Criminality among Rural Youth
Abstract
In general, the term “youth” designates a phase of life that falls between childhood and maturity and is characterized by social, psychological, and physical shifts. In the modern world, investigating a few rural areas shows the youth’s behaviors regarding anti-social activities. This article aims to discuss the relationship between rural youth and criminality in the Sri Lankan context. Also, the objectives of this secondary data-based research are to investigate the nature of criminal activities among rural youth, analyze factors that contribute to criminal behaviors in rural settings, identify prevention and intervention strategies to minimize criminal activities, and promote awareness and education among the rural youth to address the root causes of criminal behaviors in rural areas. The methodology involved systematically reviewing and synthesizing available literature from diverse sources, including academic journals, books, and reputable online repositories. The research results and the discussion have shown the main criminal activities of rural areas, which were assaults against individuals and properties, environmental crimes, agricultural crimes, substance abuse, etc. Because of a lack of education, a lack of resources in rural areas, and the collapse of family institutions, youth have been involved in criminality. Then, youth have done these anti-social behaviors based on mainly sociological factors. Therefore, actions should be taken to prevent anti-social behaviors through awareness programmes, focus on education, provide opportunities to be involved in the job market, and maintain partnerships with the government and NGOs.
