Aggression and Violent Behavior
Volume 40, 2018, Pages 29-38

Does theory matters: Constructing an integrated theoretical framework to describe kidnapping for ransom in Nigeria (Review)

Otu S.E. , Nnam M.U.*
  • a Department of Sociology, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo (FUNAI), Ebonyi State, PMB 1010, Nigeria; Department of Psychology, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo (FUNAI), Ebonyi State, PMB 1010, Nigeria; Department of Criminology & Security Studies, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo (FUNAI), Ebonyi State, PMB 1010, Nigeria
  • b Department of Sociology, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo (FUNAI), Ebonyi State, PMB 1010, Nigeria; Department of Psychology, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo (FUNAI), Ebonyi State, PMB 1010, Nigeria; Department of Criminology & Security Studies, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo (FUNAI), Ebonyi State, PMB 1010, Nigeria

Abstract

Assumptions and debates on the causes/motives and, by implication, theories of kidnapping in Nigeria for ransom, are legions, and largely speculative, however. This paper engages in a rigorous analytical review of the factors, patterns and processes of kidnapping, and several related theories, to construct an integrated/alliance model of kidnapping in Nigeria. Kidnappers’ social constructions and interpretative meanings show that the factors and processes that enable kidnapping to occur are, though, basically economic and space-based, they vary, occurs in chains-spaces in a coordinated, interdependent and interconnected manner. The policy implication suggests (1) that several factors coalesce and intervene at different stages to explain kidnapping (2) future research on kidnapping and meaning construction consider the kidnappers’ perspective and those of the other actors and the media (3) a multi-dimensional and interdisciplinary (Epi-criminology) approach to tackle the several different theories/causes animating young Nigerians to engage in the criminal enterprise of kidnapping is a welcome development. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd

Author Keywords

Nigeria Analytic-review approach Kidnappers Integrated/alliance theory

Index Keywords

coordination Nigeria end mean theory social contagious theory social learning victimological framework fraud triage model symbolic interactionism conflict theory economics human priority journal policy political economy behavioral science conceptual framework sociology Anomie Review cultural factor psychodynamics social cognition theory synthesis kidnapping criminal behavior rational choice deterrence theory constitutive theory multiple reinforcing social forces theory of kidnapping criminology ransom
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85043385865&doi=10.1016%2fj.avb.2018.02.010&partnerID=40&md5=336885cb3d8f1d3fd58b316b797e5e20
DOI: 10.1016/j.avb.2018.02.010
ISSN: 13591789
Cited by: 3
Original Language: English