Exploring Sociocultural Structures that Generate Learner-Deviance within Murambinda Growth Point in Buhera, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Learner deviance is reportedly high in areas transforming from a rural to semi-urban setup. In Murambinda growth deviant activities were reportedly on the rise with learners involved in prostitution, drug and alcohol abuse, truancy, teenage pregnancy, hate speech, pornography viewing, careless talk and many more appear to be on the rise. The Functionalist perspective was used to explore learner deviance and Robert K. Merton’s structural strain theory provided analytical tools to explore sociocultural structures that generate such learner deviance within Murambinda growth point. A case study approach was employed focusing on two secondary schools in the growth point.  Data was gathered using interviews and observations to a sample of 20 teachers, 40 learners and ten parents. The major findings were that despite positive factors brought about by the establishment of the growth point, deviant activities that impede learning are on the rise. The imbalance, between cultural goals and structurally available means lead some learners into deviant behavior. The researcher recommended that similar studies should be carried out among schools in growth points in order to improve behavior and pass rate of secondary school learners in growth points. Policies should also look into remedying the situation.