Theorizing the Problem: Using Social Disorganization to Explain Crime in Violence in South African Townships

• In Event: Poster Session II

Abstract

Crime and violence is one of the most pressing contemporary problems in South Africa. Recent South African Government statistics suggest that homicide, sexual assault, and burglary are the most prominent crimes to take place in this country. Media accounts and limited scholarly research suggest that these crimes tend to take place in South African townships. Given this reality, many South Africans are citing high rates of crime and violence as a motivation to migrate to other countries. Despite this, there appears to be a lack of discourse in the criminological literature in terms of explaining crime and violence in this country. In this paper, we will draw on Social Disorganization Theory to provide a theoretical explanation for the high rates of crime and violence in these areas of South Africa. In addition, this paper will also provide policy implications based on the tenets of Social Disorganization Theory to address crime and violence in South African townships.

Author

• Claire Murtha, Arcadia University