Vandalism and the Youth

Vandalism is one of deviations of the modern society caused by rapid social changes, the growth of anomie, growing desires of humans, and their frustration at failing to satisfy such desires. Sociologically, vandalism is defined as the malicious behavior involving deliberate destruction of, or damage to, public or private property. This survey aimed to study the social factors affecting vandalism. The statistical population consisted of youth aged 15-20 in Lordegan, Iran. A total of 360 were enrolled as the sample using the Morgan table. Multistage cluster sampling was employed. Data were collected using the (Javaher Chian, Master thesis in sociology, 2013) Standard Questionnaire. Data were then analyzed using the descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression method. Findings showed that use of mass media, association with offenders, and alienation had a positive, significant relationship with the dependent variable. Social bond, however, had an inverse, significant relationship with the dependent variable. The results of multiple regression method showed that, in total, independent variables explained 21.6% of dependent variable variance.