Social ostracism as a determinant of criminal recidivism in metropolitan Kano-Nigeria: a partial least square analysis

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examining and analyzing the predictors of criminal recidivism among the ex-prisoners in metropolitan Kano-Nigeria using social ostracism as a predictor. However, the study utilizes two main dimensions of social ostracism; being ignored and being excluded in analyzing criminal recidivism. Design/methodology/approach – This study is quantitative in nature. Data were collected using survey method. Purposive sampling method was used and the population of the study were the ex-prisoners who are released after their prison terms. A total of 256 sample size was utilized and data were analyzed using Partial Lease Squares – Structural Equation Modeling. Findings – The findings revealed that, there is significant positive relationship between ignoring and exclusion of ex-prisoners in relation to criminal recidivism ( < 0.001***). The model used in the study shows that being ignored is having small effects, whereas being excluded is having medium effects (f2 0.121, 0.203), with predictive relevance (Q2 0.1884). Practical implications – Going by the study findings it was concluded that social ostracism of ex-prisoners in metropolitan Kano is having positive effects toward criminal recidivism. It is recommended that policy should be made to reduce the exclusion of ex-prisoners so as to reduce their chances of becoming criminal recidivists. Originality/value – Though many predictors were used in analyzing recidivism, this study used social ostracism which is not previously used as a sole predictor of criminal recidivism.