MORAL DETERIORATION: THE REFLECTION ON EMERGING STREET YOUTH GANGS IN MUSOMA, TANZANIA

The study investigated on youth moral deterioration in Musoma, Tanzania. Specifically, it aimed at finding the causes stakeholders attribute to youth moral deterioration; and explore the necessary approaches to restore morality. A total sample of 57 (Mean=36.5 years, SD=9.24) participants were used. Results indicated that stakeholders attributed the problem strongly to exposure to drugs (M=4.11, SD=1.129); peer pressure (M=3.96, SD=1.195) and ineffective parenting (M=3.88, SD=1.283) while genetic influence (M=2.44, SD=1.239); poor school performance (M=2.63, SD=1.277); and need to satisfy and gain fellows’ recognition (M=3.19, SD=1.394) were weakly attributed to moral deterioration respectively. The role of moral education, relationship among stakeholders, and guidance, counselling and rehabilitation services were the necessary approaches suggested by stakeholders to restoring morality. National wide survey study on moral deterioration and its impacts on social, economical and political development are vital.