NCJ Number
140334
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1992) Pages: 329-352
Date Published
1992
Length
24 pages
Annotation
The cultural and structural factors that explain the extent of juvenile delinquency in the Arab Republic of Egypt are discussed; the statistical incidence of delinquency in Egypt is compared to other countries, including the U.S.
Abstract
The extremely low rate of juvenile delinquency is Egypt is generally attributed to three primary factors: 1) an orthodox, religion-based value system in which Islamic institutions wield control over daily activities; 2) a closely-knit family and community structure; and 3) a progressive juvenile justice system that views delinquency as a social phenomenon rather than a criminal endeavor. The statistical data presented here illustrate the frequency of delinquent and predelinquent activity in rural, urban, and desert contexts. The most common category of Egyptian delinquent offenses is property crimes and the least common is violent offenses. The author examines the causes of delinquency in terms of social control, strain, and relative deprivation theories. The most serious aspects of deviance emerged during the period of economic opening and modernization that occurred during the 1970's. 2 tables, 1 note, and 38 references