Nirmala Gopal - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Nirmala Gopal
Acta Criminologica: Southern African Journal of Criminology, 2015
Illicit drug use has been identified as a leading health indicator, since it is associated with m... more Illicit drug use has been identified as a leading health indicator, since it is associated with multiple deleterious health outcomes, such as sexually transmitted diseases, viral hepatitis, and numerous social problems among adolescents and adults. Yet a lacuna in a systematic understanding of current discourses on the psycho-social impacts of illicit drug use, drug trafficking and decriminalisation of drugs in criminological research exists. This Special Issue showcases contemporary research that fills a noteworthy gap in understanding the various facets of illicit substance abuse. Conceptualised with the motive of engaging in 'thicker' debates over the profound discursivities surrounding illicit drug addiction and dependence, this special edition of the society's Journal draws from diverse local, national and international approaches and perspectives.
International journal of criminology and sociology, 2020
South Africa promulgated the Prevention and Combating of Torture of Persons Act No. 13 of 2013, w... more South Africa promulgated the Prevention and Combating of Torture of Persons Act No. 13 of 2013, which criminalises the use of torture by law enforcers. The Act also criminalises cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment or punishment of citizens by law enforcers. However, the implementation of this law is derisory as the torture and physical abuse of civilians by the police reportedly continue unabated. This phenomenon seems part of police culture that is entrenched in South African policing practices. Prior to the study, the literature review underscored the unabated prevalence of police violence. Against this background, this article seeks to highlight specific incidences of police officers’ use of unconstitutional and abusive acts of torture involving civilians. Using a qualitative research approach, ten officers of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) were interviewed to generate the required data. Thematic analysis was used and the findings revealed that civili...
According to the World Health Organisation countries in transition have witnessed a dramatic rise... more According to the World Health Organisation countries in transition have witnessed a dramatic rise in delinquency rates. Given that juvenile offending is a pervasive social problem and many theories about its aetiology have been advanced it is not unusual for researchers to understand delinquent behaviour over periods of time. Against this backdrop this study seeks to understand gendered patterns of offending or delinquent behaviour among seven hundred and fifty (750) school going adolescents in a historically Indian township in Chatsworth, KwaZulu-Natal. Using a non-probability, random, sampling method respondents were chosen from two secondary schools in Chatsworth. Results from the study showed significant correlations between gender (male and female) and modes of punishment; norm violations; regulation violations; and malicious damage to property. For instance gender and norm violations results indicated that sleeping out of home without parental permission is not gendered. Both ...
Acta Criminologica: Southern African Journal of Criminology, 2015
Gangs and the involvement in gangs in prisons in South Africa have been covered extensively in th... more Gangs and the involvement in gangs in prisons in South Africa have been covered extensively in the media. Street gangs and prison gangs are noted because of how they interact and their readiness to utilise violence to ensure power, control and dominance over contraband products, services and 'territories'. The power invested in prison gangs cannot be underestimated. In this regard, in South Africa, prison gang bosses have been instructed to harm and murder persons inside and outside the prison environment. These instructions serve to ensure (and to prove) the gang's power, control and their readiness to employ violence. This article uses a qualitative approach in the analysis of an adult male gang member in a correctional centre. The authors of this article demonstrate a practical criminological assessment of gang involvement and the existence of pro-criminal and pro-violent thinking patterns by identifying gang-related causes, motives, contributory factors, triggers, an...
Acta Criminologica: Southern African Journal of Criminology, 2016
It has been argued that the key trends in African maritime security can be summarised as sea-rela... more It has been argued that the key trends in African maritime security can be summarised as sea-related threats (such as inter alia, human and drug trafficking, piracy and other criminal activities). The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) promotes, amongst others, the safety of life and property at sea. Against this backdrop this article seeks to critically highlight maritime criminality as reported through the eyes of six participants with first-hand experience of maritime criminal activities. Through face-to-face interviews with these participants the data generated experiences around piracy, human smuggling, drug trafficking and stowaways. The data speaks specifically to corrupt employees who facilitate these criminal activities (often violently) in various ways. This article makes recommendations for future large-scale research on these challenges for prevention purposes.
Acta Criminologica: Southern African Journal of Criminology, 2016
The first president (Nelson Mandela) of South Africa’s post-1994 democracy claimed that: “[y]oung... more The first president (Nelson Mandela) of South Africa’s post-1994 democracy claimed that: “[y]oung people are often enticed by drug lords to become peddlers and consumers of illegal substances. We must help empower them to become part of the solution instead of the problem” (Drug Advisory Board, 1999: 1).Almost eighteen years after this public commitment to empowering young people against using illegal drugs in South Africa illegal drug use has expanded to such an extent as to become an almost insurmountable challenge for government and civil society. This is clearly apparent from a number of sources. One such is the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, that claimed illegal drug consumption in South Africa is double the world norm (Steven, 2013: np) (see also Harmony Group, 2013: np). This has led to an increase in crime rates especially among poor unemployed South Africans. Van Loggerenberg (2012: 409-412), asserts that drugs are mostly used are either ‘uppers’1 (such as coca...
Acta Criminologica: Southern African Journal of Criminology, 2014
According to the World Health Organisation countries in transition have witnessed a dramatic rise... more According to the World Health Organisation countries in transition have witnessed a dramatic rise in delinquency rates. Given that juvenile offending is a pervasive social problem and many theories about its aetiology have been advanced it is not unusual for researchers to understand delinquent behaviour over periods of time. Against this backdrop this study seeks to understand gendered patterns of offending or delinquent behaviour among seven hundred and fifty (750) school going adolescents in a historically Indian township in Chatsworth, KwaZulu-Natal. Using a non-probability, random, sampling method respondents were chosen from two secondary schools in Chatsworth. Results from the study showed significant correlations between gender (male and female) and modes of punishment; norm violations; regulation violations; and malicious damage to property. For instance gender and norm violations results indicated that sleeping out of home without parental permission is not gendered. Both ...
The expanding volume of sea trade between South Africa and other parts of the global world places... more The expanding volume of sea trade between South Africa and other parts of the global world places pressure on increased maritime security particularly because maritime security affects both communities living close to the sea as well as biand multilateral relations on the larger international scale. While most research studies focus on threats of piracy and the economic impacts of maritime security on international trade this paper seeks to critically explore maritime challenges at a more local level namely the voices of actors directly with first hand experiences of maritime matters. Using in depth semi structured face to face interviews with six participants within a qualitative framework the study concluded that maritime challenges are indeed larger than the traditional security challenges. Challenges included seafarers’ working conditions, stowaways, human and drug trafficking and piracy. The study makes recommendations for future large scale research on maritime challenges.
Illicit drug use has been identified as a leading health indicator, since it is associated with m... more Illicit drug use has been identified as a leading health indicator, since it is associated with multiple deleterious health outcomes, such as sexually transmitted diseases, viral hepatitis, and numerous social problems among adolescents and adults. Yet a lacuna in a systematic understanding of current discourses on the psycho-social impacts of illicit drug use, drug trafficking and decriminalisation of drugs in criminological research exists. This Special Issue showcases contemporary research that fills a noteworthy gap in understanding the various facets of illicit substance abuse. Conceptualised with the motive of engaging in 'thicker' debates over the profound discursivities surrounding illicit drug addiction and dependence, this special edition of the society's Journal draws from diverse local, national and international approaches and perspectives.
Every research study has a story and this article tells the story of the researchers' challen... more Every research study has a story and this article tells the story of the researchers' challenges in accessing participants for a study. Thus this article draws on the researchers' experiences with gatekeeping dilemmas while attempting to research drug addiction among a select sample of youth in a historically Indian township in KwaZulu-Natal. The article highlights the challenges in gaining access to an Indian sample of drug users. Some of the reasons depart from the premise that perhaps the most challenging factor is that most of the populations relevant to the study of drug addiction, such as under age youth, traffickers, suppliers and or drug lords, constitute so-called hidden populations. Heckathorn (1997), argues that: "a hidden population is a group of individuals, whose membership in hidden populations often involves stigmatized or illegal behaviour, leading individuals to refuse to co-operate, or give unreliable answers to protect their privacy." Consequent...
International Journal of Criminology and Sociology, 2021
The Covid-19 is believed to have emerged in Wuhan, China, and has affected many countries across ... more The Covid-19 is believed to have emerged in Wuhan, China, and has affected many countries across the globe. In response to this pandemic, governments in different countries have implemented social distancing measures to stop the spread of the virus. The closure of schools and switch to remote learning of universities to protect youth and children from exposure to the virus might also open opportunities for certain crimes such as cyberbullying. The study aimed at exploring the risks of victimization of children and youth through cyberbullying during the lockdown. A qualitative approach, non-participant observation was utilised. Data was collected from three social media platforms which include Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram from posts since the beginning of lockdown. Keywords such as 'ama2000s', '2000s' and '90s vs 2000s' were used to search for content. Facebook groups for '2000s' where most young people engage were also used. The study found that w...
Alternation Interdisciplinary Journal for the Study of the Arts and Humanities in Southern Africa, 2017
Agenda, 2020
abstract The popularity of social media raises concerns related to cyber-violence and the securit... more abstract The popularity of social media raises concerns related to cyber-violence and the security of marginalised individuals and groups, including the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) population. Developing worthy interventions requires exploration of the LGBT+ population’s experiences of cyber-violence in relation to gender discrimination, which was the aim of this study. A qualitative approach sourced data between 2017 and 2019 from LGBT+ Facebook groups and pages and semi-structured interviews with participants who identified themselves as among the LGBT+ population. Keywords such as LGBT+, homosexuals, and isiZulu terms such as ‘izitabane’ and ‘inkonkoni’ were used to search for content. It was found that Facebook is used as a platform by heterosexuals to make violent and hateful comments against the LBGT+ population. Comments displayed to the public (including, for example, “gays are dogs, they can never transform to being women”) reflected heteronormative behaviour. A significant finding was the infiltration of heterosexual individuals into the space created by the LGBT+ population, suggesting an increased risk of cyber-violence, and that the right to privacy and security is often compromised. Addressing cyberbullying of the LGBT+ population through education on gender diversity is recommended.
Agenda, 2015
abstract In a 2006 report the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) estimated South African f... more abstract In a 2006 report the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) estimated South African figures for HIV prevalence among female prisoners per total inmate population at around 8% (DCS, 2006). Against this backdrop this article reports on research in a South African prison on women who have sex with women (WSW) and their possible vulnerability to HIV infection. The study explored women's sexual activity and possible HIV transmission routes among them. Data was elicited through focus group interviews with a select sample of women in a South African prison. The data is organised into three broad categories identified as: attitudes of DCS personnel towards women inmates’ sexual practices; sexual practices among women, and knowledge and understanding of modes of HIV transmission. Empirical data for this research provides recommendations on addressing the risk of HIV transmission among incarcerated female prisoners through understanding sexual practices among them.
South African Journal of Higher Education, 2018
Journal of Psychology in Africa, 2012
South African Journal of Education, 2010
Acta Criminologica: Southern African Journal of Criminology, 2015
Illicit drug use has been identified as a leading health indicator, since it is associated with m... more Illicit drug use has been identified as a leading health indicator, since it is associated with multiple deleterious health outcomes, such as sexually transmitted diseases, viral hepatitis, and numerous social problems among adolescents and adults. Yet a lacuna in a systematic understanding of current discourses on the psycho-social impacts of illicit drug use, drug trafficking and decriminalisation of drugs in criminological research exists. This Special Issue showcases contemporary research that fills a noteworthy gap in understanding the various facets of illicit substance abuse. Conceptualised with the motive of engaging in 'thicker' debates over the profound discursivities surrounding illicit drug addiction and dependence, this special edition of the society's Journal draws from diverse local, national and international approaches and perspectives.
International journal of criminology and sociology, 2020
South Africa promulgated the Prevention and Combating of Torture of Persons Act No. 13 of 2013, w... more South Africa promulgated the Prevention and Combating of Torture of Persons Act No. 13 of 2013, which criminalises the use of torture by law enforcers. The Act also criminalises cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment or punishment of citizens by law enforcers. However, the implementation of this law is derisory as the torture and physical abuse of civilians by the police reportedly continue unabated. This phenomenon seems part of police culture that is entrenched in South African policing practices. Prior to the study, the literature review underscored the unabated prevalence of police violence. Against this background, this article seeks to highlight specific incidences of police officers’ use of unconstitutional and abusive acts of torture involving civilians. Using a qualitative research approach, ten officers of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) were interviewed to generate the required data. Thematic analysis was used and the findings revealed that civili...
According to the World Health Organisation countries in transition have witnessed a dramatic rise... more According to the World Health Organisation countries in transition have witnessed a dramatic rise in delinquency rates. Given that juvenile offending is a pervasive social problem and many theories about its aetiology have been advanced it is not unusual for researchers to understand delinquent behaviour over periods of time. Against this backdrop this study seeks to understand gendered patterns of offending or delinquent behaviour among seven hundred and fifty (750) school going adolescents in a historically Indian township in Chatsworth, KwaZulu-Natal. Using a non-probability, random, sampling method respondents were chosen from two secondary schools in Chatsworth. Results from the study showed significant correlations between gender (male and female) and modes of punishment; norm violations; regulation violations; and malicious damage to property. For instance gender and norm violations results indicated that sleeping out of home without parental permission is not gendered. Both ...
Acta Criminologica: Southern African Journal of Criminology, 2015
Gangs and the involvement in gangs in prisons in South Africa have been covered extensively in th... more Gangs and the involvement in gangs in prisons in South Africa have been covered extensively in the media. Street gangs and prison gangs are noted because of how they interact and their readiness to utilise violence to ensure power, control and dominance over contraband products, services and 'territories'. The power invested in prison gangs cannot be underestimated. In this regard, in South Africa, prison gang bosses have been instructed to harm and murder persons inside and outside the prison environment. These instructions serve to ensure (and to prove) the gang's power, control and their readiness to employ violence. This article uses a qualitative approach in the analysis of an adult male gang member in a correctional centre. The authors of this article demonstrate a practical criminological assessment of gang involvement and the existence of pro-criminal and pro-violent thinking patterns by identifying gang-related causes, motives, contributory factors, triggers, an...
Acta Criminologica: Southern African Journal of Criminology, 2016
It has been argued that the key trends in African maritime security can be summarised as sea-rela... more It has been argued that the key trends in African maritime security can be summarised as sea-related threats (such as inter alia, human and drug trafficking, piracy and other criminal activities). The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) promotes, amongst others, the safety of life and property at sea. Against this backdrop this article seeks to critically highlight maritime criminality as reported through the eyes of six participants with first-hand experience of maritime criminal activities. Through face-to-face interviews with these participants the data generated experiences around piracy, human smuggling, drug trafficking and stowaways. The data speaks specifically to corrupt employees who facilitate these criminal activities (often violently) in various ways. This article makes recommendations for future large-scale research on these challenges for prevention purposes.
Acta Criminologica: Southern African Journal of Criminology, 2016
The first president (Nelson Mandela) of South Africa’s post-1994 democracy claimed that: “[y]oung... more The first president (Nelson Mandela) of South Africa’s post-1994 democracy claimed that: “[y]oung people are often enticed by drug lords to become peddlers and consumers of illegal substances. We must help empower them to become part of the solution instead of the problem” (Drug Advisory Board, 1999: 1).Almost eighteen years after this public commitment to empowering young people against using illegal drugs in South Africa illegal drug use has expanded to such an extent as to become an almost insurmountable challenge for government and civil society. This is clearly apparent from a number of sources. One such is the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, that claimed illegal drug consumption in South Africa is double the world norm (Steven, 2013: np) (see also Harmony Group, 2013: np). This has led to an increase in crime rates especially among poor unemployed South Africans. Van Loggerenberg (2012: 409-412), asserts that drugs are mostly used are either ‘uppers’1 (such as coca...
Acta Criminologica: Southern African Journal of Criminology, 2014
According to the World Health Organisation countries in transition have witnessed a dramatic rise... more According to the World Health Organisation countries in transition have witnessed a dramatic rise in delinquency rates. Given that juvenile offending is a pervasive social problem and many theories about its aetiology have been advanced it is not unusual for researchers to understand delinquent behaviour over periods of time. Against this backdrop this study seeks to understand gendered patterns of offending or delinquent behaviour among seven hundred and fifty (750) school going adolescents in a historically Indian township in Chatsworth, KwaZulu-Natal. Using a non-probability, random, sampling method respondents were chosen from two secondary schools in Chatsworth. Results from the study showed significant correlations between gender (male and female) and modes of punishment; norm violations; regulation violations; and malicious damage to property. For instance gender and norm violations results indicated that sleeping out of home without parental permission is not gendered. Both ...
The expanding volume of sea trade between South Africa and other parts of the global world places... more The expanding volume of sea trade between South Africa and other parts of the global world places pressure on increased maritime security particularly because maritime security affects both communities living close to the sea as well as biand multilateral relations on the larger international scale. While most research studies focus on threats of piracy and the economic impacts of maritime security on international trade this paper seeks to critically explore maritime challenges at a more local level namely the voices of actors directly with first hand experiences of maritime matters. Using in depth semi structured face to face interviews with six participants within a qualitative framework the study concluded that maritime challenges are indeed larger than the traditional security challenges. Challenges included seafarers’ working conditions, stowaways, human and drug trafficking and piracy. The study makes recommendations for future large scale research on maritime challenges.
Illicit drug use has been identified as a leading health indicator, since it is associated with m... more Illicit drug use has been identified as a leading health indicator, since it is associated with multiple deleterious health outcomes, such as sexually transmitted diseases, viral hepatitis, and numerous social problems among adolescents and adults. Yet a lacuna in a systematic understanding of current discourses on the psycho-social impacts of illicit drug use, drug trafficking and decriminalisation of drugs in criminological research exists. This Special Issue showcases contemporary research that fills a noteworthy gap in understanding the various facets of illicit substance abuse. Conceptualised with the motive of engaging in 'thicker' debates over the profound discursivities surrounding illicit drug addiction and dependence, this special edition of the society's Journal draws from diverse local, national and international approaches and perspectives.
Every research study has a story and this article tells the story of the researchers' challen... more Every research study has a story and this article tells the story of the researchers' challenges in accessing participants for a study. Thus this article draws on the researchers' experiences with gatekeeping dilemmas while attempting to research drug addiction among a select sample of youth in a historically Indian township in KwaZulu-Natal. The article highlights the challenges in gaining access to an Indian sample of drug users. Some of the reasons depart from the premise that perhaps the most challenging factor is that most of the populations relevant to the study of drug addiction, such as under age youth, traffickers, suppliers and or drug lords, constitute so-called hidden populations. Heckathorn (1997), argues that: "a hidden population is a group of individuals, whose membership in hidden populations often involves stigmatized or illegal behaviour, leading individuals to refuse to co-operate, or give unreliable answers to protect their privacy." Consequent...
International Journal of Criminology and Sociology, 2021
The Covid-19 is believed to have emerged in Wuhan, China, and has affected many countries across ... more The Covid-19 is believed to have emerged in Wuhan, China, and has affected many countries across the globe. In response to this pandemic, governments in different countries have implemented social distancing measures to stop the spread of the virus. The closure of schools and switch to remote learning of universities to protect youth and children from exposure to the virus might also open opportunities for certain crimes such as cyberbullying. The study aimed at exploring the risks of victimization of children and youth through cyberbullying during the lockdown. A qualitative approach, non-participant observation was utilised. Data was collected from three social media platforms which include Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram from posts since the beginning of lockdown. Keywords such as 'ama2000s', '2000s' and '90s vs 2000s' were used to search for content. Facebook groups for '2000s' where most young people engage were also used. The study found that w...
Alternation Interdisciplinary Journal for the Study of the Arts and Humanities in Southern Africa, 2017
Agenda, 2020
abstract The popularity of social media raises concerns related to cyber-violence and the securit... more abstract The popularity of social media raises concerns related to cyber-violence and the security of marginalised individuals and groups, including the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) population. Developing worthy interventions requires exploration of the LGBT+ population’s experiences of cyber-violence in relation to gender discrimination, which was the aim of this study. A qualitative approach sourced data between 2017 and 2019 from LGBT+ Facebook groups and pages and semi-structured interviews with participants who identified themselves as among the LGBT+ population. Keywords such as LGBT+, homosexuals, and isiZulu terms such as ‘izitabane’ and ‘inkonkoni’ were used to search for content. It was found that Facebook is used as a platform by heterosexuals to make violent and hateful comments against the LBGT+ population. Comments displayed to the public (including, for example, “gays are dogs, they can never transform to being women”) reflected heteronormative behaviour. A significant finding was the infiltration of heterosexual individuals into the space created by the LGBT+ population, suggesting an increased risk of cyber-violence, and that the right to privacy and security is often compromised. Addressing cyberbullying of the LGBT+ population through education on gender diversity is recommended.
Agenda, 2015
abstract In a 2006 report the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) estimated South African f... more abstract In a 2006 report the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) estimated South African figures for HIV prevalence among female prisoners per total inmate population at around 8% (DCS, 2006). Against this backdrop this article reports on research in a South African prison on women who have sex with women (WSW) and their possible vulnerability to HIV infection. The study explored women's sexual activity and possible HIV transmission routes among them. Data was elicited through focus group interviews with a select sample of women in a South African prison. The data is organised into three broad categories identified as: attitudes of DCS personnel towards women inmates’ sexual practices; sexual practices among women, and knowledge and understanding of modes of HIV transmission. Empirical data for this research provides recommendations on addressing the risk of HIV transmission among incarcerated female prisoners through understanding sexual practices among them.
South African Journal of Higher Education, 2018
Journal of Psychology in Africa, 2012
South African Journal of Education, 2010