SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF YOUTH DEVIANT BEHAVIOR: A QUANTITATIVE STUDY ON UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Abstract

The present study focuses on the deviant behavior which is a major problem among the young generation. Deviant behavior is increasing globally each passing year. Issue is seen in all societies but its extent of issue is bit higher in developing countries. To deal with deviant behavior among masses, different theories were developed to understand root causes of issue, such as social control theory, differential association theory, labelling theory, social ecological theory and so forth. The main aim of the current research is to figure out the main determinants. The conceptual framework consists of four major factors such as delinquent attitude, delinquent peer, and community disorder on deviant behavior. Hence, current research investigates the impact of delinquent attitude, delinquent peers, and community disorder on deviant behavior among the undergraduate students at University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Sindh. Study uses quantitative research method to measure impact of independent variables and dependent variable by using cross-sectional data which were 
collected from university students. Hypothetical relationships were measured through multi-regression on sample of 227 by using simple random sampling technique. Results reveal that there is no significant impact of delinquent attitude on deviant behavior while delinquent peer 
and community disorder were found positive and significant with deviant behavior. Therefore, out of three hypotheses, two were accepted while one rejected. Results proved that multiple factors of social environment provoke to nurture deviant behavior among youth.