Criminality among Youth and Recidivism

The study is based on primary data gathered about young offenders residing in Ernakulum district of Kerala between the age group of 18-35. The study aims to reveal the causes of crime as well as the recidivist tendencies among youth. Based on the data generated, the authors focus on a. socio-economic factors; b. psychological factors; and c. experience of first time offenders inside the prisons, to argue that among other things, prisonisation and social groupings inside prison contribute to recidivism. It concludes with a few recommendations on addressing these concerns.