Sense of Community as A Risk and/or Protective Factor Associated with Criminal Behavior Among Young People in the Simón Bolívar Neighborhood, Pamplona Municipality

The present study recognizes a sense of community as a quality of people who are part of a human group, in which they perceive themselves in similarity and interdependence with others and are part of a community. Therefore, the objective is to establish a sense of community as a risk or protective factor for delinquent behavior among youth and adolescents in the Simón Bolívar neighborhood of the municipality of Pamplona. This study understands that while its multicausality must be explored in depth to determine the actions to promote or eliminate in order to improve the risk level of a community that may be more vulnerable to the impact of such factors. To this end, a qualitative research approach and phenomenological design were conducted, using a focus group, in-depth interviews, and social mapping with key informants. The triangulation of these factors allowed us to reveal the presence of risk and protective factors. The results showed that elements of belonging, identity, and support networks are key to maintaining protective factors, such as the recognition of recreational and activity spaces, coordination with state programs and policies, and churches as channels for well-being strategies; while their absence, the loss of teamwork, and the prevalence of drug dealing establishments, among others, can increase the risk of criminal behavior in young people.