Youth violence and the changing African family in an urban township : the case of Umlazi.

Abstract

My interest in pursuing this study is based on the response to the frequent media reports with regard to antisocial behaviour in schools and a virtual breakdown of the moral fibre in society. There is a growing interest globally in the study of youth, especially because of the rise in anti social behaviour, with particular reference to crime and violence. Crime and violence being a cause for concern is also a subject of entertainment (films, novels), this is a reflection of the strong public interest they provoke. Crime and violence in South Africa understandably gives rise to anxiety and fear. Therefore it is important to gain perspective on the youths own perceptions of violence, crime and safety issues. This study is an attempt to analyse the changing nature of African youth in the township, with particular reference to Umlazi location. This thesis gives the details of youths and communities perception on the awareness of crime, perceptions of the level and degree of crime and violence and how these inform and influence people‘s feelings of safety. The objectives of this thesis are to answer questions relating to: * Individual and community perceptions of the level of crime in the community; * The role of the family in shaping and determining youth values and discipline; * The impact of the changing family and youth behaviour; * The perceptions of ordinary people, of the level of anti social behaviour.