AbstractsLaw & Legal Studies

The development of anti-social behaviour in Pacific youth

by Jioji J. Ravulo




Institution: University of Western Sydney
Department:
Degree: Doctor of Cultural
Year: 0
Keywords: Pacific Islanders; children of minorities; youth; legal status, laws, etc.; services for; social life and customs; juvenile justice, administration of; juvenile delinquency; New South Wales
Record ID: 1068092
Full text PDF: http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/487737


Abstract

You’re not different until someone treats you that way. It is with this reflection in mind that the research completed across the doctoral candidature concentrates on working effectively with diversity from socio-economic, socio-cultural, and the socio-political realm in an Australian context. An examination of how this then impacts across levels in various systems, including statutory and non government agencies, reveals ongoing deficits in responsiveness and competency. Individual needs are being neglected, whilst the opportunities to personally develop skills that enable class mobility, development of positive self-identity, and overall resiliency in negotiating an appropriate outcome are limited. Young offenders are treated differently predominantly as marginalised members of the community, with many social and welfare issues that perpetuate their cycle of disadvantage and negative contact with the legal system. It is within these differences, when contrasted against social risk and protective factors, that the ability to move beyond such problems becomes more of a challenge, than a reality. Pacific youth are treated differently as members of a communally-oriented ethnic population, noted for their lack of engagement with teachers, aggressive behaviours across the community, and damaging consumption of alcohol in public places. How they compare differently with other cultural groups may provide evidence that assists in understanding whether cultural elements deter pro-social behaviour, or a lack of connectivity amongst educators, law enforcers, and family. The ability to treat the needs of young offenders should be approached in a collaborative manner, catering for the range of diverse needs through a holistic psychosocial case management model. By recognising existing strengths, and reviewing solutions across 13 life domains, young Pacific offenders are provided with pathways away from anti-social behaviour. As a community composed of individuals and organisations, we ought to interact and treat differences in a manner that encourages strategic responses conducive to positive change. The development of individual, community and organisational capacity across these three specific areas is an important process of promoting movement for the betterment of those involved. Equitable change can occur through systems that encourage a responsiveness to diversity as part of a process that assists individuals in feeling included. Overall, the interest for embarking on this research was sparked by the quest to demonstrate to and give marginalised and minority youth a voice and platform to be represented in a manner that hopefully provides insight into shared experiences. This research explores the need for innovative thinking to resolve ongoing social, welfare, economic, psychological, physical, mental and emotional needs, while illustrating how these differences, when acknowledged and appreciated, can be used to create positive change. Doctor of Cultural Research (D.C.R.)