Juvenile Deviant Behavior in an Immigrant Bangladeshi Community: Exploring the Nature and Contributing Factors

Abstract

This article utilizes the findings from a qualitative field work conducted in an immigrant Bangladeshi community in New York City to understand the nature of juvenile deviant and/or delinquent behavior as well as factors that contribute to this behavior. Although the data indicate that Bangladeshi juveniles are not involved in any serious law violations, community members perceive several risk factors that may lead juveniles in this immigrant community to be involved in delinquent behavior. This article also identifies the protective factors that are grounded in the community's cultural values that may work as a shield against youth becoming delinquent in this community.