Effects of Socialisation Agents on Moral Sense of Duty among the Adolescents Attending Baptist Churches in Odo-Ona, Apata Suburb, Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

This study sought to examine the effects of socialisation agents on the moral sense of duty among the adolescents attending Baptist churches in Odo-Ona, Apata Suburb, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The lack of a moral sense of duty has caused many adolescents to see corruption as a means to an end or a way of success in life. This study has examined the failure of all social agents: family, religious institutions, school, peer groups, and social media to identify and address one of the fundamental root causes of this problem and how it has affected adolescents’ lives. Four theories guided it: Jean Rousseau, Cognitive Development Theory; Jean Piaget, Theory of Moral Development; Lawrence Kohlberg, Theory of Moral Development; and Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological System Theory. Mixed method research was adopted for the study to substantiate this write-up. The sampling population of the study involved 20 adolescents attending Baptist churches in Odo-Ona, Apata suburb of Ibadan. Questionnaires were given to adolescents to understand their perceptions of agents of socialization to substantiate the survey. This was coupled with interactions with adolescents daily through an interview section. Consequently, the findings disclosed a significant relationship between adolescents’ lack of moral sense of duty and the failure of socialisation agents’ involvement.