Child Suicide Bomber Indoctrination Criminology Analysis

Based on what she shares, what principles from the various Criminological theories do you see as applicable to her findings?

From the video a number of principles from criminological theories. For one, the most egregious is what Ms. Obaid-Chinoy terms, “The Blackout of Information.” Here, children are not allowed to read any counterarguments or relevant news sources outside of what they are told and given. As a result, many of these children are conditioned to act in a certain manner without regard to other alternatives. This underpins criminology theory as many criminals often believe their behavior was the only method in which to items they desire. Another principle is that of economic insecurity. Here, a low socio-economic status is what often allows these children to enter the school to begin with due to the promise of basic necessities such as food or water. Socio-economic standing is a large principle that also underpins criminal behavior as it provides the catalyst to commit the crime.

It can be argued that there are elements of Strain Theory, Differential Association Theory, and Social Control theories at play in the development of these children into suicide bombers. Do you see this? Explain.

Yes, each of these elements are used to turn children into suicide bombers. Strain theory was used as many of the child bombers where recruited from poor and rural areas. Here, parents where promised food and shelter in exchange for sending their children to school. Likewise, families due to their poor circumstances are often unable to get their children back. Differential Association Theory was used as children learned criminal behaviors such as suicide bombing through teachings at the school. These teachers where further developed by severely limiting the ability of other children to learn alternatives to the criminal behavior being taught. Finally social control theory was used to provide a sense of “glory” by engaging in suicide bombing activity. Here, these children are conditioned to believe they will be welcomed as hero’s by engaging in this behavior (Abufarha, 2009).

Are there any other theoretical elements represented here?

Other theoretical issues are related keeping these children ignorant towards the reality of the world. For example, Ms. Obaid-Chinoy noted that the Taliban heavily used misleading propaganda to distort the overall belief system of the children. She also noted how the Taliban also used religion as a means to further add credibility and a sense of righteousness to their criminal behaviors. This form of credibility and propaganda ultimately helped to reinforce the conviction of children and their criminal behavior.