, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE TO ANSWER YOUR ASSIGNMENT
1. Discuss any five risk factors associated with youth misbehaviour in South Africa. For each
risk factor selected, explain how it can contribute to aggressive, violent, criminal, or disruptive
behaviour among children and youths, and provide a brief South African example to illustrate
the link.
Introduction
Youth misbehaviour, or juvenile delinquency, represents a significant societal issue in South Africa,
encompassing actions ranging from disruptive behaviour to serious criminal acts. South Africa's
youth make up a large portion of the population, yet they are disproportionately involved in both
victimisation and offending. Risk factors refer to conditions or characteristics that increase the
likelihood of a young person engaging in criminal or antisocial behaviours. These factors are often
interconnected and can originate from the family, school, and broader community settings
(Bezuidenhout, 2018).
1. Socio-economic Factors (Poverty and Unemployment)
How it contributes:
Economic hardship, often linked to poverty and unemployment, plays a critical role in youth
misbehaviour. Growing up in impoverished conditions can foster feelings of inferiority, leading to
poor self-esteem and frustration. In turn, this may drive young people to engage in criminal activities
as a means of survival or social validation. The high youth unemployment rate, especially in South
Africa, leaves many adolescents idle, increasing their likelihood of associating with peers who
engage in delinquent behaviour such as substance abuse or theft (CMY2603, 2019).
South African Example:
Many youth in underprivileged South African communities, particularly in townships, turn to petty
theft or drug trafficking as a means of generating income, often perceiving legitimate job
opportunities as unattainable (Bezuidenhout, 2018).
2. Family Variables (Incomplete Families and Lack of Supervision)
How it contributes:
The family serves as the primary socialising agent for youth, and the breakdown of family structures
is a significant risk factor for misbehaviour. Incomplete families—where children grow up without
adequate parental guidance—are often unable to provide the emotional support and discipline
necessary for positive development. This lack of supervision, particularly when parents work long
hours or are absent, increases the likelihood of youth becoming involved with deviant peers and
engaging in risky behaviours (CMY2603, 2019).
South African Example:
In South Africa, the prevalence of child-headed households, often due to the loss of parents to illness
or incarceration, has led to many children taking on adult responsibilities, sometimes resorting to
criminal activities such as theft or selling illicit goods to support their siblings (Bezuidenhout, 2018).
1. Discuss any five risk factors associated with youth misbehaviour in South Africa. For each
risk factor selected, explain how it can contribute to aggressive, violent, criminal, or disruptive
behaviour among children and youths, and provide a brief South African example to illustrate
the link.
Introduction
Youth misbehaviour, or juvenile delinquency, represents a significant societal issue in South Africa,
encompassing actions ranging from disruptive behaviour to serious criminal acts. South Africa's
youth make up a large portion of the population, yet they are disproportionately involved in both
victimisation and offending. Risk factors refer to conditions or characteristics that increase the
likelihood of a young person engaging in criminal or antisocial behaviours. These factors are often
interconnected and can originate from the family, school, and broader community settings
(Bezuidenhout, 2018).
1. Socio-economic Factors (Poverty and Unemployment)
How it contributes:
Economic hardship, often linked to poverty and unemployment, plays a critical role in youth
misbehaviour. Growing up in impoverished conditions can foster feelings of inferiority, leading to
poor self-esteem and frustration. In turn, this may drive young people to engage in criminal activities
as a means of survival or social validation. The high youth unemployment rate, especially in South
Africa, leaves many adolescents idle, increasing their likelihood of associating with peers who
engage in delinquent behaviour such as substance abuse or theft (CMY2603, 2019).
South African Example:
Many youth in underprivileged South African communities, particularly in townships, turn to petty
theft or drug trafficking as a means of generating income, often perceiving legitimate job
opportunities as unattainable (Bezuidenhout, 2018).
2. Family Variables (Incomplete Families and Lack of Supervision)
How it contributes:
The family serves as the primary socialising agent for youth, and the breakdown of family structures
is a significant risk factor for misbehaviour. Incomplete families—where children grow up without
adequate parental guidance—are often unable to provide the emotional support and discipline
necessary for positive development. This lack of supervision, particularly when parents work long
hours or are absent, increases the likelihood of youth becoming involved with deviant peers and
engaging in risky behaviours (CMY2603, 2019).
South African Example:
In South Africa, the prevalence of child-headed households, often due to the loss of parents to illness
or incarceration, has led to many children taking on adult responsibilities, sometimes resorting to
criminal activities such as theft or selling illicit goods to support their siblings (Bezuidenhout, 2018).
