Chinese youths in Canada commit crimes and join gangs to achieve a sense of belonging in a prejudiced society, according to a study that sheds light on the experiences of young Chinese Canadians in conflict with the law.
The study, by researchers Kwok Siu-ming and Dora Tam of King's University College at the University of Western Ontario, found ethnic Chinese youths were subject to 'a pattern of systemic discrimination', starting from their schools and on through the courts.
'Because of discrimination, they have a strong sense of unfairness or injustice against society,' Dr Kwok said. 'If the society gives up on them, [they feel] 'Why do I have to contribute back to society?''
Major Canadian cities, such as Vancouver and Toronto, are hubs of Asian organised crime, including human trafficking, drug smuggling, counterfeiting and loan-sharking, according to the country's Criminal Intelligence Service.
Yet despite increasing public concern over gang fights and crime among Asian youths, Dr Kwok and Dr Tam found there was little research done to identify their pathways to delinquency.
To help fill the gap, the two assistant professors of social work have spent the past two years interviewing 56 ethnic-Chinese young offenders and their parents in Toronto and Vancouver.