Final answer:
Looting of businesses can be driven by economic grievances, where individuals in financial distress may loot out of necessity. Buildings becoming symbolic of oppression can also lead to targeted looting, as with historical unrest over racial discrimination. Lastly, crowd psychology contributes to looting as individuals within a group feel less personally accountable.
Step-by-step explanation:
The looting of shops, malls, and destruction of business property in regions such as Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal can be attributed to various non-political factors. Three primary reasons include economic grievances, oppressive symbolism, and crowd psychology.
Economic grievances are a major factor in instances of looting. Economic uncertainty and widespread unemployment create dire situations where individuals may engage in looting out of desperation or perceived necessity. Historical patterns show that economic distress often precedes looting, as seen in the aftermath of the 1991 Gulf War, suggesting that when people face significant financial hardship, they may resort to acquiring goods through illicit means.
The second reason is related to oppressive symbolism. During periods of social unrest, certain buildings and businesses become symbols of oppression for marginalized communities. Historical accounts reveal that looters have often targeted properties representing unfair labor practices, racial discrimination, or mistreatment by landlords, as seen in the riots of the late 1960s where black residents targeted stores refusing to hire black worke
Finally, crowd psychology plays a role in the widespread nature of looting. The behavior of groups differs significantly from that of individuals; in the fervor of group actions, individuals may feel a sense of anonymity and reduced accountability for their actions. This can lead to impulsive behaviors like looting, empowered by the collective action.