Juvenile Delinquency: Its Causes and Effects

The aim of the study was to find out the circumstances that led inmates of two correctional facilities for young offenders into behaviours considered criminal and the effect it has had on them and the society they lived in. The study hypothesized that; peer association and family situation will influence delinquency and that delinquency did not have a significant effect on the future (schooling) of the juveniles affected. Fifty-seven (57) inmates of two Junior Correctional Centres in Accra were conveniently selected to respond to a structured questionnaire. Juveniles attributed the causes of their delinquent behaviours to their own initiatives, family situations, spiritual influences and peer association. Peer pressure was found to influence adolescent behaviour formation. Implications of juveniles’ incarceration and parental role in guiding adolescent children are discussed. Keywords: delinquency, juvenile, causes, peer association. DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/88-24 Publication date: August 31st 201

Psychological wellbeing in diaspora space : a study of African economic migrants in Hong Kong. Asian Ethnicity

Abstract:African migrants in Hong Kong and the rest of Greater China are often confronted with numerous social and economic constraints which complicate their lives. Extant studies have not adequately examined how these challenges affect the psychological wellbeing of Hong Kong’s African economic migrants specifically. Using a qualitative research design underpinned by the concept of diaspora space, this article discusses the social aspects of psychological wellbeing among African economic migrants in Hong Kong. Specifically, it shows how the attitudes of local Hong Kongers ( 本地人) towards African economic migrants affect the psychological distress experienced by these African migrants. These attitudes influence the psychological distress in three non-exclusive ways, namely confusion (identity as black people) of personal and social identity; perceived discrimination; and difficulty in forming lasting relationships with the locals. The findings are discussed within the broader discourse of diasporic migration and wellbeing