What does this research mean for the field?

Youth struggling with substance abuse in high-density urban settings like Highfield, Zimbabwe, resort to socially deviant behaviors such as theft and mugging to sustain their addiction. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To examine the aetiology, lived realities, and behavioral effects of youth substance misuse in an urban high-density setting through the lens of anomie theory.

August 29, 2026African Identities

Anomie and resilience analysis of youth drug abuse in Highfield, Zimbabwe

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Authors

CBCedric Edwin BhalaUniversity of Zimbabwe KMKudzai MwapauraWomen's University in Africa

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Implication

Qualitative case study uncovers widespread criminal coping mechanisms driven by substance dependence among urban youth, highlighting an urgent need for targeted community rehabilitation.

Key Points

To examine the aetiology, lived realities, and behavioral effects of youth substance misuse in an urban high-density setting through the lens of anomie theory.
Conducted a qualitative case study design set in Highfield, Harare, Zimbabwe.
Collected qualitative interview data through purposive sampling of 12 youths experiencing substance abuse and 4 key informants (total N=16).
Youths dealing with substance addiction predominantly engaged in socially deviant actions—including household theft, residential burglaries, and muggings—to fund their drug habits.
Participants frequently shifted to cheaper, accessible substances to sustain chemical dependency in the face of financial barriers.

Cite This Study

Bhala et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a9299db8e5d7d1fc0c120f4 https://doi.org/10.1080/14725843.2026.2724905

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Implication

Qualitative case study uncovers widespread criminal coping mechanisms driven by substance dependence among urban youth, highlighting an urgent need for targeted community rehabilitation.

Anomie and resilience analysis of youth drug abuse in Highfield, Zimbabwe

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Anomie and resilience analysis of youth drug abuse in Highfield, Zimbabwe

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Also Consider

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