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 how children grow up and how they cope with daily life. Risk factors
do not mean a child will offend, but they increase the chances of aggressive, violent,
criminal or disruptive behaviour when many of them occur together (CMY2603 Study
Guide, 2020; Maree, 2018:82; Hillege et al, 2017). It is also important to remember that
many young people face the same pressures and still do not offend, especially when
strong protective factors are present, such as supportive adults, school commitment and
prosocial friends (Maree, 2018:83). This discussion focuses on five risk factors that are
commonly linked to youth misbehaviour in South Africa and explains how each one can
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.
, 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 how children grow up and how they cope with daily life. Risk
factors do not mean a child will offend, but they increase the chances of aggressive,
violent, criminal or disruptive behaviour when many of them occur together
(CMY2603 Study Guide, 2020; Maree, 2018:82; Hillege et al, 2017). It is also
important to remember that many young people face the same pressures and still do
not offend, especially when strong protective factors are present, such as supportive
adults, school commitment and prosocial friends (Maree, 2018:83). This discussion
focuses on five risk factors that are commonly linked to youth misbehaviour in South
Africa and explains how each one can contribute to harmful behaviour, with brief
local examples (CMY2603 Study Guide, 2020; Maree, 2018).
2. Risk factor 1: Poverty, inequality and relative deprivation
2.1 How it contributes to misbehaviour
Economic inequality and relative deprivation can create frustration, resentment and a
sense of exclusion, especially when young people compare their lives to those who
appear to have more (Maree, 2018:94). When a child experiences ongoing financial
strain, it can lower self esteem and increase feelings of shame or inferiority, which
may increase anger and risk taking (Maree, 2018:88). In some cases, this pressure
pushes young people towards theft, robbery or joining groups that promise money
and status, because crime begins to look like a quick route to respect and survival
(CMY2603 Study Guide, 2020; Maree, 2018:94).
2.2 South African example
In many low income communities, young people may see expensive clothes,
cellphones and cars as signs of success, yet their families cannot meet basic needs.
A teenager who feels deprived may start stealing from shops or targeting commuters
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 how children grow up and how they cope with daily life. Risk factors
do not mean a child will offend, but they increase the chances of aggressive, violent,
criminal or disruptive behaviour when many of them occur together (CMY2603 Study
Guide, 2020; Maree, 2018:82; Hillege et al, 2017). It is also important to remember that
many young people face the same pressures and still do not offend, especially when
strong protective factors are present, such as supportive adults, school commitment and
prosocial friends (Maree, 2018:83). This discussion focuses on five risk factors that are
commonly linked to youth misbehaviour in South Africa and explains how each one can
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.
, 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 how children grow up and how they cope with daily life. Risk
factors do not mean a child will offend, but they increase the chances of aggressive,
violent, criminal or disruptive behaviour when many of them occur together
(CMY2603 Study Guide, 2020; Maree, 2018:82; Hillege et al, 2017). It is also
important to remember that many young people face the same pressures and still do
not offend, especially when strong protective factors are present, such as supportive
adults, school commitment and prosocial friends (Maree, 2018:83). This discussion
focuses on five risk factors that are commonly linked to youth misbehaviour in South
Africa and explains how each one can contribute to harmful behaviour, with brief
local examples (CMY2603 Study Guide, 2020; Maree, 2018).
2. Risk factor 1: Poverty, inequality and relative deprivation
2.1 How it contributes to misbehaviour
Economic inequality and relative deprivation can create frustration, resentment and a
sense of exclusion, especially when young people compare their lives to those who
appear to have more (Maree, 2018:94). When a child experiences ongoing financial
strain, it can lower self esteem and increase feelings of shame or inferiority, which
may increase anger and risk taking (Maree, 2018:88). In some cases, this pressure
pushes young people towards theft, robbery or joining groups that promise money
and status, because crime begins to look like a quick route to respect and survival
(CMY2603 Study Guide, 2020; Maree, 2018:94).
2.2 South African example
In many low income communities, young people may see expensive clothes,
cellphones and cars as signs of success, yet their families cannot meet basic needs.
A teenager who feels deprived may start stealing from shops or targeting commuters
