What They Do? A Portrait of the Risks Taken by Young Offenders

• In Event: Ethno Cultural Characteristics, Risky Behaviors and Mental Health Problems: A Comparison Between Street Gang and Non-Street Gang Young Offenders

Abstract

The prevalence of risky behaviors among young offenders is important and these behaviors can lead to harmful consequences, both for the person and society. Several researchers argue that various risky behaviors are indicators of a same propensity to deviate from established rules. Moreover, it appears that within deviant peer groups such as street gangs, these behaviors are valued. This paper proposes a comparative portrait of Montreal's young offenders associated or not with gangs in terms of their risky behaviors. The risky behaviors measured in the study are delinquency, alcohol and drug consumption, sexual behaviors and driving habits. Results suggest that risky behaviors are very common among young offenders interviewed no matter whether they identified as a gang member or not. However, gang members seem more inclined than other young offenders to experience all types of risky behaviors measured in the study and when they do, those risks are more serious. Moreover, gang members are slightly more likely to report an addiction and harmful use of alcohol. As in previous studies, the present results show that risk-taking in young offenders is worrying and even more so for those who identify as gang members.

Authors

• Catherine Pineau-Villeneuve, University of Montreal

• Catherine Laurier, University of Montreal

• Jean-Pierre Guay, University of Montreal