Criminal Justice

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Browsing Criminal Justice by Subject "Juvenile delinquency"

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    Juvenile delinquency among secondary school children with reference to the influence of the family : a socio-criminological study
    (1994) Mqadi, Langalibalele Prince; Potgieter, P.J.; Sibaya, P.T.
    The study aims at studying and analyzing juvenile delinquency among secondary school children in Kwa-Zulu and the influence of the family thereupon. Through the use of a self-report survey the study seeks to establish the following - * sex and age differences with regard to juvenile delinquency; * family influence on juvenile delinquency by analyzing differences in family structure, family size and family economics; * the relationship between age, family controls and self-reported delinquency; and * nature and extent of juvenile delinquency through self-report data thereby bridging the gap between what is officially known and otherwise hidden forms of delinquency. Research techniques employed in the study include the following:-* * Literature study through which approaches to juvenile delinquency by other researchers were reviewed. * A self administered questionnaire consisting of personal particulars, family data and a delinquency check-list. * Sampling techniques through which three secondary schools and 560 respondents were selected. * Statistical techniques to test reliabi1ity of the measurement instrument and thirteen formulated hypothesis. The findings of the study indicate the following:- (a) Significant differences between male and female respondents with reference to self-reported delinquency. (b) Insignificant differences among age-group categories and delinquency; but positive relationship between age and juvenile delinquency. (c) Insignificant differences between family structure, family size, parental economic activities and juvenile delinquency. (d) Significant differences in the application of family controls in respect of male and female respondents and those from intact and broken families. This is, however, not the case with age-groups, family sizes and mother's economic activity. (e) The hypothesis relating to the relationship between family control and delinquency, in respect of family religiousness and parental discipline is supported. However a partial support with regard to parental supervision and affection is observed. The following recommendations are put forward:- (a) The family as a primary socialization unit be empowered by removing all factors that may contribute to family tensions, for example, unemployment and other related social pathologies. (b) The school is a secondary socialization agent, be revitalized. This can be achieved by means of upgrading the curricula and encouragement of close cooperation between the parents and the teachers. (c) The church and recreational facilities be used to improve the welfare of Black families by linking leisure activities to the youths' interests. The study succeeds in revealing the existence of "hidden" delinquency among Black secondary school children and important relationships between family and juvenile delinquency.
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    Juvenile delinquency among secondary school pupils in the Mthatha District of Education: a self-report survey
    (2008) Zenzile, Enoch; Potgieter, P.J.; Zondi, C.Z.; Ras, J.M.
    The self-report survey study conducted in Mthatha District of Education (Eastern Cape) revealed interesting results pertaining to juvenile delinquency. The study concerns itself with a sample of 451 respondents randomly selected from seven secondary schools. The main aim of this exploratory study was to uncover the root causes of juvenile delinquency in the most rural and semi-urban areas of the Eastern Cape. The survey was carried out through a pre-coded questionnaire, administered to Grade 10, 11, and 12 pupils with the assistance of the educators at the identified schools during spare periods in class. It transpires that female (263 or 58.3%) respondents are the most dominant gender group in the sample. Results indicate that they are more or less outnumbering their male counterparts with regard to many cross-correlated delinquent acts, for example dagga smoking, dealing in dagga with the aim of earning extra income, scratching of teachers’ motor car, etc. Considering the age category, a large number of respondents is within the age of 17 years. The statistical results reveal that 114 of the respondents between 16-17 years have written mean things on school desks in the past twelve months. It also transpires that 132 (29.3%) respondents in the same age group have objected once to three times against the disciplinary measures employed by their mothers or significant other people. Furthermore, it is noticeable that the majority of the respondents come from intact families. The study reveals that over half of the respondents indicated that both their parents are economically inactive. It also transpires that the majority of families have three to four and five to six children to care for. Based on the statistic outcome it has been postulated that mothers play a more significant role in the socialisation process. Considering the area of residence it appears that Mqanduli respondents slightly outnumbered Mthatha respondents in most delinquent acts cross-correlated in the study. The statistical results also reveal that 134 Mqanduli respondents compared to 93 Mthatha respondents bought liquor in the past twelve months without the knowledge of their parents.