Deprivation and Delinquency: A Descriptive Quantitative Study of Male Juvenile Delinquents in India

Description

Page: 334-341

Udita Sharma (Department of Psychology, MLB Girls PG Autonomous College, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh)

This study investigates the relationship between prolonged socio-emotional and objective deprivation and juvenile delinquency among male offenders in India. It aims to identify key deprivation areas contributing to delinquent behavior. A sample of 30 male juvenile delinquents was assessed using the Prolonged Deprivation Scale (Misra & Tripathi, 1977) across 15 domains: housing conditions, home environment, economic sufficiency, food, clothing, formal education, childhood and rearing experiences, parental characteristics and interactions, motivational and emotional experiences, religious involvement, travel and recreation, and socio-cultural experiences. Data were analyzed to determine the extent of deprivation in each area. Findings indicate significant deprivation in economic insufficiency and food insecurity, with high levels of deprivation observed in emotional and religious experiences. These areas were strongly associated with delinquent behaviors among the subjects. Addressing economic and nutritional deficiencies, along with enhancing emotional and religious support systems, may serve as effective strategies in mitigating juvenile delinquency. Policy interventions should focus on comprehensive welfare programs that alleviate deprivation in these critical areas.