Adolescents in the city: material and social living conditions in Johannesburg-Soweto, South Africa

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Periodical article

Title:	Adolescents in the city: material and social living conditions in Johannesburg-Soweto, South Africa
Author:	Richter, Linda M.
Year:	2009
Periodical:	Urban Forum
Volume:	20
Issue:	3
Pages:	319-334
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	urban youth living conditions social conditions family
External link:	https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12132-009-9065-x
Abstract:	Urban populations are growing rapidly in developing countries. As a result, challenges to the well-being of adolescents are increasing in priority. This paper describes the material and social living conditions of 5,367 young adolescents in Johannesburg-Soweto, South Africa, in 2002-2003. The majority of children in South Africa's urban hub have adequate access to basic services. However, social conditions are a key concern - lack of financial support by parents; defaulting caregiver roles to grandparents; minimal or no contact with fathers; and poor school performance. Weakened levels of family support in urban environments may negatively impact on adolescent development. In the long term, family systems as well as other social networks and institutions need to be strengthened to improve adolescent outcomes. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract]