NCJ Number
129214
Date Published
1990
Length
34 pages
Annotation
This chapter explores the phenomenon of "faction fighting" in the South African townships of Umlazi and KwaMashu.
Abstract
"Faction fighting" involves violence among groups holding competing ideologies, aims, and interests. It is becoming an increasing problem in the two townships examined and creates social instability, disorganization, and fear. This examination of faction fighting obtained data from the available literature and from indepth interviews with various persons, including ex-participants, surviving victims, township residents, and senior citizens. To explain the phenomenon of faction fighting, various relevant theories are discussed, including group conflict theory, subculture of violence, and Miller's theory of lower class culture. All of these constructs have some relevance in explaining the causes of faction fighting. Group conflict theory explains the dynamics of competitiveness between groups, and the subculture-of-violence theory explains the readiness of groups to use violence to establish power and solve problems. Miller's theory of lower class culture holds that the lower class cycle of exhausting, repetitive work followed by bursts of release, relief, and excitement lends itself to risk taking and violent behaviors. In Umlazi and KwaMashu there have been recent efforts to establish dialogue between the leader of Ikatha and UDF/COSATU, two of the major waring groups in the townships. 2 tables and 27 references