Socio-economic and environmental perceptions and impacts of violence and crime in residential areas in

Durban, South Africa.

E. C. Perry

Published 2006

Geography

Violence and crime are amongst the most difficult of the many challenges facing South Africa. There is
widespread concern in all segments of society about persistent and widespread violence and crime. The
central aim of the study is to critically examine the socioeconomic and environmental perceptions and
impacts of violence and crime in residential areas in Durban, South Africa, by utilizing specific case
studies. This study contributes to understanding the socio~economic and environmental perceptions of
crime and violence at the local level. The actual and perceived spatial distribution and understanding of
violence and crime Ron a critical focus of this study. This study adopts a multi-conceptual framework
(drawing from the psychological! behavioral perspective, political economy approach and rational
perspective of physical environment and crime) that coalesces several themes relating to crime and
violence including historical contexts, policy frameworks, stakeholder analyses, environmental aspects,
economic facets, distributional concerns as well as social and cultural d dimensions. The focus of the
study in teffilS of primary data collection was Durban. Within this area the specific residential localities
(from infoffilal settlements to upper income areas) were chosen from the lnnerwest sub-region. The four
specific communities/localities chosen to reflect the residential settlement type and socio-economic
differentiation prevalent in the area as well as to some extent the historical residential classification on
the basis of race. These localities are Westville (a historically White, upper income area), Reservoir Hills
(a historically Indian, middle income area), Cleffilont (a historically African, working class township) and
the Palmiet and New Germany Road unofficial settlements. The case studies reflect a cross-section of
experiences contrasting institutional dynamics as well as socio-economic and spatial contexts and
experiences. Both quantitative (questionnaire surveys) and qualitative (focus group discussions, key
informant interviews and ranking exercises) methods were employed to collect primary data from the
following stakeholders: residents, businesses, police, private security companies and community-based
organizations/community forums. The main findings of the research were that perceptions of safety and
security varied greatly depending on personal, socio-economic, and environmental spatial factors.
Gender, class and race emerged as key socio-economic aspects. Furthermore, violence and the threat of
violence severely constrain and influence the movements and options of people. Respondents
considered several areas within the communities, especially public spaces, to be unsafe. Respondents,
especially those who could afford to do so, used a range of security measures. This study shows that acts
of violence and crime need to be understood in their environmental contexts inclusive of the
10cationaUspatial, social, economic and political dimensions. An examination and greater understanding
of the socio-economic and spatial manifestations of crime and violence is paramount to develop safe
and secure environments. Collapse

researchspace.ukzn.ac.za

Save to Library.
Create Alert

Cite

Launch Research Feed

Share This Paper