Role of Subculture in Provoking Violent Behaviour among Youth: A Qualitative Inquiry in a Vocational Training Institution in Sri Lanka

Violence can be a result of drifting away from conventional society to subcultures of delinquency. Little is known about the role of subcultures in developing violence in tertiary educational institutions. A qualitative study was conducted to explore the role of subculture in provoking violence among the youth of a vocational training institution in Sri Lanka’s Central Province. Six focus group discussions with 54 students (31 females and 23 males) and 07 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with staff members were conducted until data saturation was reached. Data analysis was conducted using the thematic analysis method. Three themes emerged from data concerning the role of subculture in provoking violence. They were (a) Acceptance, (b) Pressure, and (c) Power. Subculture-associated violence was accepted by the participants, including victims. Students perceived it as their responsibility to continue forms of violence associated with subculture, such as ragging, and passed their traumatic experiences on to their juniors. Students reported pressure from seniors to conform to the subculture, which affected their psychological well-being and academic activities. Reporting violence in the subculture was suppressed by senior students, hindering the violence prevention efforts. Findings revealed power in terms of seniority, gender, and sense of belongingness. Senior students claimed more power in terms of control, and using violence to maintain status and respect as seniors was prominent among students. Violence was closely associated with masculinity, and male students perceived more power than female students in their day-to-day activities and decision-making. Students from local areas of residence felt a sense of belongingness and perceived more power compared to other students from faraway places. Findings showed that the subculture in the college played a significant role in provoking violent behaviour among students. The evidence from this study contributes to youth educational institutions to view violence through a subcultural lens and take necessary actions.