Grupptryckets & kamratinflytandets roll i ungdomsbrottslighet Om tidigare kriminellas erfarenheter av brottslighet under ungdomstiden.

Abstract

The present qualitative research aims to study the role of peer pressure- and influence in juvenile delinquency and what measures are seen as relevant to work against it. A total of five interviews were made with former male criminals to investigate their experience of peer pressure- & influence during their adolescence (15-20 years old). Theories such as conformity, Sutherland’s differential association, Sykes and Matza’s neutralization techniques and Jack Katz sneaky thrills were used to analyse the following result. Results revealed that peer pressure- and influence from mainly criminal peers, but also parents in one case had a prominent role in contributing to delinquent behavior. Findings indicated that peers tended to encourage and normalise criminal acts as well as promote a proactive attitude towards crime. Further, signs of willingness to conform and indirect consequences for not following the group's behavior such as isolation were also identified. Lastly the respondents named prevention measures, for example leisure activities as ways to combat peer groups negative influences on today’s youth.