Factors Affecting Criminal Behavior of Afghan Youth: A Case Study of Kabul Province Afghanistan

Abstract

One of Afghanistan's primary challenges is its high rate of criminal activities. The alarming rise in the number of crimes committed across the country is becoming a matter of great concern. It is popular to relate criminal activities with the poor physical, psychological, social and economic situation of the impoverished part of the population. The most prominent factors contributing to youth criminal behavior in Afghanistan are the country's high levels of poverty, unemployment, and corruption. Keeping all of these facts in mind, the major objective of this study was to analyze the factors affecting youth criminal behavior in Kabul, Afghanistan. In this study quantitative research approach was used. Field surveys were the primary method for collecting the data. A multistage random sampling technique was used for collecting the data.  Firstly, two districts were chosen at random from central Kabul. The Kabul Children's Reform and Education Center was a deliberate choice for the second stage. the third stage involved selecting a sample size of 300 responders in a way that was purposeful. A questionnaire was designed as a data collection instrument, and collected data was analyzed using version 25 of the SPSS program. According to the findings of the survey, the majority of the respondents who were involved in criminal activities were between the ages of 21 and 25, and they were married. Univariate analysis revealed that, the primary factors contributing to youth criminal behavior include poverty, unemployment, lack of socializing and peer pressure. Bivariate analysis revealed that youth unemployment and excessive use of social media were factors that contributed to criminal activities. Hence, this study suggested that government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should work together to raise awareness and foster youth empowerment in order to ensure that individuals have the skills and knowledge necessary to engage in the job market and become productive members of society.