A sociological investigation into the effects of unemployment on the rate of crime in South Africa, with specific reference to the province of KwaZulu-Natal
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Date
2003
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Abstract
This study investigates the effects of unemployment on the rate of crime in South Africa with specific reference to KwaZulu-Nata! Province. In assessing the major impact of unemployment on the rate of crime, the work of key thinkers such as, Durkheim, Merton, Marx and Keynesian classical theories, had a tremendous influence in this research. Other theories used are considered as contributory to this study.
The hypotheses that were formulated for statistical testing revealed that unemployment contribute greatly to the high rate of crime in South Africa. This research also showed that the low level of education is responsible for the high rate of unemployment, and bears a direct relationship with the high rate of crime. Furthermore, this research showed that the minimum wage legislation by government contribute to the high rate of unemployment.
fn the light of the above findings, the study recommends the following.- the co-ordinated effort and assistance of the diverse organizations such as prisons, business, trade unions, welfare agencies, schools and religious institutions in combatting the problem O' crime. This study also recommends a need for a strong relationship between the anti-crime programme and the Reconstruction and Development Programme. There is also a need for educational programmes aimed at reducing vulnerability to crime in South Africa. Furthermore, it is recommended that, rural areas in particular, be prioritized for special job creation projects and skills development programmes. Finally, a Parscnian analysis of our findings revealed 3 need for the integration and co-operation between the two social structures - the Ministry of Labour and the Department of Correctional Services units, which have earlier been highlighted by sociologists as the functional aspect of the social structure that keeps the social system stable.
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Submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the subject Sociology at the University of Zululand, 2003.
Keywords
Unemployment and crime--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal.