Johansson, Pernilla

Abstract [en]

The aim of this quantitative study was to identify risk factors that could cause or produce criminal behaviour among offenders under the age of 18 in East London, South Africa. This research looks into risk factors such as individual- home environment and neighbourhood factors. A non-probability sample of 80 young people within the age range of 12-18 answered a standardized self-administered questionnaire while attending a compulsory pre-trial assessment with probation officers at the Magistrate’s court in East London. The individual factors behind delinquency were evidently gender based, a majority was males and between 16-18 years. Other risk factors were related to family structure or family functioning and the living standard of the household. The participants own explanations for committing the crime were connected to individual factors such as: influenced by friends, influenced by alcohol, bored and had nothing to do.