CMY2603
Assignment 1
Semester 1
Due March 2026
, Question 1: Risk Factors Associated with Youth Misbehaviour in
South Africa
1. Poverty and Economic Deprivation
Living in chronic poverty limits access to basic needs, education, and opportunities,
which can instil feelings of hopelessness and resentment toward society. Youths may
perceive illegal or aggressive acts, such as theft, robbery, or gang membership, as
viable survival strategies or a way to gain status. In environments where resources are
scarce, violence can become a transactional tool to secure necessities.
Example: In informal settlements such as Alexandra, Gauteng, high youth
unemployment is linked to incidents of cable theft and violent muggings (Statistics
South Africa, 2025). Many youths join gangs, like the Alexandra 26s, not out of
ideology, but because gang activities provide income and a sense of belonging when
formal jobs are inaccessible (Matus & Nkosi, 2024). This shows a direct connection
between economic deprivation and engagement in criminal behaviour.
2. Parental Absence or Ineffective Parenting
Children who grow up without consistent supervision, emotional support, or guidance
struggle to develop self-control and conflict-resolution skills. Absence or poor parenting
exposes youths to impulsive and aggressive behaviours and increases susceptibility to
negative peer influence.
Example: In rural Eastern Cape, many children are raised by grandparents or older
siblings due to parental migration to urban areas (Department of Social Development,
2023). Research in the Chris Hani District found that youths from such households were
3.2 times more likely to engage in school violence or stock theft, as they lacked non-
violent discipline models and structured routines (Sithole, 2024). This highlights how
ineffective parenting directly contributes to aggressive and disruptive behaviour.
Assignment 1
Semester 1
Due March 2026
, Question 1: Risk Factors Associated with Youth Misbehaviour in
South Africa
1. Poverty and Economic Deprivation
Living in chronic poverty limits access to basic needs, education, and opportunities,
which can instil feelings of hopelessness and resentment toward society. Youths may
perceive illegal or aggressive acts, such as theft, robbery, or gang membership, as
viable survival strategies or a way to gain status. In environments where resources are
scarce, violence can become a transactional tool to secure necessities.
Example: In informal settlements such as Alexandra, Gauteng, high youth
unemployment is linked to incidents of cable theft and violent muggings (Statistics
South Africa, 2025). Many youths join gangs, like the Alexandra 26s, not out of
ideology, but because gang activities provide income and a sense of belonging when
formal jobs are inaccessible (Matus & Nkosi, 2024). This shows a direct connection
between economic deprivation and engagement in criminal behaviour.
2. Parental Absence or Ineffective Parenting
Children who grow up without consistent supervision, emotional support, or guidance
struggle to develop self-control and conflict-resolution skills. Absence or poor parenting
exposes youths to impulsive and aggressive behaviours and increases susceptibility to
negative peer influence.
Example: In rural Eastern Cape, many children are raised by grandparents or older
siblings due to parental migration to urban areas (Department of Social Development,
2023). Research in the Chris Hani District found that youths from such households were
3.2 times more likely to engage in school violence or stock theft, as they lacked non-
violent discipline models and structured routines (Sithole, 2024). This highlights how
ineffective parenting directly contributes to aggressive and disruptive behaviour.
