Exploring juvenile delinquency : unravelling the dynamics of influence on the Gozitan Island

Abstract

This dissertation sought to explore the phenomenon of juvenile delinquency within the small tight-knit community of Gozo, the second largest island within the Maltese archipelago. Through a qualitative lens, it investigated dynamics of influence located in Gozo, in particular the role of labelling, societal judgement, and the influence of social institutions in shaping young individuals’ behaviours. This study examined on how labels, such as generationally inherited family nicknames, may influence deviant identities and how they may undermine rehabilitation and reintegration. To achieve these aims, this study adopted a qualitative research approach that used in-person semi-structured interviews with four professionals working in diverse fields closely related to the to the topic under scrutiny, each offering unique and diverse perspectives and insights into the multi-faceted phenomenon of juvenile delinquency in Gozo. The data collected was analysed via thematic analysis, which yielded multiple key themes revolving around the contributing factors that trigger juvenile delinquency in Gozo, such as family dysfunction, substance abuse, peer influence, digital misconduct, and inadequate educational engagement. The findings mainly focused on the notion of how labelling affects and triggers juvenile delinquency. While the findings emphasize labelling as a central contributor to juvenile delinquency, they also reveal a broader web of familial, institutional, and cultural influences. This study contributes to the under-researched context of Gozitan youth, offering practical insights and culturally-sensitive approaches that are ideally suited to address juvenile delinquency on the island.