Exploring juveniles’ delinquent behavior and associated factors: a cross-country comparison of Pakistan and Thailand

Abstract

Background: Studying juvenile delinquency has been of great importance for
policymakers, social scientists, as well as public and private social organizations.
Objectives: This study aimed at exploring juveniles’ delinquent behavior and the
associated factors in Pakistan and Thailand.
Methods: Quantitative research techniques were used for gathering and analysis
of data related to juvenile delinquency. Primary data were collected from juvenile
delinquents protection and rehabilitation centers at Bangkok and Karachi through
interviewer-administered questionnaire. A total of 174 respondents were selected
for this study through, simple random sampling. The statistical tests: Chi-square
test, Pearson correlation, and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regressions were used
for analysis.
Results: The results showed significant differences in juveniles’ delinquent
behaviors in Pakistan and Thailand. Among Pakistani juveniles, smoking cigarettes,
using drugs, damaging property and stealing money from family, whereas,
smoking cigarettes, having sexual relations, skipping classes and gang fights were
the leading delinquent behaviors among Thai juveniles. For Pakistani juveniles,
defection from school, self-control, drug use, lack of daily activities schedule and
peer influence were significant factors of delinquency. For Thai juveniles,
delinquent behavior was significantly influenced by self-control, family type, lack
of daily activities schedule and character of friends.
Conclusions: The findings suggest that socio-economic and environmental factors
drive the patterns and causes of delinquency, therefore, they may be given
importance in combating delinquency. Policymakers, law enforcement agencies
and parents are suggested to adopt the context-specific strategies for reducing
delinquency among juveniles keeping in view the local socio-economic and
cultural perspectives. Policymakers should take serious initiatives to control school
dropouts and drug use among juveniles.