Abstract:
The rising cases of delinquency among male
teenagers is a feedback of sorts that the family system that is the
nurturing context of children has failed to effectively protect the
teenagers against negative influences. The scenario, has brought
the nurturing role of parents into sharp focus. The purpose of
this study was to establish the influence of the parenting styles
on male juvenile delinquency at the Kamiti Youth Correction
and Training Center (KYCTC), which is within Kiambu
County, Kenya. The study was guided by Baumrind’s parenting
styles theory which categorizes parenting styles on the basis of
responsiveness and demandingness in the parenting role. The
study used purposive sampling method and simple random
technique to select a sample of 68 males aged between 15 and 18
years from a target population of 120 delinquents at the
KYCTC. The study used the ex post facto design. In this design
data was collected through interviews, Focus Group Discussions
(FGD) and self-administered questionnaire. Quantitative data
collected through questionnaires was analyzed through
descriptive statistics with the help of SPSS version 25.0 and
qualitative data collected through in-depth interviews and focus
group discussions was analyzed through thematic analysis. The
findings of the study indicated that authoritarian parenting style
(42%) and permissive parenting style (29.4%) posed the greatest
danger to the development of juvenile delinquency. On the other
hand, authoritative parenting style (8.8%) posed the least
danger to the development of juvenile delinquency. Presentation
of data was done through tables, graphs and thematic
descriptions of respondent’s statements. The findings point to
the critical role the parenting style plays in the development or
prevention of juvenile delinquency. Strengthening of the
parenting role, coordination with other key influencers
including teachers, Government Departments such as the
Children’s Department and the Correctional Services,
Rehabilitation Centers run by religious organizations and
government rehabilitation programs such as KYCTC, can make
a difference if each plays their critical role.