The Proclivity of Juvenile Crime in Fatherless Homes: an Urban Perspective

Abstract

The proclivity of criminal intent among juvenile offenders in fatherless homes is a currentissue in the United States. The concern of juveniles raised in fatherless homes is directlyrelated to this at-risk population being more prone to committing criminal acts. However,there is limited research on juveniles in fatherless homes committing violent offenses. Thepurpose of this project was to conduct a qualitative systematic literature review to answer thefollowing research questions: Why does fatherlessness result in criminality among juvenileoffenders? and What factors have been identified as leading to criminality among fatherlessjuvenile offenders? Project findings showed a relationship between fatherless homes andcriminal intent in juvenile offenders. The findings indicated that children in fatherless homesare more likely to commit crimes and have cognitive, socioemotional, and attachment issues.The project outcomes may help other researchers, community leaders, and educators to reviseand adopt new programs for juveniles in fatherless homes. The findings may also help toinform further research on the proclivity of crime among juveniles in fatherless homes.