Tangled Threads: Investigating Child Criminality, Social Equity, and Disrupted Families

Abstract

This article delves into the intricate relationship between social justice, child criminality, and fragmented families. It explores how societal inequalities, limited opportunities, and disrupted families contribute to juvenile involvement in crime, aiming to shed light on solutions from a social justice perspective. Juveniles in the criminal justice system often hail from disadvantaged backgrounds with disrupted families. This study aims to dissect these connections and suggest strategies for breaking cycles of criminal behavior and family breakdown. Through qualitative interviews with juveniles engaged in criminal activities due to family disruption, this research captures nuanced narratives and unveils the intricate ties between family turmoil and criminal conduct. This study's significance lies in its potential to inform both academia and policy. By understanding the dynamics between social justice, child criminality, and fractured families, it offers insights for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers, contributing to equitable societies that prioritize children's rights.