NCJ Number
93313
Date Published
1984
Length
257 pages
Annotation
This case analysis examines the types, amounts, and distribution of juvenile delinquency in India (particularly the state of Tamil Nadu), assesses the attitude of the Indian public toward juvenile delinquency laws and juvenile delinquents, and discusses the judicial and correctional treatment prescribed for juveniles accused of delinquent acts.
Abstract
Data were obtained through a self-report survey of 517 high school boys and 306 inmates of boys' juvenile correctional facilities in Tamil Nadu; a directly administered survey of proportionate multistage random samples of 603 adults from Madras City and 200 adults from Thamaraikulam village; and in-depth interviews with 25 judicial and correctional officials as well as site visits to eight correctional facilities. In addition, a content analysis of three major newspapers was conducted, and data were collected from census reports, official crime statistics, media discussions, and numerous interviews with the public and recognized experts on crime. The major findings of the study suggest that delinquency is not a social problem in India, either in a behavioral or social-reaction sense. Only about 3 percent of all crimes are committed by juveniles, despite the fact that about one-half of the Indian population can be classified as 'juvenile.' Delinquent behavior covers the same spectrum of illegality as in the West, with a predominance or property of status-technical violations. While not class-linked, self-reported delinquent behavior is most prevalent among the lowest socioeconomic groups. Delinquency rates are about the same for urban and rural areas. The public appears to favor informal and comparatively less punitive mechanisms of social control, although rural residents have a strong preference for formal prohibitions and urban residents are more knowledgeable of the law. Rural residents are reluctant to involve formal agents of control or to impose formal sanctions against misbehaving youth. Reactions to delinquency are more a function of individuals' opinions about such behavior than of their knowledge of specific laws. Officials tend to believe that only illegal acts by proven delinquents, usually males from lower socioeconomic groups or members of ethnic minorities, warrant official intervention. The few offenders who are placed in correctional facilities receive relatively long sentences, averaging 3 years, but they are viewed by correctional officials as victims of neglect and poverty rather than as aberrant children. Finally, media coverage focuses on political crime and mass demonstrations; when mentioned at all, juvenile delinquency is discussed in the context of resource allocation and provision of care to needy youth. Figures, tables, appendixes with sample questionnaires and factor analysis information, and a bibliography are provided.