Influence of Peer Pressure on Deviant Behaviors among Male Prisoners in Kiambu County

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of peer pressure on deviant behaviours among male prisoners in Kiambu County. The study was anchored on three theories namely: Deprivation Theory, Social Control Theory and Importation Theory. Descriptive research design was used to guide the study. Purposive sampling was used to select 283 prisoners in Kiambu County who had been in jail for more than 15 years and 6 prison superintendent officers. Data was collected using questionnaires and later tested to ensure that the responses are valid and reliable. It was established that lack of social affiliations within prison led to more harm to prisoners. The finding showed that, peer associates had a great influence on the lifestyle of their members and that guidance and counselling helped in reducing criminal activities in prison. In prison, peer pressure was a dominant cause of deviant behaviour. Peer pressure was a strong denominator among the determinants of adulthood crime. Deviant peers accepted and accommodated each other. Opinions of other inmates encouraged the prisoners to participate in deviant behaviours. Accessibility of drugs and alcohol from peers led to criminal activities and that that peers in prison helped in socialization with codes to adopt. Lastly, it was established that it was difficult to restrain from opinions of their group peers while in the prison. It was concluded that lack of social affiliations within prison led to more harm to prisoners and peer associates had a great role to play in members’ lifestyle. It was recommended that the authority should ensure that social affiliations are available within prison to reduce more harm to prisoners. Peer associates need to be of good influence as their lifestyles have a great impact on its members.