CMY2603 EXAM PACK
2025
QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
FOR ASSISTANCE CONTACT
EMAIL:
, lOMoARcPSD|31863004
Question 1.
In the given case study, several family variables contribute to the risk of Michael coming
into conflict with the law. These variables can be explained using concepts from the field
of criminology and family studies, as well as examples from the South African context.
The following are some of the variables family variables:
Parental Supervision and Involvement.
Limited parental supervision due to Ms. Thompson's long working hours can expose
Michael to the risk of conflict with the law. Research consistently shows that
adolescents with inadequate parental supervision are more likely to engage in
delinquent behavior and criminal activities. Without proper guidance and oversight,
Michael might be tempted to join peer groups that could encourage risky behavior,
including involvement in criminal activities.
An example is due to Ms. Thompson's demanding work schedule; Michael spends a
significant amount of time unsupervised after school. In the absence of responsible
adult figures, he might be drawn into interactions with peers who engage in criminal
behavior, increasing his likelihood of getting involved in delinquency.
Family Structure and Absentee Parent.
Michael's father's absence for most of the year can contribute to his risk of conflict with
the law. Research suggests that children from single-parent households are more
vulnerable to delinquency due to the lack of positive male role models and reduced
parental control. The father's criminal record further compounds this risk, as it might
normalize criminal behavior in Michael's perception.
For example, the absence of Michael's father coupled with his criminal record might
create an environment where Michael perceives criminal activities as more acceptable
or normal. Without proper guidance and discipline from both parents, he could be more
susceptible to engaging in unlawful behavior.
Family Conflict and Dysfunctional Relationships.
, lOMoARcPSD|31863004
The conflicts between Michael's grandparents, particularly the grandfather's tendency to
engage in conflict, can create an atmosphere of tension and instability at home. High
levels of family conflict and discord are associated with increased risk of delinquency
among adolescents. Constant exposure to conflict and a lack of harmonious
relationships can contribute to emotional distress, leading Michael to seek solace in
negative peer influences or deviant behavior.
An example is Michael's exposure to frequent conflicts between his grandparents may
cause emotional stress and negatively impact his mental well-being. In search of
support and belonging, he might turn to peers who share similar backgrounds, which
could potentially lead to engagement in criminal activities.
Economic Strain and Limited Opportunities.
Mrs. Thompson's low-paying job and the family's socio-economic strain contribute to the
risk of conflict with the law for Michael. Poverty and limited access to opportunities can
drive young people towards criminal behavior as a means of survival or material gain.
The lack of resources, coupled with exposure to peers involved in criminal activities, can
make Michael susceptible to making poor choices.
An example is that the family's socio-economic challenges might limit Michael's access
to quality education and extracurricular activities. This lack of engagement and positive
outlets can create a void that criminal influences might fill. As a result, he could resort to
delinquent behavior in pursuit of material gains.
In conclusion, Michael's exposure to limited parental supervision, family conflict, absent
parental role models, and economic strain are family variables that increase his
vulnerability to coming into conflict with the law. These factors interact and contribute to
a complex web of influences that might shape his choices and behavior, underscoring
the importance of holistic interventions to address his risk of involvement in criminal
activities.
Question 2.
, lOMoARcPSD|31863004
Parenting styles play a crucial role in shaping a child's behavior, development, and risk
of engaging in misbehavior or delinquent activities. The four broad categories of
parenting styles are authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful. This essay
seeks to analyze each parenting style and then assess which styles Michael is most
likely exposed to based on the case study:
Authoritative Parenting.
This style is characterized by high levels of warmth and responsiveness from parents
along with reasonable levels of control and discipline. Parents set clear expectations
and rules, while also allowing for open communication and autonomy.
Authoritarian Parenting.
In this style, parents emphasize strict rules, discipline, and obedience. They tend to be
less nurturing and more controlling. Authoritarian parents may use punishment as a
means of control, and they might not be as open to dialogue or flexibility.
Permissive Parenting.
Permissive parents are lenient and indulgent, allowing their children a high degree of
autonomy. They may avoid setting strict rules or boundaries and are often very
responsive to their children's wants and desires.
Neglectful Parenting.
Neglectful parents are characterized by their lack of involvement and attention to their
children's needs. They provide minimal guidance, supervision, and emotional support.
Based on the case study, it seems that Michael is most likely exposed to a combination
of parenting styles:
Permissive Parenting - Given Ms. Thompson's long working hours and limited parental
supervision, there is a possibility that she might adopt a more permissive approach to
parenting. This could be due to the challenges of balancing her job and caregiving
responsibilities, leading her to grant Michael a significant amount of autonomy and
freedom.
2025
QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
FOR ASSISTANCE CONTACT
EMAIL:
, lOMoARcPSD|31863004
Question 1.
In the given case study, several family variables contribute to the risk of Michael coming
into conflict with the law. These variables can be explained using concepts from the field
of criminology and family studies, as well as examples from the South African context.
The following are some of the variables family variables:
Parental Supervision and Involvement.
Limited parental supervision due to Ms. Thompson's long working hours can expose
Michael to the risk of conflict with the law. Research consistently shows that
adolescents with inadequate parental supervision are more likely to engage in
delinquent behavior and criminal activities. Without proper guidance and oversight,
Michael might be tempted to join peer groups that could encourage risky behavior,
including involvement in criminal activities.
An example is due to Ms. Thompson's demanding work schedule; Michael spends a
significant amount of time unsupervised after school. In the absence of responsible
adult figures, he might be drawn into interactions with peers who engage in criminal
behavior, increasing his likelihood of getting involved in delinquency.
Family Structure and Absentee Parent.
Michael's father's absence for most of the year can contribute to his risk of conflict with
the law. Research suggests that children from single-parent households are more
vulnerable to delinquency due to the lack of positive male role models and reduced
parental control. The father's criminal record further compounds this risk, as it might
normalize criminal behavior in Michael's perception.
For example, the absence of Michael's father coupled with his criminal record might
create an environment where Michael perceives criminal activities as more acceptable
or normal. Without proper guidance and discipline from both parents, he could be more
susceptible to engaging in unlawful behavior.
Family Conflict and Dysfunctional Relationships.
, lOMoARcPSD|31863004
The conflicts between Michael's grandparents, particularly the grandfather's tendency to
engage in conflict, can create an atmosphere of tension and instability at home. High
levels of family conflict and discord are associated with increased risk of delinquency
among adolescents. Constant exposure to conflict and a lack of harmonious
relationships can contribute to emotional distress, leading Michael to seek solace in
negative peer influences or deviant behavior.
An example is Michael's exposure to frequent conflicts between his grandparents may
cause emotional stress and negatively impact his mental well-being. In search of
support and belonging, he might turn to peers who share similar backgrounds, which
could potentially lead to engagement in criminal activities.
Economic Strain and Limited Opportunities.
Mrs. Thompson's low-paying job and the family's socio-economic strain contribute to the
risk of conflict with the law for Michael. Poverty and limited access to opportunities can
drive young people towards criminal behavior as a means of survival or material gain.
The lack of resources, coupled with exposure to peers involved in criminal activities, can
make Michael susceptible to making poor choices.
An example is that the family's socio-economic challenges might limit Michael's access
to quality education and extracurricular activities. This lack of engagement and positive
outlets can create a void that criminal influences might fill. As a result, he could resort to
delinquent behavior in pursuit of material gains.
In conclusion, Michael's exposure to limited parental supervision, family conflict, absent
parental role models, and economic strain are family variables that increase his
vulnerability to coming into conflict with the law. These factors interact and contribute to
a complex web of influences that might shape his choices and behavior, underscoring
the importance of holistic interventions to address his risk of involvement in criminal
activities.
Question 2.
, lOMoARcPSD|31863004
Parenting styles play a crucial role in shaping a child's behavior, development, and risk
of engaging in misbehavior or delinquent activities. The four broad categories of
parenting styles are authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful. This essay
seeks to analyze each parenting style and then assess which styles Michael is most
likely exposed to based on the case study:
Authoritative Parenting.
This style is characterized by high levels of warmth and responsiveness from parents
along with reasonable levels of control and discipline. Parents set clear expectations
and rules, while also allowing for open communication and autonomy.
Authoritarian Parenting.
In this style, parents emphasize strict rules, discipline, and obedience. They tend to be
less nurturing and more controlling. Authoritarian parents may use punishment as a
means of control, and they might not be as open to dialogue or flexibility.
Permissive Parenting.
Permissive parents are lenient and indulgent, allowing their children a high degree of
autonomy. They may avoid setting strict rules or boundaries and are often very
responsive to their children's wants and desires.
Neglectful Parenting.
Neglectful parents are characterized by their lack of involvement and attention to their
children's needs. They provide minimal guidance, supervision, and emotional support.
Based on the case study, it seems that Michael is most likely exposed to a combination
of parenting styles:
Permissive Parenting - Given Ms. Thompson's long working hours and limited parental
supervision, there is a possibility that she might adopt a more permissive approach to
parenting. This could be due to the challenges of balancing her job and caregiving
responsibilities, leading her to grant Michael a significant amount of autonomy and
freedom.
