The impact of youth gang violence on the educational attainment of male high school learners in Khayelitsha

Abstract

This article draws on a study which explored youth gang violence amongst male high school learners in Khayelitsha. A qualitative research design and a snowball sampling were applied. A semi-structured interview schedule was used to conduct in-depth face-to-face individual interviews. The study found that most learners start engaging in gang activities between the ages of 12 and 14 years. The respondents wanted the gang violence to end because it interfered with their educational attainment. Respondents also perceived the community to be consciously and unconsciously promoting youth gang violence. Recommendations are proposed regarding the management of youth gang violence.

Keywords

• Youth gang violence
• educational attainment
• gang membership
• gang membership benefits
• effects of gang membership
• community involvement with youth gangs