Academic writings and media platforms often portray a negative view of youth in society, due to problems such as alcoholism, use of tobacco and hard drugs, promiscuity and violence.

This is what Prof Acheampong Yaw Amoateng said at his recent inaugural lecture held on 21 August 2019 at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Mahikeng.

Prof Amoateng is a professor of sociology in the Faculty of Humanities. His research shows that, to remedy this negative view of a problematic youth, the church, politics and family could play a critical development role in helping young people to overcome some of society’s challenges that portray them as bad.

Prof Amoateng argues that when parents monitor the activities of their children, connected to them and provide psychological and emotional support, the children tend to not display bad behaviour.

“Much as the negative view of the youth is correct with regard to challenges such as unemployment, poverty and inequality, research in recent decades has shown that it is not all doom and gloom as far as our youth are concerned,” he explained.

“My research has shown that there is a good story to tell about today’s youth, despite of the challenges.  The future of the country is in good hands as today’s adults prepare to hand over the leadership baton to the youth,” ended Prof Amoateng.

Since obtaining his PhD, Prof Amoateng has focused his research on the patterns of family formation and dissolution in African populations. He has also researched and written about adolescent and youth development in sub-Saharan Africa.

The executive dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Prof Pamela Maseko, congratulates Prof Amoateng after his inaugural lecture.