PATTERNS OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY: AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF STREET CHILDREN IN DISTRICT SOUTH KARACHI

Abstract

This paper to identify the patterns of delinquency among street children associated factors in District South Karachi. A quantitative study was conducted using a self-developed questionnaire for face-to-face interview to collect primary data from a sample of 72 street children. The study examined various patterns contributing to delinquent behavior among street children within the local context.

This targets the patterns of delinquency among street children in District South Karachi, chosen due to the lack of previous research, and the rising ratio of street children. A strict adherence to ethical principles was maintained, including getting verbal consent, maintaining participant confidentially, allowing withdrawal at any moment, and conducting interviews in a polite and friendly manner on voluntarily basis.

The findings revealed that the largest proportion of respondents (34.7%) was aged 13-15 years, with 58.3% identifying as male. In terms of education, 27.8% had a Primary school qualification, while 27.7% had no formal education. A significant 62.5% faced challenges in accessing education, primarily due to financial difficulties (55.6%). Regarding their activities, 30.6% engaged in begging, and 15.3% were involved in illegal activities.

Family backgrounds indicated that 41.7% of respondents had jobless fathers, and 34.7% reported family incomes between 16,000 and 25,000 PKR. Most respondents (58.3%) had 4-5 family members. Notably, 41.7% left home due to poverty, with 34.7% indicating they left at ages 11-13. The majority (98.6%) had skills before leaving home, with cooking skills being the most common (21.4%).