Contribution of Parent’s Socio-Economic Status in Crime against Properties among Youth in Dar Es Salaam City Council, Tanzania

Abstract

This study assessed the contribution of parent’s socio-economic status on crimes against properties among the youth in Dar es Salaam City Council, Tanzania. Specifically, it determined the contribution of parent’s income levels, parent’s social status and social environmental features on crime against properties among youth. A study used descriptive research design based on a quantitative research approach. A sample size of 384 youth aged 15-35 years were obtained from a total population of 699,830. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were adopted in order to obtain the right respondents. Questionnaires were used to obtain primary data from respondents. Data were analysed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20 (IBM-SPSS) computer software. A Chi-square test was used to determine the associations between parents’ socioeconomic status and crime property. The results showed that a low parent’s income level indicated p-value of 0.000 < 0.05, while parents marital status, authoritarian parenting and parenting responsibilities showed p- value of 0.000< 0.05, 0.000 < 0.05and 0.031 < 0.05 respectively. Furthermore, inadequate light and poor housing conditions showed p -value of 0.004 < 0.05 and 0.003 < 0.05 respectively. Since both variables indicated p value < 0.05, therefore, it rejects the null hypothesis at 5% significance level with 95% confidence level and concludes that there is a positive and significant association between parent’s socio-economic status and crime against property among youth. The study recommends Dar Es Salaam City Council to develop effective economic entrepreneurial skills that promote self-reliance among youth. In practice, the parent has to increase follow-up to their children, improve their house conditions, and develop lighting infrastructure. Additionally, Tanzania police force has to promote community-based crime prevention programs targeting the youth.