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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal – Vol. 12, No. 03

Publication Date: March 25, 2025

DOI:10.14738/assrj.1203.18336.

Rusike, V. T., & Mutukwa, M. T. (2025). Youth Unemployment and Participation in Political Violence in Eyecourt, Harare. Advances

in Social Sciences Research Journal, 12(03). 220-231.

Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom

Youth Unemployment and Participation in Political Violence in

Eyecourt, Harare

Vincent Tafara Rusike

Faculty of Arts, Department of Development Studies,

Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe

Maxwell Tawanda Mutukwa

Faculty of Arts, Department of Development Studies,

Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT

The main objective of the study was to assess how youth unemployment stimulates

youth participation in political violence in Eyecourt and develop a comprehensive

understanding of other unemployment interrelated factors and their

interrelationships in driving political violence among youths in the area. Using a

qualitative research methodology, the study utilized Eyecourt Township as a case

study. Thirty participants, both perpetrators and victims of political violence, were

selected using snowball sampling. Data collection tools included in-depth

interviews and focus group discussions and were analyzed using thematic analysis.

The study found that youth unemployment significantly drives political violence.

Other related factors such as limited economic opportunities; lack of civic

education fosters intolerance and violent behavior towards political opponents;

political terrain in Zimbabwe, stimulates youth involvement in political violence;

and rapid urbanization exacerbates the situation by creating large pools of idle

youths susceptible to recruitment for militias and contestations for land. The study

concludes that these are key factors explaining youth participation in political

violence. It recommends targeted interventions such as conflict early warning

systems, special youth economic zones, vocational training, and the establishment

of special courts to handle political violence cases. These measures aim to create

economic opportunities, reduce youth frustration and aggression, fostering

stability and peace in Harare and across Zimbabwe.

Keywords: youth unemployment, political terrain, rapid urbanization, civic education,

political violence

INTRODUCTION

Political violence is a variable dependent on a multiplicity of factors including youth

unemployment, lack of education, political terrain and rapid urbanization. Before delving into

these factors, political violence refers to the use of physical force or coercion by individuals,

groups, or governments to attain or sustain political objectives (Goodwin and Jasper, 2014). It’s

used to influence or control government policy, obtain power, or challenge the current political

system and comprises actions namely military combat, terrorism, riots, assassinations and

other politically motivated acts of violence (Nordstrom, 2004).

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Rusike, V. T., & Mutukwa, M. T. (2025). Youth Unemployment and Participation in Political Violence in Eyecourt, Harare. Advances in Social Sciences

Research Journal, 12(03). 220-231.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/assrj.1203.18336

FACTORS OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE

Youth Unemployment is defined as individuals aged 15-35 actively seeking but unable to find

employment (Betcherman and Khan, 2018; ILO, 2020) significantly affecting economic

opportunities and long-term social and economic well-being. Another factor is limited access

to education. Lack of education can perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality. Individuals

with limited education face reduced employment prospects, lower earning potential and

increased vulnerability to economic instability. Political terrain describes the complex context

in which political actors and institutions operate (Calhoun et al., 2012). This includes social,

economic, cultural, and institutional factors influencing politics. It often constitutes power

structures, ideologies, political parties, interest groups, public opinion, and policy disputes. The

study looks at rapid urbanization, which refers to the fast growth of urban areas due to

population increase often resulting from rural-to-urban migration for better economic

opportunities and living conditions. Combined with youth unemployment and other factors, it

can contribute to political violence (Urdal, 2012).

Youth Unemployment and Youth Political Violence

The relationship between youth unemployment and political violence is complex and

multifaceted, involving historical, economic, and social factors. Literature provides different

historical contexts and factors for political violence because of unemployment, economic

decline and political violence, particularly among the youth. For instance, youth political

violence is not a new phenomenon in global politics. European Revolutions in the 17th to 19th

centuries were due to educational expansion without corresponding employment

opportunities (Goldstone, 1991; Gills, 1974; Jarausch, 1974). From anti-colonial movements in

Africa to anti-authoritarian movements in the Soviet Union, and resistance movements in Asia

(Goldstone, 1991; Gills, 1974; Jarausch, 1974) all present evidence for political violence and the

interconnectedness of various factors.

One of the causes as provided by empirical evidence points to the decline in economic

conditions and limited economic opportunities that have led to youth unemployment

significantly causing political violence and instability (Demeke, 2022). In the Arab States, there

has been notable political violence because of youth unemployment. The Arab Spring violent

uprisings were caused by the high unemployment rates in North Africa (Azeng & Yogo, 2015).

In Iraq, Amirali (2019) found that youth unemployment was a primary factor leading to

political unrest, as the labor market's inability to provide jobs for young people created

conditions ripe for conflict. This aligns with Cincotta et al. (2003), who argue that when the

labor market fails to absorb young jobseekers, it breeds frustration and resentment, leading to

violent conflict. Similarly, Sambanis (2002) noted that in Iraq, young males were more likely to

engage in violent political activities when faced with limited economic prospects. Caruso and

Gavrilova (2012) also shared similar insights in the context of Palestine as they identified male

youth unemployment as a central factor in political violence. In Kenya, Riechi (2019) found that

high unemployment rates among youths increased their likelihood of engaging in crime and

political violence. Thomas (2015) also highlighted the long-term negative consequences of

unresolved youth unemployment on both individual and societal levels. In this sense, the failure

of modern governments to provide viable economic opportunities for youths drives their

participation in political processes and violence (Dodo, 2021). Mueller (2000) found that in the

Balkan region in southeastern Europe youths joined militias for the economic opportunities

provided by theft and banditry.

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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal (ASSRJ) Vol. 12, Issue 03, March-2025

Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom

In Zimbabwe, several studies show that youth unemployment is a significant driver of political

violence. Sylor (2016) found that the lack of employment opportunities for urban youth

negatively impacts political and social stability, with dissatisfaction and aggression stemming

from unmet financial needs leading to political violence. Yingi (2020) supports this, noting that

poverty and limited economic opportunities are central to violent political behaviour among

youths, particularly those with lower education levels. Mude (2014) further explains that urban

youth unemployment leads to political violence due to grievances of unemployment and the

perceived economic benefits of such violence: This also resonates with Mueller's (2000)

findings that youths are drawn to political violence for the opportunities it presents. The

evidence presented shows the critical link between youth unemployment and political violence

in Zimbabwe, driven by frustration, social exclusion, and the lure of economic gains.

The Political Terrain in Zimbabwe

Studies concur that the political terrain in Zimbabwe, shaped by the ruling Zimbabwe African

National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party, significantly influences youth participation

in political violence. Yingi (2020) highlights that the ZANU-PF party portrays opposition

members as enemies rather than political competitors, fostering a culture of hatred between

ZANU-PF and its rival, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). Maringira and Gukurume

(2020) note that during former President Robert Mugabe's presidency, he demonized the MDC,

labelling them as agents of regime change and neo-colonialism, a stance continued by his

successor, the current President, Emmerson Mnangagwa. This hostile political environment

has led ZANU-PF youths to engage in political violence against opposition supporters.

Mwonzora and Helliker (2020) further explain that during the 2008 presidential run-off

election, war veterans incited rural youths to defend the revolution by any means, including

violence against opposition members.

Argarwal (2012) supports this by stating that political attitudes and beliefs are passed down

by the older generation to the young people, influenced by the prevailing political terrain.

Mwonzora and Helliker (2020) also note that ZANU-PF uses intimidation tactics, especially in

rural areas, where people are threatened with losing their land if they do not support the party.

Additionally, Yingi (2020) points out that participation in political violence is often

incentivized, with youths knowing they have immunity when siding with the ruling party. This

normalization of looting and violent conduct stems from the fast-track land reform programm

and the negative reward mechanisms established by ZANU-PF to maintain power through

violence against opposition supporters.

Limited Access to Quality Education

Various studies across different regions highlight how educational inequalities and lack of

opportunities at all levels from primary, secondary, to tertiary create conditions that drive

youths towards political violence. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), limited access to

education was identified as a key factor leading youths to engage in political violence (Search

for Common Ground, 2020). Kanyama (2017) noted that despite laws mandating free primary

education, 32% of children aged 6-17 are out of school, contributing to ongoing violence. The

Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (2013) found that the exclusion of Banyamulenge

girls from formal education in the Ruzizi Plain influenced their participation in political

violence. This situation mirrors Zimbabwe as significant educational inequalities, particularly

in rural areas, lure and drive youth involvement in political violence. Thyne (2006) argued that