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1. A Study of
Social
Factors and
Juvenile
Delinquency
Pallavi Rajankar
Contemporary Social Issues
Professor Poonam Gandhi

2. Pallavi Rajankar
FSLE2014004664
Contemporary Social Issues
Prof. Poonam Gandhi
Juvenile Delinquency
Young adults undergoing the transition from childhood to adulthood in this complex social
setting often get involved in criminal behaviour and become delinquents. The traditional
working of relationships in the family, school and work place are being questioned and
challenged. The no longer smooth, socialising process is leading to lifestyle changes
influenced by various other factors such as limited economic opportunities to sustain one self.
Population boom, unavailability of resources, unemployment and poverty are issues that the
youth are faced with today. This is often the cause that leads to the involvement in illegal
opportunities such as drug abuse, violence and other crimes the Youth commit irrespective of
the country of residence, social origin or gender. (Juvenile Delinquency. World YOUTH
Report).
Juveniles and Juvenile delinquency
Juvenile delinquency is defined as “a violation of the law
committed by a juvenile and not punishable by death or life imprisonment. The actions of a
juvenile delinquent are often characterised by antisocial behaviour that is beyond parental
control and is therefore subject to legal actions”. Who is a juvenile? According to the law, the
definition or age bar that a juvenile is categorized under varies in different countries. In
India, the Juvenile Justice Act of 1986 terms ‘juvenile’ as an individual who has not attained

3. the age of 18 years. In the United States of America, the "Juvenile Justice in the
UnitedStates"include fifty one political juristictions, that is fifty states and the District of
Columbia, each of which have the legal authority to define “juvenile”. In Scotland, an
individual is considered an adult after the age of 16. In England, the “Children and Young
Persons' Act” states that children between the ages of 14 and 17 are handled outside the
judicial court and given “care” proceedings instead, which is a preferred alternative. In South
Africa, the upper age limit that an individual can clan “criminal non-responsibility" is seven
years old. Children above the age of seven may be tried in a criminal court and petty offenses
are tried in juvenile or an inferior magistrate’s court. (Galan. M.)
Crimes often committed by Juveniles and statistics
Juveniles are capable of committing most crimes, however
according to National criminal justice reference service, the following are the most common
crimes committed by children: arson, vandalism, vehicle theft, burglary, disorderly conduct,
liquor law violations, sex offenses, drug abuse, violent crime, property crime, murder,
forcible rape and aggravated assault (Ncjrs.gov). Statistics given by Office of Juvenile Justice
and Delinquency Prevention in the Unites States state that there has been a 73% increase of
violent crimes committed by youth ages 15-17 between 1980 and 2011. However, a decline
of 54% in the rate of murders committed by the youth ages 15-17, has been observed. 1994
was the peak of aggravated assaults by youth offenders, by an increase of 122%. 2011 saw
the least number of robberies committed by youths since 1980. Youths committing property
crimes dropped by 50% between 1980 and 2011. 1994 was the peak weapon law violation by
youth, increased an average of 148%. Between 1980 and 2011, drug abuse violation by the
youth increased by 25% (Ojjdp.gov).

4. Juvenile delinquency and society
Although delinquent behaviour is often seen, we must note that
juveniles many a time form strong groups that carry out criminal activities. This corresponds
to the subculture and the youth start to engage in criminal activities thus paving the way for
delinquent careers. The Riyadh Guidelines, that is the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency
says that behaviour of children that is not in accordance with social norms are often part of
the maturation and growth process. An example of this is antisocial behaviour portrayed by
adolescents, although this behaviour may sometimes be the beginning of a long term pattern
of criminal activity. Almost all individuals at some point in their childhood commit petty
offences, without the act having any long term effect on the individuals’ life (Juvenile
Delinquency. World YOUTH Report).
Data from various countries show that between two-thirds and
three-quarters of all juvenile offences are committed by members belonging to delinquent
groups or gangs. The offender who commits a crime alone, is also said to be associated with a
group. Data collected from the Russian Federation show that juvenile crimes are 3 to 4 times
higher than that of adult offenders. Crimes such as assault, robbery and murder are most
commonly committed by 14 year olds and least commonly committed by 17 year olds
(Juvenile Delinquency. World YOUTH Report).
Group behaviour in juveniles are observed in every class and
cultural context. Some of the primary characteristics of these groups are the hierarchical
organization, social cohesiveness and a particular code of behaviour that depends on the
rejection of values and experiences. However, the subcultural aspects of juvenile groups are
often neglected. Subculture is the lifestyle developed by a particular group and are
subordinate to the predominant groups due to social pressure. Various juvenile groups mix to

5. form a clan- based heterogeneous community following group based morals or beliefs which
are native to that clan, this information is spread primarily by the entertainment industry
(Juvenile Delinquency. World YOUTH Report).
Causes leading to Juvenile Delinquency
Society as a whole including social groups, organisations,
institutions and interpersonal relations contain the causes and conditions of juvenile crime
well rooted in them. Many factors lead to the decision of an individual to choose a delinquent
career. The offences committed against the general are indirectly determined and dependant
on the social and economic situation that affects the population of the country. Studies show
the obvious correlation between rising crime and economic decline, especially in poor
conditions(Juvenile Delinquency. World YOUTH Report). It is evident in the case of street
children who later choose delinquent careers, have experienced and been exposed to violent
and abusive relations and surroundings. Education as well is a low standard for this group,
hence socio-economic issues play a vital role in delinquent behaviour(Juvenile Delinquency.
World YOUTH Report).
1. Economic and social factors
The economic and social decline drives juvenile delinquency. This is due to political
inconsistency, economic deterioration and the fall of important social institutions such
as education, public assistance and amenities and most importantly, family(Juvenile
Delinquency. World YOUTH Report). These changes lead to unemployment resulting
in low income and a poor economy leading to a vicious circle. Low incomes amongst
the youth lead to rise in illegal activities for sustaining one self.
2. Cultural factors

6. In certain societies, socially unacceptable acts often lose their significance or
relevance for a number of members of that society. Under these circumstances,
numerous individuals commit acts that they would normally refrain from. This
destructive change in society results in rebellious behaviour by the members. These
incidences take place both in developed and developing nations. Media often plays an
important role to play. The standard of living which is portrayed by the media is often
much higher than most families can afford causing a sense of inferiority in vulnerable
young minds. This is a cause leading to many children growing up to be adults who
will go to any extent in order to maintain a lifestyle that is realistically or legally
impossible. “The contradiction between idealized and socially approved goals and the
sometimes limited real-life opportunities to achieve them legally creates a sense of
frustration in many young people. A criminal career becomes one form of addressing
this contradiction” (Juvenile Delinquency. World YOUTH Report).
Criminal activity is often triggered by the easy access of illegal
opportunities. Many of the young individuals belonging to a socially declining society
resort to drug use for psychological relief or escape. Another perspective is drug
abuse due to peer influence, delinquent behaviour is then elicited in order to sustain
this drug dependant lifestyle(Juvenile Delinquency. World YOUTH Report).
3. Urbanisation
Geographical information when correlated with criminal
statistics showed that areas with higher populations have a higher rate of delinquent acts.
Social control and cohesion is the reason behind this conclusion. In a cultural perspective,
rural settings and society give importance to familial relations and community involvement
resulting in lower crime rates. However, in urban settings, we see that a more impersonal
approach is used, judicial and legal measures are involved which is linked to higher crimes

7. rates(Juvenile Delinquency. World YOUTH Report). Also contributing to the urban crime is
the rising number of working parents, leaving room for idle and unprotected children. These
factors however vary in different countries depending on that particular society.
The rise of urbanisation all around the world leads to juvenile
delinquency, for example technological advances are now making people victims to cyber-
crime. The most basic change in an urbanised society is the change in social behaviour, social
relations, communication and control. Another important factor is informal communication
that comes at the expense of anonymity (Juvenile Delinquency. World YOUTH Report).
4. Family
Children who grow up with adequate parental attention and
control have lesser chances of getting involved in delinquent activities. However, children
who are exposed to inadequate parental control, conflict within the family, and weak internal
linkages and integration in the family are termed as children belonging to ‘broken homes’.
Children coming from disadvantaged background and broken homes have fewer
opportunities for employment and are more prone to social exclusion and are overrepresented
among offenders. Other forms of broken homes such as one parent families and non-marital
unions result in confusion for the child. Absence of a parent, such as a father can lead young
boys to seek masculine roles in peer groups or gangs by portraying strength, cruelty and
excitability (Juvenile Delinquency. World YOUTH Report). It is commonly seen that gangs
or delinquent groups often substitute family for many of these children.
Young individuals who are exposed to criminal activity are
more likely to engage in criminal activities themselves. In many cases, the family members
themselves are criminals and this leads to the “criminalization” of the family, which affects
the children psychologically and sometimes even physically. A study conducted in the United
State prisons shows that parents who are criminals often push their younger members towards

8. violating the law. This report showed that more than two-thirds of those interviewed had
relatives who were incarcerated; for 25 per cent it was a father and for another 25 percent a
brother or sister(Juvenile Delinquency. World YOUTH Report).
With increased research in social issues such as crime, the
importance of well-being of the family is being increasingly recognized. Many adult
criminals start their delinquent career as children. The factors that influence this decision are
whether the parents are able to or willing to provide their child with opportunities such as an
education and extra-curricular activities. Adolescents from low income families feel like a
burden on their parents and are often excluded. These adolescents then join delinquent groups
in an attempt to improve their status and raise their self-esteem. The youth sees these groups
as a fair platform as they provide for equal opportunities to all favourably distinguishing
themselves from institutions such as family and school in which positions of authority are
occupied by adults (Juvenile Delinquency. World YOUTH Report).
5. Migration
All over the world, immigrants tend to exist as a marginal group
in the society, for reasons of exclusion from the mainstream society. They often have fewer
chances of succeeding in the existing legal order. Due to this, immigrants usually seek
comfort in their previous lifestyle, culture and environment. Cultural conflicts arise as a result
of varying degrees of acceptability of immigrants into the society. Natives of the country
view immigrants as an obstruction to economic growth and growth in other sectors(Juvenile
Delinquency. World YOUTH Report). This forms the basis of criminal behaviour arising
from foreign groups.
6. Exclusion
The great divide between the rich and poor of a particular
society leads to the emergence of certain groups of people who are considered unwanted by

9. the rest of the society. Problems such as ruptured social ties, unemployment and identity
crisis create exclusion of certain groups of people. Many countries have devised welfare
systems that are supposed to reduce exclusion in society by altering the socio-economic
position of these groups. Another attempt made to decrease exclusion is the attempt to
increase dependence of low income families on government provided amenities and security
services. Juveniles who commit even a minor offence often tend to be excluded to a large
extent from society(Juvenile Delinquency. World YOUTH Report). This paves the way for
juveniles into delinquent careers. Labelling of an individual shows that it leads to self-
adoption of a delinquent image and therefore results in criminal acts.
7. Peer Influence
A natural process of growing up into an adult is membership in
a group. Occasionally, these groups turn into delinquent groups or gangs. A sense of security,
safety, constant social interaction all develop qualities of loyalty and leadership, these are all
important aspects of a growing child, sometimes provided by gang members. In an adolescent
group, all members have similar opportunities for advancement in the hierarchical structure,
unlike adult groups where social status, welfare, race and ethnicity are of great importance
and value. In many cases, delinquent groups counterbalance the imperfections and issues of
an individual’s family. Due to this, juvenile delinquents often consider their gang as family
and have little or no interaction with their biological family. Juveniles who are in constant
threat to violent surroundings, subject to oppression, harassment and assault are often given
effective protection by members of their gangs or delinquent groups(Juvenile Delinquency.
World YOUTH Report).
Given above are the various reasons children turn to
delinquency. Following is Matza’s theory that discusses the parent-child relationship and its
effect on delinquent behaviour.

10. Matza's Neutralization Theory (Sykes and Matza, 1957; Sykes
and Matza, 1961; Matza, 1964) analysed parent-child normative agreement between
father/sons, mother/daughters and mother/sons and related these to juvenile delinquency.
Neutralization theory states that “while there was little agreement between parent and child
on normative acceptance, among those with agreement, accepting neutralizations related to
committing more delinquency. Daughters were more similar to each parent; and both sons
and daughters were more similar to their mothers”(Dodder). This theory endorses moral
dilemmas, situational ethics and rebellious behaviour with reference to 13 illegal behaviours.
A study included parent/child normative agreement among 157 father/daughters, 105
father/sons, 168 mother/daughters, and 110 mother/sons. Results from this study showed that
parental influence played no role in the child’s normative acceptance but it did support the
neutralization theory. Daughters were shown to be more similar to both parents when
compared to the sons. This study showed that even adults do make exceptions to moral
absolutes, similarly so do children, often justifying petty, delinquent acts performed by the
child(Dodder).
Normally, the law in almost all countries leave room for which
a person can claim exemption as long as they learn to justify their behaviour. These situations
are not considered rejecting of the law, rather it justifies behaviours beyond the exemption
that the law prescribes. These unrecognized defences are known as neutralization. The
neutralization theory given by Matza and Sykes gives five neutralizations as follows: : (1)
Denial of responsibility, where youth do not feel accountable for their actions, (2) Denial of
Injury, where they feel no one is hurt physically or economically, (3) the Denial of a Victim
is where youth feel the victim deserves punishment, (4)Condemnation of the Condemners,

11. where youth condemn other's disapproving motives, and (5) Appal to Higher Loyalties,
where they feel strong loyalty towards family or friends (Dodder).
Children in conflict with the law
Let us consider now talk about the laws protecting as well as
condemning children who have committed crimes and children who are in conflict with the
law. In the Indian context, the “Childrens’ Act” has three main goals: (1) to provide for a
machinery to effectuate the existing laws; (2) to provide for the protection of neglected and
destitute children and prevent them from taking to deviant behaviour; and (3) to make
treatment and rehabilitation provisions in respect to children who are either victimized or not
controlled(Janeksela).
Juveniles who are considered to be part of the junvenile justice
system are broadly classified into two categories: offenders and non-offenders. Offenders are
those children who have committed a crime or broken the law and non-offenders are those
who are part of the justice system as they are socially handicapped or have been victimized
themselves.The Juvenile laws in India are characterized as follows: (1) separate trial for
juveniles and adults; (2) strictly confidential court proceedings and hearings pertaining to
juvenile cases; (3) no disqualification to be attached to the juveniles convicted under the
Children Act; and (4) provision for the protection of young girls who are subject to seduction,
or being induced into prostitution, and for children who are without visible means of
subsistence or shelter(Janeksela).
The following are the acts given by the Indian Judicial system
regarding Juvenile delinquency:
• The Apprentices Act, 1850: Juveniles (between ages of 10-15) convicted in courts to
be provided vocational training as part of rehabilitation process(eGazette).

12. • Reformatory Schools Act, 1897: The juvenile instead of undergoing his sentence,
shall be sent to such a school, and be there detained for a period which shall be not
less than three years or more than seven years(eGazette).
• Juvenile Justice Act, 1986 defined the term juvenile as a "boy who has not attained
the age of 16 years and a girl who has not attained the age of 18 years” (eGazette).
• Juvenile Justice Act, 2000: age bar was raised to 18 years for both girl and boy.
Maximum sentence changed to three years confinement at a reformatory home
(eGazette).
• The maximum detention could be imposed on a juvenile is for 3 years remand to
Special Home irrespective of the gravity of offence committed by the juvenile
(eGazette).
• LAW CHAPTER 2: 16. (1) : no juvenile in conflict with law shall be sentenced to
death or life imprisonment, or committed to prison in default of payment of fine or in
default of furnishing security (eGazette).
Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency
United Nations have set up systems that deal with prevention of
juvenile delinquency, in a social manner rather than taking judicial approaches. Prevention of
Juvenile delinquency is most effective in the early stages of a child’s life when he or she is
protected from social shortcomings. Prevention can take place in individuals, as a group and
organizational methods can be used as well(Juvenile Delinquency. World YOUTH Report).
Some countries use tactics that intend to frighten potential juvenile offenders by reminding
the people of harsh and severe punishment as the consequence. Other ways of preventing
juvenile delinquency are:

13. 1) Family as we know is the most important, basic social institution. The most effective
prevention programmes observed till date are those that target the families of potential
delinquents. Awareness and parent management training given to parents of children
ages 3-8 have proved to be the most functional(Juvenile Delinquency. World YOUTH
Report).
2) Providing the youth opportunities that allow for them to be engaged in various
activities. Economic opportunities, professional training and education all help
towards keeping youth occupied and making sure of beneficial outcomes(Juvenile
Delinquency. World YOUTH Report).
3) Educational programmes help make youth socially aware of issues and make them
contribute towards the society. Specialized programmes can also help youth deal with
conflict and control aggression. Social and cognitive skills can be incorporated into
the education provided which in turn help children with self-appraisal and find
alternative to illegal activities(Juvenile Delinquency. World YOUTH Report).
4) The Riyadh guidelines encourages recreational and extra-curricular activities for
children as it is an important part of a child’s development(Juvenile Delinquency.
World YOUTH Report).
5) Lately, local and community projects have come into play in order to curb juvenile
delinquency. These local organisations and chapters find informal ways to involve the
youth in community activities that are constructive(Juvenile Delinquency. World
YOUTH Report).
6) Lastly, special attention is needed to care for street children, children and adolescents
who have lose their families or ties with them as a result of armed conflict and thus
have no parental support making them emotionally and financially deprived.
Programmes that provide food, clothing and short term shelter are all temporary and

14. need to be complemented by special programmes that deal with the causes of street
culture in general. The United Nations on the rights of the child provides a framework
which discusses improving the living conditions of children in 4 areas: Survival
rights. Development rights, Protective rights, Participation rights(Juvenile
Delinquency. World YOUTH Report).
In today’s world however, the situation is far more serious and deep rooted. Juvenile
delinquency has its roots in poverty, social exclusion and unemployment. All around the
world, delinquency is largely a group phenomenon and is often engaged in by subcultures
comprising of youngsters who assume a certain delinquent image. Many a time, criminal acts
are directed towards members of other cultures, races, religions or ethnic group. If prevention
and delinquency policies are truly meant to make a difference, priority must be given to
vulnerable, disadvantages and marginalized young citizens of a society(Juvenile
Delinquency. World YOUTH Report). It is important to curb juvenile delinquency in order to
brighten the future of the youth. The youth is said to be the most valuable resource and of
utmost importance for the future of the world. To provide the youth a better environment and
life in general, we must also tackle social issues such as poverty, unemployment, drug abuse,
access to weapons, kidnapping and human trafficking simultaneously.
.

15. Bibliography
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Neutralization Theory”. International Journal of Sociology of the Family. Vol. 29,
No. 2. Pg. 81-95. (1999). JSTOR. Web. Accessed 3rd
January 2015.
“eGazette”. Indian Directorate of Printing Department. Department of publication. Ministry
of Urban Development.Government of India. Web. 2nd
January 2015.
http://www.egazette.nic.in/images/HEADER.png.
Janeksela, M, Galan. “Descriptive Analysis of Five Juvenile Justice Systems: United Stated ,
Scotland, England, India and South Africa.” International Review of Modern
Sociology. Vol. 21, No. 1. Pg. 1-19. (1991). JSTOR. Web. 2nd
January 2015.
"Juvenile Delinquency." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 4 Jan. 2015.
<http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juvenile delinquency>
“Juvenile Delinquency”. World YOUTH Report. United Nations Organisation. Chapter 7.
Page 190-192.(2003). JSTOR. Web. 2nd
January 2015
“National criminal justice reference service”. Web. 2nd
January 2015
https://www.ncjrs.gov/html/ojjdp/juris_tap_report/ch2_06.html.
“OJJDP Statistical Briefing Book”.(February 2014). Web. 2nd
January 2015.