The Social Dynamics of Plastic Waste Pollution and Its Contribution to Cholera Outbreaks in Lagos, Nigeria: A Sociological Perspective

Plastic waste pollution is a significant environmental and public health concern in Lagos, Nigeria, exacerbated by rapid urbanization, inadequate waste management, and socio-economic disparities. This study explores the relationship between plastic waste pollution and cholera outbreaks in Lagos from a sociological perspective, focusing on the socio-economic, cultural, and institutional factors that influence waste disposal behaviors and public health risks. Using structural functionalism and environmental sociology as theoretical frameworks, the study examines how poverty, informal housing, and limited access to sanitation contribute to the accumulation of plastic waste, which in turn fosters conditions conducive to cholera outbreaks. Governmental policies such as the Cleaner Lagos Initiative are analyzed for their efficacy, revealing challenges like inefficiency and social inequality. Methodologically, the research employs qualitative approaches, including case studies of two Lagos communities, interviews with stakeholders, and content analysis of government reports and media coverage. The findings are expected to highlight the social dynamics of waste management in Lagos, the environmental pathways linking plastic pollution to cholera, and the limitations of existing policy interventions. Ultimately, the study aims to propose sociologically informed strategies to enhance waste management and reduce public health risks in Lagos.