-out of globalization in Nigeria is the increase in CWAs. Workers in this form of work arrangements are subject to insecurity and little or no protection as labour legislation can seldom be effectively applied to them. Globalization is said to provoke the deterioration of working conditions in developing countries like Nigeria. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO) statistics union membership though still significant in large work places, has decreased in almost all parts of the world in the last decade. The relevance of collective representation is not always obvious when work places are small or in activities where there is little experience of collective organization and representation of interests. These factors are leading to a widening representational gap in the world of work. Based on these assertions, this study tends to examine casual work arrangements and freedom of association in Nigeria. A labour market segmentation theory provided the conceptual framework.
Keywords: Casual workers, globalization, International Labour Organization (ILO), Freedom of association, Casual work arrangements (CWAs)

Abstract
The concept casual employment is riddled with ambiguity and paradoxes. Making sense of them is the key to
understanding the significance, especially for labour productivity and casualization. Definitional ambiguity reflects
changes in the form rather than substance of long-term employment relations in the workplace. The characteristics
of most casual workers indicate that this form of employment has more to do with limited choices available to young
people, women and low skilled workers than any flourishing of choices for people at work. The growth of casual
employment is seen as an outcome of recruitment practices developed to meet internal labour demands in the
context of changing labour regulations and changing relationships between firms and the labour market. While
casual employment is a function of ‘demand-side’ factors, the recruitment strategies that stimulate its growth are
formed through managers’ perceptions of the quality and reliability of the available labour supply. Though ‘demandside’
factors, especially firm size and union activity, are major determinants of the use of casual employees, attention
has also been paid on the role of institutional factors that have enabled casual work to flourish in widening gaps in
labour regulation. The growth of casual work has generated considerable interest, but only recently has attention
focused on its heterogeneity. In an overview of the dynamics, therefore, this study tends to examine casual
employment, its ambiguity, heterogeneity and causes in Nigerian manufacturing sector.

ABSTRACT
Casualization in the Nigerian labour market is a subject of great concern. Increase casual employees are filling positions that are permanent in nature; in line with employee vulnerability in Nigeria is the high level of unemployment and accompanying poverty. The world economic meltdown has bred a dangerous work environment where many desperate job seekers in the labour force are willing to take any job for survival purposes rather than dignity. Labour exploitation is pervasive in many organizations in Nigeria. It manifests itself in one form or the other including poor salary, wages and salary arrears system, training, promotion, motivation, sense of belonging, job satisfaction and dehumanization of work and workers. Casualization is the other name for a temporary employment, which is manifest in industries, whether in transnational, multinational, public or private and in the informal sector. Definitions of casual employment are often a site of confusion and controversy, marked by tensions between vernacular, regulatory and contractual meanings. Therefore, this paper is to examine casualization and labour utilization in Nigeria. The paper was guided by the neo-liberal theory and the social action theory. The choice of these theories is informed by the fact that no one single theory can explain in totality the relationship between casualization and labour utilization in Nigeria.
Key words: Dehumanization, Labour Exploitation, Job Satisfaction, Temporary Employment, Privatization and Commercialization

Abstract
Casual workers in such sectors as telecommunication, oil and gas, power, banking, education and manufacturing both in private and public sectors in Nigeria have made significant contributions by helping in providing the manpower needed for economic development of Nigeria. Critical factors such as size (number of workers and operational branches) and age (year of incorporation) of firm usually affect the working conditions of CWs. Studies of CWs in the manufacturing sector have not adequately addressed how these factors affect the challenges of work and coping strategies adopted. This study, therefore, examined the challenges of work and coping strategies adopted by casual workers in some selected manufacturing firms in Lagos, Nigeria. A labour market segmentation theory provided the conceptual framework. The designs were both survey and exploratory. A two-stage sampling consisting of purposive and simple random techniques were used to select firms and respondents respectively. Three manufacturing firms of different sizes and ages were purposively selected. The study shows that size and age of firms affected the challenges of work and coping strategies of casual workers in the selected firms in Lagos State, Nigeria.
Keywords: Casual workers in manufacturing firms, working conditions, coping