CONTEMPORARY CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS OF YOUTH DRUG ABUSE IN GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

This study investigated the contributory factors of drug abuse among youths and other juvenile delinquencies in Gauteng. The study made use of purposefully selected respondents from the South African Police Service and Juvenile secure care centres located across Gauteng. While primary data were obtained from the respondents through survey instrument, secondary data were extracted from statistical reports and documents made available from various centres. Among others, socio economic condition; familial structure and relationship; familial problems; community and neighbourhood context; parenting style; noncompletion of education; gender; race and age of juvenile were identified as background factors that contribute to drug abuse. The findings of this study corroborate various theoretical foreground of differential opportunity, strain, differential association, and social disorganisation where deviant behaviour is intricately linked with socio economic conditions, social interaction with deviant groups and fast changes in industrialization and urbanization.

Keywords

• Social Problems, Delinquency, Drug Abuse, South Africa