Abstract

Geographical Research, 1– 14. https://doi.org/10.1111/1745-5871.12563

Abstract

Research from the Global North suggests that crime increases during a mining boom but not during mining decline. Our evidence from the gold-mining town of Matjhabeng (formerly Welkom) shows that crime increases during mining decline and affects women in particular. We use social disruption theory to explain women’s experiences of crime and their involvement in it. We find that criminal activities harm women in particular, that crime has become entrenched within female-headed households, and that women are conflicted in their role as parents and become participants in crime and beneficiaries of criminal activities. It is a matter for concern that research generally ignores socio-spatial nature of mine closure and its effect on women.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1745-5871.12563
Open access: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1745-5871.12563