CMY2603
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: March 2026
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+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.
Varsity Cube 2026 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: March 2026
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+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.
Varsity Cube 2026 +27 81 278 3372
