Young Age and Crime in Society: A Study on Youth Prisoners in Bangladesh

In a given society, crime is a social phenomenon and an inconsistent act of social order. Engagement of young boys and girls in diverse criminal activities is becoming a universal and more complicated issue in human society. The involvement of youths in different types of crimes is also becoming a major concern in Bangladesh. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the factors influencing the young prisoners in the involvement of various criminal activities. The major theoretical perspectives of criminology, including Strain Theory, Differential Association Theory, Social Disorganization Theory, and Labeling Theory, were used to provide explanations for causes of criminal behavior among young prisoners. The study was conducted employing a mixed approach, that is, taking into consideration both quantitative and qualitative methods because of its nature and subject matter. A survey was carried out by using a structured questionnaire. Moreover, in-depth interviews were carried out to have a deeper understanding of the phenomena under study. The study found that while problematic family relationship and family crisis is the main driving factor influencing the young prisoners for committing the crime, other factors including the influence of neighborhood, peers, poverty, media and social reaction towards individual have also played an influential role.