Perceptions of community safety and social activity participation among youth in South Africa

Abstract

BackgroundCrime and violence causes massive disruptions to the health, survival and development of populations. In South Africa, incredibly high rates of crime and violence are noted. The country also has a very large youth population whose health, survival and development are key to economic growth. Among other efforts to encourage healthy youth development and the promotion of social activities such as sports, youth groups, choirs and so forth. This study examines the relationship between perceived community safety and the uptake of social activities among youth in South Africa.Data and methodsThis paper uses data from the National Youth Lifestyle Survey (2008) with an unweighted sample of 4,391 youth (age12-22 years old). Using chi-square and logistic regression analysis the association between perceived community safety and social activity participation are tested.FindingsThe results indicate that youth participation in social activities in South Africa is high (55% of males and 45% of females). Among males, the most prominent activity is sports (51.8%), while for females there is high participation in choir and singing groups (55.68%). More than 50% of males perceive their communities as risky while less than half of females feel the same. Male youth are more likely to participate in social activities if they perceive their communities as risky (OR = 1.04). Females (OR = 0.83), youth have a negative view of their future (OR = 0.43) are less likely to participate in social activities.ConclusionsThere exists an association between youth’s perception of community safety and their participation in social activities. Whether sports and groups are protective or enabling environments for youth from unsafe communities is moot. More in-depth research is needed on why youth participate in these clubs and groups to truly understand the role of social activities in South African societies.

“I Am Actually Sitting With Fear”: Narratives of Fear of Crime and Actual Victimization in the Western Cape Province, South Africa

“…As illustrated above, for four women in two separate programs—Brianna and Maryann (CBC) and Haley and Rachel (SBP), gangsterism does not encumber their participation in the respective programs. However, De Wet et al (2018) argue that “individuals who accept crime and violence as a norm are not likely to perceive their communities as risky, even if crime is high in these areas (p. 3).” Haley’s response is similar to Maryann’s response. They both try and ignore the violence that surrounds them so that it does not concern them personally.…”

“…Fear of crime can be defined as a universal diffidence about personal safety and a mental and emotional response to the risk of victimization (Russo et al, 2013). According to De Wet et al (2018), “perceived safety is a subjective measure which speaks to an individual’s state of mind including their fears and is partially based on their own experiences and that of others” (p. 3). Yet, while research on fear of crime and risk of victimization in high-income countries has been published at length, studies on the impact of these two perspectives on overall well-being among South African populations is scarce (Møller, 2005; Powdthavee, 2005).…”

Perceived neighborhood safety and exercise behavior among community dwellers in Gauteng, South Africa

“…South Africa has one the highest crime rates in the world which is regarded as a major roadblock for promotion of public health and for socioeconomic development at large. [ 1 ] Controlling crime rates has been one of the main priorities for government spending, nonetheless the situation has been worsening and according to some estimates, all types of crimes have increased since 2013. [ 1 ] The consequences of crime and violence can be broad and affect various aspects of physical, [ 2 , 3 ] and mental health [ 4 ] and social life.…”

“…[ 1 ] Controlling crime rates has been one of the main priorities for government spending, nonetheless the situation has been worsening and according to some estimates, all types of crimes have increased since 2013. [ 1 ] The consequences of crime and violence can be broad and affect various aspects of physical, [ 2 , 3 ] and mental health [ 4 ] and social life. [ 5 , 6 ] In addition to direct loss of life and disability, crime and violence can give rise to a situation characterized by general public fear [ 7 ] and erosion of social capital and impact key areas of social lives e.g.…”

“…A recently published study based on National Youth Lifestyle Survey (2008) on young (age 12–22 years old) South African sample reported a significant association between PNS and participation in social activities. [ 1 ] Also, South Africa has one of the highest crime rates globally. [ 21 ] With the wider availability of social and mass media technologies, transmission of information regarding the crime events have become instantaneous which not only allows the population to take precaution from potential danger, but have also contributed to the growth and spread of social mistrust and perceived lack of safety within communities.…”