Abstract

• The major objective of this study was to investigate the effect of poverty on the delinquent character and behavioral development of children in Myanmar. To achieve this objective, the present research looked into the effects of three primary themes that were highly associated with poverty and were known to increase crime: miserable family conditions, school failure, and affiliation with deviant peers. From the Thanlyin Juvenile Training School in the Yangon region, 17 juvenile offenders between the ages of 13 and 17 were chosen using the purposive maximum variation sampling technique. We used a variety of qualitative data collection methods, including in-depth case interviews, observation, and document analysis. The data collected were interpreted using a thematic content analysis. Results showed a high correlation between children's delinquent character and behavioral development and three primary themes that poverty enhances crime. It has been discovered that poverty can cause serious financial difficulties, family stress and suffering, strained parent-child relationships, family conflict, parental divorce, school failure, and association with undesirable people, all of which can be harmful to children. The findings from this study will help understand the real-life experiences of juvenile offenders, particularly those who are suffering from extreme deprivation. The insight gained from this study is anticipated to help implement prevention and intervention programs for juvenile delinquent behavior in Myanmar.