The state and prevention of juvenile delinquency in Zhytomyr region during the years of "perestroika" (1985-1991)

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to analyze the state and preventive measures of juvenile delinquency in the Zhytomyr region during the years of "perestroika" (1985-1991), and analyze their effectiveness; and the impact of reform processes on the youth’s consciousness.

The research methodology includes the use of methods of analysis and synthesis, comparative and statistical methods (in the analysis of the state of juvenile delinquency in this region); and historical (in assessing social problems and trends of the "perestroika" period). The principles of scientificity, historicism, and objectivity were used to comprehensively and impartially analyze the problem in the specific historical dimension of the named period.

The scientific novelty of the study lies in the fact that for the first time an attempt was made to comprehensively analyze the problem of juvenile delinquency in the Zhytomyr region during the "perestroika" years, preventive measures of state authorities aimed at their prevention; new archival sources were introduced into scientific circulation to reveal the topic of the study.

Research results. The state of juvenile delinquency in the Zhytomyr region in the second half of the 1980s - early 1990s was analyzed. The impact of the "perestroika" policy on the social sphere and public consciousness was characterized. Preventive measures aimed at preventing juvenile delinquency in this region were highlighted. Problems and shortcomings in the implementation of these measures by the Commissions for Juvenile Affairs and other authorities were identified.

Archival documents were introduced into scientific circulation, helping to analyze the minors’ social problems in the Zhytomyr region and their reaction to the processes of reforming Soviet society during the years of "perestroika".

Conclusions. The policy of "perestroika" revealed a number of problems of the society in the Ukrainian SSR, led to significant changes in the social sphere, and the citizens’ consciousness. One of the consequences of this was an increase in the number of offenses committed by minors. Students became a kind of indicator of changes in society.

In the Zhytomyr region, the number of crimes committed by minors increased. The situation was difficult both in the city of Zhytomyr and in the districts of the region. There was a tendency to increase offenses while intoxicated.

The authorities noted the insufficient work of the relevant institutions with juvenile offenders. The resolutions were repeated from year to year, but the problem was poorly solved.

The activities of the relevant state institutions and public organizations did not develop clarity and interaction in the issues of identifying and accounting for juvenile delinquents.

In the future, further research requires studying the public mood of the population in the Zhytomyr region in the second half of the 1980s - early 1990s.