Influence of Family Setting on Juvenile Delinquents in Bangladesh

Abstract

Juvenile delinquency is one of the most serious problems in Bangladesh now-a­days.So, it deserves our undivided attention. Without systematic knowledge and analysis of the problem legal control measures alone can make a little progress. Upgrading juvenile justice system and laws, and setting up correctional centers are important for ensuring the rights of the juvenile but it makes little sense to suggest remedial programs if there is no understanding of the ways in which families foster delinquency. In this study, the researcher has attempted to explore in detail, how the features of family setting create the background of delinquency. For an adequate and critical analysis of the subject, few theories such as: ecological theory by Clifford R. Shaw and Henry D. McKay, social conflict theory by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, social control or bonding theory by Travis Hirschi, differential oppression theory by Robert Regoli & John Hewitt and social learning theory by Albert Bandura are discussed that provide rational or logical explanations of delinquency as well as which preserve close relevance with the research problem. However, the present study is primarily a quantitative and qualitative data based study. So, the mixed method has been used. The data has been collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data has been collected from the juvenile delinquents of SUKs, guardians, officers of SUK.s and related NGO workers. A total of 108 respondents were selected through simple random sampling method from Shishu Unnayan Kendra, Pulerhat, Jashore. Different methods such as interview, focus group discussion and case study were used in data collection. Besides primary data, official documents of the Government and Non-Government organizations, research reports, books, published and unpublished dissertations, articles, journals, newspapers, etc., concerning juvenile delinquents have been used as secondary sources of data. In the present study it was seen that most of the delinquents came from lower incomefamilies. It proved that they felt stressed to achieve their goals. Especially theft and dacoity were direct results of financial constraints. Besides, they had no healthy recreational opportunity inside the family; they didn't get pocket money to meet their desires. Moreover, in case study some respondents told the researcher that financial constraints forced them to commit delinquency. In analysis, another theme which emerged as an explanation to juvenile's problematic behavior was parental laxity in supervisory roles. Young children were generally inept of looking after themselves, and incompetent in making informed decisions for their own well-being. For this reason, they required supervision, or at least some guidance or advice by their parents or another adult. In many cases it was found that parents were very much indifferent to their children's bad company, schooling or any kind of bad affairs. Family feud was one of the most important findings in this study.