CMY2603
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 Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +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.
2.3 South African example
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
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 Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +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.
2.3 South African example
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
