Relationship between Patterns of Parental Cruelty and Juvenile Delinquency in the three Main Cities of Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah

A Field Study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between patterns of parental cruelty and juvenile delinquency in the three main cities of Saudi Arabia; Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah. The study adopted a social survey approach with a sample population of 150 Saudi males aged 15 and over 18 years.

The findings of the study indicate no substantial difference amongst respondents when variables such as age, school grades, number of family members, and type of accommodation are controlled, the last of which showed a statically significant difference in the case of Dammam.  Furthermore, the study also indicates a significant difference among respondents for variables relating to family structure such as family income and parents’ education level. The study also found no disparity for the causes for delinquents’ imprisonment for criminal activities.

The study further found statistically significant differences – at the level of .002 – of Juvenile respondents regarding the effects of patterns of parental cruelty. The strongest effect of parental cruelty was exhibited by the Juvenile delinquents situated in Riyadh.

Due to the limitations of this study, particularly its exclusive focus on male respondents, it strongly recommends further research in all regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia so that the results can be systematically assessed and properly generalised.