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

Yıl 2017, Cilt: 9 Sayı: 1, 170 - 185, 01.02.2017

Mashego A. Maupa Emeka E. Obioha

Öz

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.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Social Problems, Delinquency, Drug Abuse, South Africa