Vandalism Roots among Juveniles and Youths in Public Spaces of City (Case Study: Amol City)

Urbanism in third world and developing countries compared to that of developed countries has been increased with much more speed. From consequences of the population increase and accelerated growth of population in cities, reference can be lead to many problems such as increase of unemployment rate, housing problems, social anomalies, increase in crime and delinquency. Vandalism in public spaces is from among undesirable social phenomena in most of the cities in the country, followed by serious damages. The research has been necessary to be performed as for identifying the roots of vandalism among juveniles and youths between 13 to 34 years of age. The research is an analytical descriptive study; and, data have been collected through questionnaire. Statistical population of the research in 2016 included 13 to 34 years old juveniles and youths in Amol City (271169 individuals). Through usage made of Cochran’s method, 400 juveniles and youths from among them have been selected as sample size to fill the questionnaire through simple random sampling method. To analyze data, independent t-test and path analysis have been applied. According to the findings there is significant relationship between contextual variables, socio-economic status, cultural status, environmental factors and vandalism among juveniles and youths. As a result, taking action in the socio-economic, cultural, and environmental fields can be resulted in reduction of damages caused by vandalism.