PROVOCATIVE STYLE OF DRESSING AMONG YOUNG AND ADULT FEMALE IN AKUNGBA. AKOKO AREA, ONDO STATE

This study examines the provocative style of dressing among young and adult females in Akungba, Akoko area of Ondo State, Nigeria. In recent years, dressing styles among females have become a subject of concern and debate within many communities, as fashion trends continue to evolve under the influence of globalization, social media, peer pressure, and cultural shifts. The study seeks to identify the factors influencing provocative dressing, assess public perception of such dressing styles, and examine their social implications within the community. A survey research design was adopted, and data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to selected respondents in Akungba. The findings reveal that provocative dressing is influenced by multiple factors, including peer influence, media exposure, personal preference, and the desire for attention or self-expression. The study also shows that public perception of provocative dressing is largely negative, with many respondents associating it with moral decline, indecency, and social misconduct. Furthermore, the results indicate that provocative dressing has implications for social relationships, including negative judgments, harassment, and conflicts within the community. However, some respondents argue that dressing is a form of personal freedom and expression, highlighting the tension between individual rights and societal norms. The study concludes that while provocative dressing is influenced by modern fashion trends and personal choices, it remains a contentious issue in Akungba due to cultural and moral expectations. It recommends the promotion of moral education, parental guidance, and awareness campaigns to encourage modest dressing, while also respecting individual expression within acceptable societal boundaries.