BEYOND THE SURFACE: AN IN-DEPTH SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY ON ADOLESCENCE IN PERUMBAKKAM RESETTLEMENT COLONY

Abstract

Eviction and resettlement of slums become inevitable as part of urban planning and governance. Families residing in slums inside the city limits have been moved to the city's outskirts to "clean up" Chennai and make room for new construction. The fact that such relocation has turned into a haven for violence and disobedience is one of the unexpected effects. This research dives into the life of teenagers dwelling in the Perumbakkam Resettlement Colony in Chennai, emphasising understanding adolescents' deviant behaviour through a sociological lens. Additionally, the research aims to identify potential interventions to enhance their well-being and suggest an ideal resettlement plan. The findings show that it was not a wise decision to put multiple slums together within a confined space. The improper infrastructural facilities and lack of social control pose extreme threats to the thin ice that Perumbakkam is on. Therefore, it is high time to intervene Government’s policy decisions for Perumbakkam and bring in necessary changes for the welfare of Adolescents who are the future working class.