Abstract

Culture was investigated to explore its role in finding more effective programs for young offenders of different cultural backgrounds. The methodological framework developed by Dorothy E. Smith is employed as the main source that directed inquiry into the influence of culture on the everyday experiences of people. Hirschi's social control theory is used as a starting point for the investigation into culture. This was based on his claims that family bonding maintains conformity. This exploratory, qualitative study drew on a small sample of participants from the Portuguese community in Montreal. From these in-depth interviews several themes emerged that illuminate culture to be an important element that impacts the socialization process of individuals. The main pattern that surfaced as an indicator of cultural transmission was drawn from respondents' descriptions of the family. Patterns of behavior emerged around the following themes: gender roles, communication, discipline methods, surveillance, education, and social bonds. The identification of these patterns supports the argument that rehabilitation programs need to be adapted to the culture(s) of young offenders. Implications are outlined relating to an assessment of program compatibility to individual offenders (e.g. group vs. individual counseling, reward-based programs, degree of expression, level of program structure, and benefits within involvement in extra-curricular activities). Suggestions for further research are offered.