Rural Urban Youth Delinquency in Zimbabwe, the Nexus

Abstract

Zimbabwe's urban areas have been experiencing an alarming increase in violence and crime compared to the rural areas. This study explored the motivation for youth violence and crime in both rural and urban areas. Qualitatively, it compares youth-inflicted violence in the rural, Chikomba and Guruve against the urban areas, Seke urban, and Borrowdale, between 2000 and 2016. Eighty participants were drawn from a cross-section of the population. Theoretical underpinnings of the argument are derived from implicit theories held by the generality of Zimbabweans with regards to rural and urban youth. Data were collected from literature spanning from 1980-2016. Latent content analysis was employed to analyze data. The study established that while there is crime and violence in the two settings, the gravity and nature varies according to influences like poverty levels, level and rate of development, literacy levels, and motivating incentives from the third parties among others.