THE NEXUS OF POVERTY AND DELINQUENCY: A CASE STUDY OF RAG PICKER COMMUNITIES

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between   poverty and delinquent behavior within rag picker communities. This research delves into the lives of five families whose members have been identified by law enforcement as engaging in delinquent activities by employing a qualitative study design. Researchers used the purposive sampling to select these families, specifically targeting those with police records, thus ensuring the focus of the study remained on the nexus of poverty and delinquency. In this study, researchers conducted in-depth interviews with the heads of five families to collect rich, &detailed information. The interviews focused on each family's socioeconomic situation, daily challenges, and family life, as well as the specific circumstances that led to their involvement in delinquent behavior. By examining these specific cases, the study provides a deeper understanding of how systemic poverty, social exclusion, and environmental factors combine to create a cycle of delinquency that is difficult for people in these marginalized communities to break. The findings highlight the lived experiences of a vulnerable population and emphasize the critical need for social programs that address the underlying causes of their behavior.