Juvenile Delinquency: Survey and Self-Report Data (From Crime and Its Impact: A Study in a Black Metropolitan Area, P 238-301, 1990, J M Lotter, L B G Ndabandaba, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-129203)

• NCJ Number: 129209
• Author(s): L Glanz
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 64 pages
• Sale Source: South African Human Sciences Research Council
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: South Africa

Annotation

This study describes perceptions of the nature, extent, seriousness, and causes of juvenile delinquency as reported by a sample of adult residents of Umlazi and KwaMashu (South Africa); discusses the nature and extent of delinquent behavior as reported by youths in these communities; and identifies the sociodemographic and theoretical variables associated with high levels of reported delinquent behavior. Study results indicate that the majority of residents of Umlazi and KwaMashu consider juvenile delinquency to be a serious problem in their community. Residents differ in their views as to how the problem should be addressed and whether the current disciplinary measures are effective. The majority of respondents indicated that unemployment among youth was the single most important factor in the increase in juvenile delinquency. The self-report data indicate that a significant proportion of the youth of Umlazi and KwaMashu are involved in crime and misconduct. This study used regression analysis to test the ability of various theoretical variables to predict involvement in delinquent behavior. The variables that measure alienation proved to be successful predictors of involvement in juvenile delinquency, particularly among boys. The theoretical variables designed to measure exposure to delinquency in various contexts were also successful predictors of delinquent behavior, also particularly among boys. 14 tables and 63 references