MINORS DELINQUENCY IN ALBANIA: REVIEWING SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY RISK FACTORS THROUGH THE SOCIAL CONTROL THEORY

Abstract

These last ten years, Albania is experiencing one of most challenging phenomena of the post-communist period, juvenile delinquency. According to the official statistical reports and recent studies related to this phenomena, it seems that the number of minors involved in crimes and is alarmingly growing. Along with the inadequate measures adapted by the responsible state institutions, it reflects the inability of the Albanian family, school and community to act as a network in preventing this problem. The demographic movements, the economical and political transition, the changing of family roles and functions, the inefficiency of school to adapt to the growing needs of Albanian minors and to the labor market, the weak social sensibility and influence of the community; these all influence in the outgrow of antisocial behaviors of Albanian minors. The Social Control Theory serves as a filter in analyzing some of the social and community risk factors-within the social contexts of the Albanian society- that are contributing in the increased of juvenile delinquency.