Criminological Analysis of the Determinants of Juvenile Delinquency: a Methodology for Identifying Causes, Contributing Conditions, and an Early Prevention System in the Republic of Uzbekistan

Abstrak

Juvenile delinquency is a multidimensional social and legal phenomenon shaped by the interaction of individual, family, educational, community, and broader social factors. In Uzbekistan, the transformation of the social environment, rapid digitalization, and the ongoing modernization of the crime prevention system require a more systematic approach to the identification of factors associated with juvenile offending. This study aims to examine the criminological determinants of juvenile delinquency in Uzbekistan, distinguish between causes and contributing conditions, and develop a conceptual framework for early preventive intervention. The study employs a qualitative descriptive library research design based on the analysis of criminological, legal, psychological, sociological, and policy literature, together with relevant legislation and official materials concerning crime prevention and the Mahalla Seven system. The collected materials were examined through thematic and content analysis, focusing on individual, family, educational, community, and digital determinants of juvenile delinquency. The analysis demonstrates that juvenile offending should not be attributed to a single factor; rather, it emerges from the interaction between individual vulnerabilities and adverse social environments. Particular attention should therefore be given to early identification of family dysfunction, school disengagement, peer influence, digital risks, and deficiencies in community-based preventive mechanisms. The study further highlights the potential of the Mahalla Seven as a community-level platform for coordinated early prevention. The article proposes strengthening interagency information exchange, improving professional training for prevention personnel, developing individualized risk assessment, and expanding restorative and resocialization-oriented interventions. The findings provide a conceptual and practical basis for improving early juvenile crime prevention in Uzbekistan.