CMY3702
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: March 2026
QUESTION 1
RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH YOUTH MISBEHAVIOUR IN SOUTH AFRICA
1. INTRODUCTION
Youth misbehaviour and youth crime in South Africa are often linked to wider social
pressures that shape children’s daily lives. These pressures include poverty, violence,
unstable family life, negative peer influence and unsafe school environments. Risk factors
do not excuse harmful behaviour, but they help us understand why some children are more
vulnerable to aggressive, disruptive or criminal conduct than others (CMY2603 Study Guide,
2020; Maree, 2018). Research also shows that youth offending is rarely caused by one
factor alone. It is usually a combination of factors that builds risk over time (Hillege et al.,
2017; Maree, 2018). This discussion explains five risk factors and shows, with short South
African examples, how each factor can contribute to violent, aggressive, criminal or
disruptive behaviour among children and youths.
2. RISK FACTOR 1: POVERTY AND ECONOMIC STRAIN
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
QUESTION 1
RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH YOUTH MISBEHAVIOUR IN SOUTH
AFRICA
1. INTRODUCTION
Youth misbehaviour and youth crime in South Africa are often linked to wider social
pressures that shape children’s daily lives. These pressures include poverty,
violence, unstable family life, negative peer influence and unsafe school
environments. Risk factors do not excuse harmful behaviour, but they help us
understand why some children are more vulnerable to aggressive, disruptive or
criminal conduct than others (CMY2603 Study Guide, 2020; Maree, 2018). Research
also shows that youth offending is rarely caused by one factor alone. It is usually a
combination of factors that builds risk over time (Hillege et al., 2017; Maree, 2018).
This discussion explains five risk factors and shows, with short South African
examples, how each factor can contribute to violent, aggressive, criminal or
disruptive behaviour among children and youths.
2. RISK FACTOR 1: POVERTY AND ECONOMIC STRAIN
2.1 What the risk factor means
Poverty and economic strain refer to living conditions where families struggle to meet
basic needs such as food, transport, school materials and safe housing. Economic
inequality and feelings of relative deprivation can increase frustration and
resentment, especially when young people compare their situation with those who
have more (Maree, 2018).
2.2 How it can lead to youth misbehaviour
When a household is under financial pressure, stress levels rise and conflict at home
often increases. Children may experience shame, low self-esteem and a weak sense
of belonging. Overcrowded living conditions can also reduce privacy and
supervision, pushing children into the streets where risky peer groups operate
(Maree, 2018). Poverty can also create strong pressure to obtain money through
theft, robbery, drug dealing or joining gangs that promise income and protection.
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: March 2026
QUESTION 1
RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH YOUTH MISBEHAVIOUR IN SOUTH AFRICA
1. INTRODUCTION
Youth misbehaviour and youth crime in South Africa are often linked to wider social
pressures that shape children’s daily lives. These pressures include poverty, violence,
unstable family life, negative peer influence and unsafe school environments. Risk factors
do not excuse harmful behaviour, but they help us understand why some children are more
vulnerable to aggressive, disruptive or criminal conduct than others (CMY2603 Study Guide,
2020; Maree, 2018). Research also shows that youth offending is rarely caused by one
factor alone. It is usually a combination of factors that builds risk over time (Hillege et al.,
2017; Maree, 2018). This discussion explains five risk factors and shows, with short South
African examples, how each factor can contribute to violent, aggressive, criminal or
disruptive behaviour among children and youths.
2. RISK FACTOR 1: POVERTY AND ECONOMIC STRAIN
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
QUESTION 1
RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH YOUTH MISBEHAVIOUR IN SOUTH
AFRICA
1. INTRODUCTION
Youth misbehaviour and youth crime in South Africa are often linked to wider social
pressures that shape children’s daily lives. These pressures include poverty,
violence, unstable family life, negative peer influence and unsafe school
environments. Risk factors do not excuse harmful behaviour, but they help us
understand why some children are more vulnerable to aggressive, disruptive or
criminal conduct than others (CMY2603 Study Guide, 2020; Maree, 2018). Research
also shows that youth offending is rarely caused by one factor alone. It is usually a
combination of factors that builds risk over time (Hillege et al., 2017; Maree, 2018).
This discussion explains five risk factors and shows, with short South African
examples, how each factor can contribute to violent, aggressive, criminal or
disruptive behaviour among children and youths.
2. RISK FACTOR 1: POVERTY AND ECONOMIC STRAIN
2.1 What the risk factor means
Poverty and economic strain refer to living conditions where families struggle to meet
basic needs such as food, transport, school materials and safe housing. Economic
inequality and feelings of relative deprivation can increase frustration and
resentment, especially when young people compare their situation with those who
have more (Maree, 2018).
2.2 How it can lead to youth misbehaviour
When a household is under financial pressure, stress levels rise and conflict at home
often increases. Children may experience shame, low self-esteem and a weak sense
of belonging. Overcrowded living conditions can also reduce privacy and
supervision, pushing children into the streets where risky peer groups operate
(Maree, 2018). Poverty can also create strong pressure to obtain money through
theft, robbery, drug dealing or joining gangs that promise income and protection.
