Attitude, Level of Knowledge and Perceptions of Learners Regarding Crime in Society: The Thusa Bana Study

• NCJ Number: 217052
• Journal: Acta Criminologica Volume: 19 Issue: 1 Dated: 2006 Pages: 19-32
• Author(s): H. Strydom; C. Strydom
• Date Published: 2006
• Length: 14 pages
• Publication Format: Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: South Africa
• Note: To access the full text PDF: 1) select the provided link; 2) from the Acta Criminologica Web site, select "Table of Contents"; 3) select the corresponding Volume and Issue (see the NCJRS abstract record for the exact Volume and Issue); 4) scroll the Table of Contents to the exact article; and 5) click on the "full text" icon. Downloaded on January 23, 2007.

Annotation

This article reports on a multidisciplinary study called THUSA BANA (help to children in Tswana) in South Africa. The focus of the study is namely the social work response to the attitude, knowledge base, and perceptions of participants (young learners) regarding crime.

Abstract

The Transition, Health and Urbanization in South Africa study (THUSA) was undertaken between 1996 and 1999 with the focus on the effect of urbanization on the general health status of the African population. Highlights drawn from the questionnaire include: (1) crime affects every individual in all communities and 53 percent of respondents confirmed that they had encountered crime in one form or another; (2) crime has physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and economic consequences which traumatize people at various levels; (3) poverty, unemployment, inequality, and ignorance do indeed have a definite link with crime; (4) value systems and moral standards worldwide, but specifically in South Africa, are in jeopardy; and (5) although many people are critical of the police service, they are not prepared to become involved in crime prevention personally. Crime is one of the most serious problems facing South Africa. Research indicates that this can be related to the fact that South Africa has pro rata one of the largest prison populations in the world. South Africa is a poor country with millions of people living under the poverty line, and crime increases the financial burden of the country. This article reports on a section of the study which sought to gain insight into the attitudes, the level of knowledge, and the perceptions of learners between the ages of 10 and 15 in the North West Province regarding crime. References