The increase in criminal behavior among the Secondary School population in Trinidad and Tobago has been of national concern for some time. Reports of serious crime – murder, attack with a weapon, rape, larceny, kidnapping - allegedly committed by school students and reported in the press, have given rise to great concern and stimulated resultant explanations from lay persons and policy makers alike. The reasons for and the appropriate methods of dealing with this relatively new phenomenon in the Trinidad context, have abounded and are discussed in various public fora.
Table of Contents
1. Aims
2. Objectives/Purpose of the Study
3. Statement of the Problem
4. Introduction
5. Theoretical Explanations
6. Literature Review/Previous research on delinquency
7. Conclusion
8. Reference/ Bibliography
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This research proposal aims to investigate the prevalence and manifestations of school violence and delinquency within high-risk secondary schools in Trinidad. By analyzing the interplay of race, gender, socio-economic status, and family background, the study seeks to understand the root causes of youth engagement in criminal behavior and to propose evidence-based policies to mitigate these issues and enhance community support systems.
- The intersectionality of socio-economic status, race, and gender in youth delinquency.
- Theoretical frameworks explaining criminal behavior, including Strain and Control theories.
- The impact of family structures and parental involvement on juvenile conduct.
- Evaluation of existing secondary school environments in the context of high-risk populations.
- Development of policy recommendations to reduce school-based violence and improve student protection.
Excerpt from the Book
Introduction
According to a definition provided by the World Health Organization, violence is: “The intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, or against a group or community that either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, mal-development or deprivation”.
Crime is defined as behaviour which is in violation of the law. It is behaviour which is punishable by law, though not necessarily punished (Braithwaite, 1979). In turn, violent crime has been defined as any act which causes a physical or a psychological wound or damage and which is against the law (Vederschueren, 1996, cited in Moser 2002).
Delinquency, or juvenile crime, means crime committed by people who have not yet attained adulthood. The Pan American Health Organization (1994) and the World Health Organization define adolescence as the period between 10 and 19 years of age, and youth as the period between 15 and 24 years. The World Bank defines “at risk youth” as those who face environmental, social and family condition that hinder their personal development and their successful integration into the economy and the society. Juvenile delinquency in its simplest term refers to the antisocial or illegal behavior by children or adolescents. A Juvenile Delinquent is one who repeatedly commits crime.
Summary of Chapters
Aims: Defines the research intent to analyze the experiences of students in high-risk schools and explore the dynamics of youth crime.
Objectives/Purpose of the Study: Outlines the goal to investigate root causes of school violence and develop actionable policy recommendations.
Statement of the Problem: Addresses the national concern regarding rising criminal behavior within the secondary school population in Trinidad and Tobago.
Introduction: Provides foundational definitions of violence, crime, and delinquency as established by international organizations and scholars.
Theoretical Explanations: Examines sociological theories—such as Strain and Control theory—used to explain juvenile delinquent behavior.
Literature Review/Previous research on delinquency: Reviews existing studies on the causal links between social factors and youth delinquency in Caribbean and global contexts.
Conclusion: Summarizes the necessity of integrating theoretical research and real-life data to address the complex phenomenon of school violence.
Reference/ Bibliography: Lists the academic sources and literature consulted for this research proposal.
Keywords
School Violence, Delinquency, Trinidad, Youth Crime, Strain Theory, Social Control, Socio-economic Status, Race, Gender, Family Background, Juvenile Justice, Secondary Education, At-risk Youth, Criminology, Public Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The work primarily investigates the extent, forms, and root causes of violence and delinquency among students in high-risk secondary schools in Trinidad.
Which central thematic areas are covered?
Key themes include the impact of poverty, race, gender, family dynamics, and limited employment opportunities on adolescent criminal behavior.
What is the main research objective?
The objective is to understand student experiences of violence and to formulate effective policies and recommendations to reduce crime in secondary school settings.
Which scientific methods are discussed?
The research relies on a comprehensive literature review and the application of sociological frameworks, such as Strain Theory and Social Control Theory, to analyze delinquency.
What topics does the main body address?
The main body examines various theoretical explanations of crime and reviews past empirical research regarding juvenile delinquency in both Caribbean and global contexts.
What are the characterizing keywords of this study?
Key terms include school violence, delinquency, socio-economic status, strain theory, and youth policy development.
How does the study define 'at-risk youth'?
The study refers to the World Bank definition, identifying at-risk youth as those facing environmental, social, and family conditions that hinder their personal and economic development.
What role does family structure play in the findings?
The literature reviewed suggests that fragmented family structures and parental job constraints are significant variables influencing the propensity for delinquent behavior in youth.
- Quote paper
- BSc, MSc Stacy Ramdhan (Author), 2010, A study of the extent and forms of school violence and delinquency, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/175784
