Social and economic emasculation as contributing factors to gangsterism on the Cape Flats
Date
2007
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology
Abstract
Gangsterism has been a part of the communities of the Cape Flats since the establishment
of these townships under apartheid laws such as the Group Areas Act
(1950) and its "twin partner", the Population Registration Act (1950). Gangsterism
is a systemic phenomenon, rooted in multiple socio-economic and political causes,
and it affects the lives of individuals, families and whole communities. This paper
looks at two very particular aspects that contribute to the formation and continued
existence of gangsterism, namely social and economic emasculation. A gender perspective
provides a different angle that may broaden our understanding of gang
formation in a new way. The article also will show how easy it is for leaders of
gangs and drug lords to gain authority and power in communities characterised by
poverty and unemployment as a result of economic exclusion. Faith communities in
general and pastoral carers in particular need a holistic understanding of these and
other factors related to gangsterism in order to play any meaningful role in addressing
or eradicating gangsterism.
Description
CITATION: MacMaster, L. L. M. 2007. Social and economic emasculation as contributing factors to gangsterism on the Cape Flats. Scriptura, 95(0):278-289, doi:10.7833/95-0-1403.
The original publication is available at http://scriptura.journals.ac.za
The original publication is available at http://scriptura.journals.ac.za
Keywords
Criminal economy, Gangsters -- South Africa -- Cape Flats
Citation
MacMaster, L. L. M. 2007. Social and economic emasculation as contributing factors to gangsterism on the Cape Flats. Scriptura, 95(0):278-289, doi:10.7833/95-0-1403