Social Deviance and Social Work Intervention in Rivers State

Social deviance, encompassing behaviors that violate societal norms, remains a significant challenge in Rivers State, Nigeria. This study examined the effectiveness of social work interventions in addressing social deviance, the challenges faced by social workers, the impact of socio-economic factors on deviant behaviors, and strategies to improve social work interventions. This study adopted the strain theory. The study was a descriptive survey research design. The sample size was 400 respondents. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, which was the purposive and stratifies random sampling techniques. A structured questionnaire was used as a method for data collection. Findings reveal that while social work interventions such as counseling, rehabilitation programs, and vocational training have contributed to behavioral modification, their effectiveness is limited by inadequate funding, weak institutional support, cultural stigma, and a lack of inter-agency collaboration. Additionally, poverty, unemployment, lack of education, and family instability were identified as significant contributors to the persistence of social deviance despite intervention efforts. The study recommends increased government funding, improved collaboration between social workers and law enforcement agencies, expanded vocational training, and public awareness programs to enhance the effectiveness of social work interventions. This research contributes to the growing discourse on social deviance and intervention strategies, providing valuable insights for policymakers, social workers, and stakeholders committed to reducing deviant behaviors and fostering social stability in Rivers State.