The purpose of this study is to analyze the dynamic interactions between the various factors,
such as family, school, society, and peer group, affecting school drop-out. For this purpose,
semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 adolescents and 7 teachers from short-term
and long-term shelters, women's shelter, youth shelter, and alternative school located in the
metropolitan area. A metaphor of 'power struggle' was used for explaining conflicts and tensions
between protective factors and risk factors affecting on school drop-out.
The results of this study are that family, school, and social factors appeared to have both of
protective and risk influences, but delinquent friend factors affected negatively. First, in terms of
family factor, ‘instruction, understanding, and providing an alternative’ were protective factors. On
the other hand, ‘neglect and give-up’ were risk factors of indifference. And ‘family disorganization,
inter- family conflict, and violence’ were found as risk factors of push. Second, in terms of school
factor, ‘consulting, warning and advise, and to acknowledge attendance' were protective factors.
On the other hand, ‘neglect of drop-out and lack of out-of-school life guide’ were risk factors of
indifference. And ‘class alienation, conflicts with friends, conflicts with teachers, discipline, and
crop in the school' were risk factors of push. Third, in terms of social factor, ‘the protection,
understanding, a professional consultation, and supporting to study and employment’ were
protective factors. On the other hand, ‘stigma, to eliminate work activities, and exposure to
dangerous situations’ were risk factors of push. Fourth, delinquent friend factors were strong risk
factors, caused runaways, drop-out, and social deviant.