Masters Degrees (Sociology)

Permanent URI for this collection

http://hdl.handle.net/11660/595

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 28

Open Access
'n Sosiologiese studie van die Bybelse interpretasie van die plek van die vrou in die gesin, kerk en staat met die oog op die bepaling van norme
(University of the Free State, 1952) Fourie, Dirk Cornelius Grobler
Abstract not available
Open Access
'n Sosiologiese ondersoek van die huislike agtergrond van onbeheerbare jeugdiges, gebaseer op die amptelike rekords van die streekkantoor van die Departement van Volkswelsyn te Pretoria
(University of the Free State, 1961) Roode, Christiaan Dawfre; Keyter, J. de W.
Abstract not available
Open Access
Afwykende gedrag binne die teoretiese raamwerk van simboliese interaksionisme. 'n kritiese evaluering
(University of the Free State, 1977-01) De Klerk, Gerhardt Willem; Van Rensburg, H. C. J.
Abstract not available
Open Access
The social epidemiology of sexually transmitted diseases among adolescents and young adults in Transkei
(University of the Free State, 1993-11) Mbananga, Nolwazi Daphne; Van Rensburg, H. C. J.
Respondents (patients) between the ages 15 years and 30 years (N=146) from each selected health clinic of the ten selected districts in Transkei were interviewed using a structred interview schedule. The respondents interviewed were patients who visited health centres and who were diagnosed to be suffering from STDs. The interviews were conducted to obtain information on the influences of geographic, demographic/biographic, socio-cultural and socio-economic factors in the transmission, treatment, prevention and control of STDs. The study was undertaken to provide information for planning STD preventive strategies and to argue why there should be a change in the management of STDs to community-based control measures. Most patients suffered from gonorrhoea and gonoccal urethitis more than any of other STDs. Some patients reported that they had STDs before, whle others did not know. Some patients knew that STDs were infectious and that one contracts them through sexual contacts with infected persons. The most popular source of information on STDs was Radio Transkei Broadcasting Corporation. Pamphlets and other sources of information seem not to be popular. Nurses played limited role as source of information. Most patients did not use condoms during their sexual activities and some of the patints reported to have had sexual intercourse during their illness without condoms. Fourty seven percent of the patients did not like condoms and associated them with people who are HIV positive or had AIDS. Some patients reported that they have heard about condoms, however condoms were not available in their areas. Some patients reported that there were no clinics near their residential areas. Patients reported that even where there were clinics nearer the one they had attended, there was no transport to such clinics. Distances to these clinics were long to be walked. A significant number of patients reported that they consulted traditional healers for their STD problems, because they associated their STD with witchcraft while others did so and when they did not get help from westernised health institutions. It was found that patients visit health centres with some expectations that are related to choice of treatment. Injection appeared to be preferred more than other forms of treatment. Patients did not see AIDS as a greater killer than STDs. Fifty percent of all patients reported that the youth of their areas have promiscuous behaviour and need more information on STDs. Some patients reported that they were ashamed of their STD problems and did not want tot tell other people, even their sexual partners. Patients wanted preventive strategies such as campaigns on prevention of STDs, but did not know how these could be conducted. On whether they found it important to have a sexual contact on the first date of a relationship a significant percentage said yes, while some said no. It would appear that most patients involved themselves in sexual contact with people whose sexual history they did not know. It was deduced that sexual behaviours of this nature were associated with a high risk of transmission of STDs. Most patients did not know what further research could be done on the question of STDs. The few thought that further research should be directed on causes and better methods and strategies of preventing STDs. The study revealed that there is a link between STDs and geographic, demographic / biographic, socio-cultural and socio-economic factors.
Open Access
The village health worker programme in primary health care in the Maseru health service area: a case study
(University of the Free State, 1998-11) Maieane, Malika Veronica; Pretorius, Engela
English: Health in Lesotho is similar to many developing countries, where health care facilities are poor. The delivery of health care services is especially poor in the rural villages. The aim of this study was to find out whether the implementation of the Village Health Worker Programme has improved the provision of health care services and the health status in the Maseru Health Service Area. The Village Health Workers' support in the villages and the problems, which may have resulted in poor delivery of services, were also investigated. In the empirical phase a qualitative survey was undertaken using Focus Group Discussions for three categories of respondents, namely the trainers, Village Health Workers (VHWs) and villagers. The interviews in the villages were arranged with the consent of the chiefs in Ha Foso and Ha Thamae. The interviews with the respondents were conducted in English and Sesotho. The reason was that the respondents in the villages could only communicate in Sesotho, while the VHW staff was proficient in English. The following factors can be highlighted regarding the Village Health Worker Programme in the Maseru Health Service Area: + Firstly, the greater percentage of Lesotho's population resides in the rural villages. The findings of this study reveal that many people in these villages are old, poor and unemployed. This situation results in poor health status in the villages. + Secondly, the delivery of health care services in the villages is poor. The researcher found that where the Programme was implemented properly, it was accepted and supported by the communities involved for example Ha Foso. Here the Programme also managed to improve the delivery of health care services, which resulted in a good health status within the community. On the other hand, the opposite was found in the villages that did not support the Programme, for example in Ha Thamae. Thirdly, the problems in the VHW Programme have affected its implementation in the villages. The respondents asserted that if the aim of the Government is to improve health in the villages, incentives to the VHWs must be a priority. In the light of the data obtained from the .literature study and from the respondents, one may conclude that unless the structure and policies of the VHW Programme are changed to suit the interests of all the people involved, it has no future in the Maseru HSA.
Open Access
A sociological analysis of industrial action among blue-collar workers at South African universities with reference to two campuses in the Free State
(University of the Free State, 1999-11) Motloung, Lekaota Azariel; Heunis, J. C.; De Klerk, G. W.
English: In recent years, the South African university sector has come to be characterised by trade union and student backlash. The roots of the crises lie in the need to transform this sector. The acceptability and effectiveness of tertiary education institution rest fundamentally on visible institutional change that parallels the change the country is currently undergoing. One of the flashpoints in the transformation process in this sector has been a wave of industrial action by the blue-collar workers amidst the arbitrary and often paternalistic authority of almost an all white management in virtually all the university campuses nationally. The 2nd of February 1990, however, brought into the scene the whole array of changes that overhauled the draconian-type social policy of the apartheid regime. The constitutional talks in the Convention for Democratic South Africa (CODESA) gave way to democratic elections that resulted in the Government of National Unity (GNU). In the first five years in office, the African National Congress (ANC) led government introduced far-reaching legislative mechanisms including the supreme law of the land, (the Constitution) within which transformation and nation building objectives were envisaged. Part of these vicissitudes relates to democratisation of labour relations in South Africa. Applicable pieces of legislation were accordingly revised. The most fundamental change is the introduction and implementation of the new Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA) which became operational in November 1996. The labour movement and management view these changes differently. The blue-collar workers on the one hand have certain expectations about these changes. They expect that things would change for the better at their respective workplaces/campuses, that their working conditions and security of their jobs would improve. The university management on the other hand views itself as being hard-pressed by imposing government directives that prescribe inflexible preconditions to transform their institutions. The protracted labour disputes and accelerated incidences of industrial action in this sector were largely propelled by abysmal conditions perpetrated by banditry oriented policies of the past system. The current labour disputes especially in the early nineties between the bluecollar workers and management authorities should be seen in this context. This study undertook an investigation, clarification and delineation of the full range of factors (i.e. social, economic, political, organisational, institutional, ete) causing labour disputes and industrial action at South African universities. The _ investigation was performed both through the literature and empirical studies. Two university campuses in the Free State, the University of the Orange Free State (UOFS) and Vista University in Bloemfontein formed case studies for the empirical part of the research. The literature study consists of the reconstruction of the history of labour relations system in South Africa in which the influences that this broad labour relations practice on industrial action -pattern in the South African university sector in particular were evinced. The literature study also covers the historical background of the two case studies as well as background of their labour relations practice. A detailed explication on the objectives of the new Labour Relations Act (LRA) and on how the parties in labour relations practice in this sector would be affected by this law also formed part of the literature study. The main objective of the LRA is to promote productive employment relationships. In the empirical phase of the study, insightful findings regarding labour relations practice were noted on two methodologically relevant case studies, the "historically Black" and "historically White" institutions. The empirical study consists of descriptive and exploratory investigations of the biographical profile of the respondents at both campuses. There has been compelling evidence that generally defines more severe consequences of industrial action in the former category of institutions as opposed to the latter. Although the findings of this study cannot simply be generalised to other campuses, the study provides useful insights that can be drawn to enhance amity in labour relations in the rest of the campuses nationally. The value of the study lies in the sociological contribution it seeks to make in terms of attempting to magnify a deeper understanding of the nature, problems and dynamics of labour relations at South African universities. The study also attempts to make a revelation regarding some of the subtle transformatory factors that have come to riddle labour relations practice in the university sector in South Africa.
Open Access
The delivery of health care to the farm community in Bothaville
(University of the Free State, 2000-05) Janse van Rensburg, Ega; Van Rensburg, H. C. J.; De Klerk, G. W.
English: The master plan according to which the ANC government envisages to achieve transformation in the South African health care system, is the implementation of a National Health System (NHS), based on a District Health System (OHS) model, with the primary health care (PHC) policy as its foundation. In the process of implementing the OHS, an important challenge has emerged, that is, to translate provincial policy and administrative reorganisation into real improvements in health care delivery at local level. In order to address this challenge at grassroots level, a pilot programme of "bottomup" support to a selected number of health districts in the country was introduced, i.e. the Initiative for Sub-district Support (ISDS). One of the pilot sites selected for this support programme, is the Bothaville sub-district, which is the geographical location of this study. The study was primarily conducted to supply health care managers and governors concerned with the Bothaville sub-district with needed information on the conditions of the farm community and the delivery of health care. This information should enable them to improve the delivery of PHC and facilitate the implementation of the OHS. This is done by providing a broad explanation of development of the South African health care system with particular focus on policy and organisation; general background information on the Bothaville sub-district; a profile of mobile clinic services; an evaluation of the current system of mobile clinic health care; an explanation of the differences between the previous and the new system (implemented approximately five months prior to thë 'survey); baseline information on the rural community and thëir health status; and an assessment of the perceptions of health care providers concerning aspects of health care , delivery. The overall design of the study is exploratory and descriptive. It consists of a literature study and empirical data. The literature study was conducted to contextualise the Bothaville subdistrict within the ISOS and the broader South African health care context. The empirical study consisted of a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods of data gathering, i.e. a survey among a sample of rural dwellers and interviews conducted among farm school teachers, the professional nurses working on the mobile clinics, and general health care personnel in Bothaville. The main findings of the empirical part of the study include: more than half of the rural dwellers interviewed had never made use of the mobile clinics; information is inadequately disseminated to rural clients; transportation difficulties to mobile visiting points in the new system is a serious constraint; there is a lack of community participation in rural health matters; the promotive and preventative functions of PHC are lacking; a lack of communication and cooperation exist among the different public health services; conflict among health care personnel is rife; integration of services would solve numerous problems; and users of the mobile clinic services are generally satisfied with all aspects of mobile clinic services and appreciate the services. The main recommendations comprise: additional modes of transport for rural dwellers need to be provided; a more effective information dissemination strategy to rural clients is needed; the rural community need to be actively involved in health matters; more emphasis needs to be placed on the preventative and promotive dimensions of PHC; communication and cooperation among public health care workers in the area need improvement; and all the public health care services need to be integrated under one authority. In conclusion, the researcher is confident that the results of the study would supply health workers, managers and governors with ample information to optimise health care rendered to rural dwellers in the area, as well as to assist with the implementation of the DHS.
Open Access
The effectiveness and efficiency of labour relations processes and practices in the public hospital system with specific reference to Pelonomi Hospital (Bloemfontein, Free State)
(University of the Free State, 2001-04) Matebesi, Sethulego Zacheus; Heunis, J. C.
The general aim of this study is to analyse and assess the factors/issues that have an impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of labour relations processes and practices in the public hospital system. Thus, the study is directed towards the analysis and assessment of "structural factors" (joint worker-employer committees) and "procedural factors" (discipline, dismissal, performance appraisal and grievance procedures) that direct and influence the labour relations process at public hospitals. The overall study design was first of all exploratory and descriptive, but of necessity also directed towards the development of suggestions for practical interventions in problem solving, decision-making and policy-making. The study was conducted at Pelonomi Hospital in Mangaung, Greater Bloemfontein. Eighty nurses and forty-two blue-collar workers, were the primary respondents. Other respondents included management at provincial and national level, trade union representatives and supervisors of blue-collar workers. Data was collected by means of structured questionnaires and a focus group session with supervisors of blue-collar workers. The systems and open systems theories directed the study. In this regard five themes were identified: working conditions and remuneration, trade unionism, strikes, grievance and disciplinary procedures, and labour relations practices. The majority of the respondents were female. Most respondents (nurses and blue-collar workers) reported dissatisfaction with their salaries and the late and/or nonpayment of allowances. Despite the important role that unions play at institutional level, there is a perception that they are fuelling discontent among workers. Potential causes of strikes appeared to be more closely linked to discrimination than to ineffective grievance and disciplinary procedures. Respondents' knowledge about the existence of grievance and disciplinary procedures was extensive. Largely because of a perception that workers are treated differently, the vast majority of respondents indicated that these procedures are handled inconsistently. In conclusion, it is essential that the poor chain of labour relations is broken. Firm foundations have been laid for transformation of labour relations in the public health sector, in general. A healthy public hospital system can only be created and preserved if all parties embrace the current changes.
Open Access
Experiencing stigma: The physically disabled perspective
(University of the Free State, 2001-11) Hopkins, Mandy-Liesel; De Klerk, G. W.; Van Vuuren, S. J. E. J.
The field of physical disability is a relatively unexplored one. In particular, it is evident that little has been done to attempt an explanation of the reactions of people with physical disabilities to the labels, and consequent stigmas that are applied to them by the able-bodied. It is important to note that whilst people with physical disabilities are generally not considered deviant, many of them experience the same societal reactions to their conditions as other 'deviants' do. This occurrence is probably due to the fact that physically disabled people are seen by society as different, 'abnormal', or even 'deviant'. People with physical disabilities are isolated, stigmatised, segregated and discriminated against as a result of their disabilities. They are however, not intrinsically deviant because of their disabilities, but rather because of the undesirable differences that are imputed to them by society. The presence of a physical disability thus renders the disabled individual 'deviant', partially because of the limitations it imposes upon the person's range of activities and behaviour, but mainly because of the reactions of the able-bodied to the disability. People with physical disabilities are forced to remain socially and economically marginalised, not because of their disabilities, but because of discriminatory and exclusionary attitudes and practices on the part of the non-disabled. People with obvious physical disabilities, such as those confined to wheelchairs, are disadvantaged during everyday societal interaction, unless they constantly attempt to minimise their differences from the able-bodied. In this regard, many of the physically disabled suggested that non-disabled people believed them to innately possess the following characteristics: helplessness, dependency, an inability to take on any responsibility, and a constant need for guidance and supervision. The interviewees maintained that the aforementioned beliefs supplied 'normals' with seemingly legitimate reasons for the stigmatisation of groups such as them. They also noted that many 'normals' felt that they, as physically disabled individuals, deviated from the 'highly admirable state' of physical perfection. The physically disabled are often expected to cope with their limitations in ways not expected of other 'normal' people. In this regard, they are conditioned to 'manage' and 'overcome' their disabilities, to be 'independent' and above all else to be 'normal'. The limitations that result from physical disability, however, .often render these individuals dependent, and therefore deviant, as they are forced to break the norms of adult independence and self-reliance. According to the physically disabled, their disabilities stem from the fact that physical and social environments are designed without any consideration of the needs of particular individuals or groups, and not from their own functional limitations. They therefore maintain that the problems that they encounter in interaction with the able-bodied could be minimised if the latter group was better educated concerning the requirements and 'lifeworids' of people with physical disabilities. In this regard, it is evident that people with physical disabilities have been portrayed as 'flawed able-bodied people' throughout history. The physically disabled however, suggest that although they differ physiologically from their ablebodied counterparts, they are no different from any other 'normal' person. Finally, people with physical disabilities desire the same consideration, social courtesies and acknowledgement as any other 'normal' person, expects and receives. The physically disabled state that the fact that their bodies do not function in the same manner as those of the non-disabled, does not exclude them from assuming any of the roles that they previously held in society, should they choose to. As such, the physically disabled maintain that, given the opportunity, they would gladly take part in all the areas of 'normal' life, and particularly in the employment area. Physically disabled people want to be treated by their nondisabled counterparts as 'normal', they neither require, nor desire 'special' treatment because of their physical limitations.
Open Access
An exploration of the underlying social dynamics that make women vulnerable to HIV infection
(University of the Free State, 2002-05) Ackermann, Leáne; De Klerk, G. W.
English: In South Africa, as in the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa, HIV/AIDS has become a source of national and international concern. After many prevention campaigns and education programmes the viruscontinues to spread at an alarming rate, forcing one to look more carefully at the underlying social organization that could be conducive to the spread of thisdisease. In particular the position of women isbeing investigated in order to uncover the social dynamics that increase their vulnerability to this disease. In the year 2000, almost a quarter (24,5%)of South African women attending antenatal clinics were HIV positive. Physiologically,women appear to be at greater riskof contracting HIV than men. Apart from the physiological vulnerability of women it is important to consider the social aspects that put women at risk.This thesis considers the following social factors that put women at risk: violence against women, rape in particular; the unfavourable economic position of women that threatens the well- being of women as it encourages behaviour that increases the riskof HIV infection: the low educational status of women; a sexual culture which includes practices and expectations that put women at risk. This exploratory study revealed that women lack specific knowledge concerning the disease and hold certain misconceptions about how being in a stable relationship protects one against the disease. Another important finding was that these women, who acquired the disease, were in stable relationships that were generally positive and rewarding and that the overriding motivation to have sex was based on love. This emphasizes the fact that all women are at risk and that the very nature of a stable relationship (that encourages trust and complacency) is what puts women at risk. Some relationships were negative and this involved forced sex. Regarding the non-use of condoms, the main reason cited was that people who trust one another, do not use condoms. Unfortunately the real culture of infidelity coupled with the emphasis on trust (no condoms) was one important reason why these women acquired HIV. In addition to the above, the study revealed that the trans-gender and trans-generational lack of communication regarding sexual matters makes it difficult for women to insist on condom use when they suspect their partners to be unfaithful. This study recommends that action to protect women must be taken on an individual, organisational and ideological level. On an individual level, it is important that all women perceive themselves to be at risk and that they know exactly how to go about protecting themselves. In addition to this, individuals should continuously be motivated to practice behaviour that will protect them from HIV infection. This motivation can come through socialisation agents such as schools, parents, churches and the media. It is also important that women have the power to dictate sexual behaviour. Regarding the organisational level, HIV counselling and anti-retrorviral therapy should be available. Sexually transmitted diseases should be prevented with the help of the health care sector and the mobilisation of organisations that work to combat violence against women. Ideologically, the patriarchal nature of our society must be changed before wide spread behavioural change will occur. The rampant spread of this disease can only be stemmed if the subordinate position of women is acknowledged and addressed.
Open Access
Basotho culture and domestic violence: case studies of men as perpetrators and women as victims
(University of the Free State, 2005-12) Mashiloane, Ntja Patrick; Crause, E. J.; Venter, A. P.
The aim of this study was to summerize and provide an overview of domestic violence and the law, in South Africa and the role of Basotho Culture in domestic violence especially in instances where men are perpetrators and women are victims. To achieve this, a literature study on domestic violence was done and a questionnaire generated . Case studies were made of ten respondents, who reported cases or were arrested in 2005 as an empirical study. The respondents are five perpetrators and five victims in Mak:wane Police Station Policing precinct. The study illustrates the multi-dimensionality of human behavior. While there are relationships between traditional culture and violence towards women, its emphasis on male dominance is counterbalanced by obligations to protect. The study results/findings rather illustrates the gap between South Africa as an ideal state, and where the reality of some of its citizens are. The importance of previous learning as a common denominator between victims and perpetrators and the impact of crumbling social networks were highlighted. A major recommendation relates to creating an opportunity to guide and support the more violent citizens in making the transition to a behavior system that is more in line with the general orientation portrayed in the systems of law relating to domestic violence and protection of women and children. Recommendations were made for the prevention of domestic violence by the South African Police Service, Non Governmental Organizations and Government departments and for further study.
Open Access
Housing options for mineworkers in arid and semi-arid regions: the case of Kathu
(University of the Free State, 2009-05) Cloete, Jan Sebastiaan; Marais, J. G. L.; Matabesi, S. Z.
English: This dissertation entitled “Housing options for mineworkers in arid and semi-arid regions: the case of Kathu” was conducted against the background of a dearth of research into the provision of housing options for mineworkers in post-1994 South Africa. Furthermore, it was conducted against the background of the influence that arid locations may bring to bear on housing provision. The dissertation calls in question the applicability of current mineworker housing provision, given the realities of being located in an arid mining town. The dissertation initially reviews the international literature regarding development in arid regions and the effects that such arid locations have on the livelihoods of the residents. It is suggested that the residents of mining towns engage in multiple forms of livelihood because of the danger associated with dependence on a single livelihood. The cycles of development and stagnation of resource-dependent towns, which affect livelihoods, are discussed, as is an alternative to settlement. These international perspectives are followed by an investigation of the relevant South African literature to illustrate the effects of past social and economic developments on the historical provision of housing in South African mining towns. The discussion then moves on to more recent attempts by both the mining companies and national government to address the consequences of past injustices. The housing options available to mineworkers are illustrated by reflecting on the formulation and implementation of policies both by mining companies and government. Through reflection on two surveys conducted in Kathu (one among residents of a mining hostel and another among residents of a private housing scheme), it is shown that a significant number of mineworkers prefer not to settle permanently near the mine and would prefer to continue with circular migration between the mine and their areas of origin. While several factors have – for either sample – had an influence on the preference to settle permanently, only the presence of a/another home in their areas of origin indicated a statistically significant relationship for both samples. This gives an indication of both the existence of ties with the areas of origin and of the existence of access to multiple livelihoods. The data from the surveys further reflect the respondents’ preferences in terms of housing and their evident ability to afford such preferences. It is shown that while respondents’ choices are not always a reflection of their housing needs, most would not have problems in respect of affordability. While most respondents indicated that they would prefer to own, the long-term effects of settlement are questioned by reflecting on respondents’ lack of alternative livelihoods. Generally, respondents expressed high levels of satisfaction both regarding the housing scheme and the housing in their areas of origin. Addressing the overcrowding of the hostel should significantly increase the satisfaction of living in them. Against this background, the dissertation proposes that: the roll-out of rental subsidies be increased to those eligible in mining areas; the role of social housing be re-evaluated with a view to providing rental housing to mineworkers; alternative settlement patterns be encouraged in arid regions; alternative systems of infrastructure and service provision in arid regions be investigated; the choices of individuals be facilitated by increasing their range of housing options; current production decisions at the mine be taken into account to improve the benefits and reduce the costs of migrancy; a greater variety of housing options be provided to mineworkers so that they may choose one that is most compatible with their preference and livelihood; and that more education be provided to mineworkers regarding the possible consequences of both ownership and settlement choices for their livelihoods.
Open Access
Policy implications and challenges of population ageing in South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2013-01) Goodrick, Wade Francis; Pelser, A. J.
As a consequence of the iterative combination of fertility and mortality declines, the South African population’s age structure has begun to experience significant ageing, whereby a shift from having a population characterised by many young people (0-14 years old) to a population characterised by increasingly more older persons is occurring. The demographic trend known as population ageing places numerous pressures on all social, economic and developmental fronts, requiring societies to reconfigure their developmental agendas, aims, programmes and policy in order to provide for an ageing population’s needs. Thus, it is imperative to analyse the implications of ageing and South Africa’s policy responses to such implications so as to provide vital information that will undoubtedly prove useful in planning and decision-making processes for the future when ageing has become significantly progressive. The purpose of the study was to analyse the extent to which South African socio-economic and developmental policy frameworks take the implications and effects of population ageing into concern, while evaluating the ability and appropriateness of current South African policy initiatives in dealing with the demands and needs of an ageing population. Moreover, the study explored the demographic nature and dynamics of the age transition globally, as well as in South Africa; while providing recommendations that will benefit policy responses and their implementation, when targeting implications associated with ageing. Combining both quantitative and qualitative techniques, the study made use of an exploratory mixed methods approach, whereby several sources of information were utilised throughout the data collection process, namely in-depth primary and secondary literature sources; secondary demographic data that exemplify the occurrence of population ageing and its implications in South Africa; policy and legislative documents; and data collected from key and strategic interviews using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Several important findings were drawn from the study, namely that the South African population is ageing at a rapid rate and will most likely face a plethora of implications – challenges and opportunities – associated with ageing, such as: increased need of care for the growing older population and their families; increased demand for elderly healthcare services; increased social expenditure; greater provision of elderly household and consumptive needs; and enhanced role of older persons and focus on their needs in the political arena and so on. In response to such implications, the South African government has installed policies focused on the material and social wellbeing of the older South African population; however, these policy responses are generally only partially successful and are often hampered by several obstacles that contribute to their insufficiency; a primary hindrance being the overall lack of awareness concerning the implications, challenges and opportunities associated with the country’s ageing population. Lastly, a number of recommendations were made based on the study, namely that programmes which facilitate the awareness of ageing implications need to be implemented and strengthened throughout South Africa, while all ageing concerns must be mainstreamed and prioritised in policy. Furthermore, research on the potential socio-economic, fiscal and monetary implications of an ageing South Africa must be initiated so as to improve the drafting and implementation of ageing policy and strategy. Finally, the scope and focus of South African policy responses targeting implications of ageing need to be broadened to include all implications and concerns, along with the strengthening of institutional arrangements.
Open Access
Old stories and new chapters: a biographical study of white Afrikaans speaking identity in central South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2013-02) Kotze, Paul Conrad; Coetzee, Jan. K.; Elliker, Florian
Since the fall of apartheid and the emergence of a wholly democratic South Africa in 1994, little research has been done on the topic of white identity in this rapidly transforming multicultural society. Indeed, apart from an array of popular books on the subject, there has been virtually no academic interest in the question of how white South Africans have reconstructed their individual and collective identities since the fall of apartheid, and the resulting erosion of the ready answers previously provided to them regarding questions of belonging and identification. This study set out to remedy this situation through exploring the identities that white South Africans, and white Afrikaans speakers in particular, have constructed out of the wreckage of the 20th century. Embracing a qualitative approach, this study focused on exploring stories of contemporary white Afrikaans speaking identity as told in the participants’ own words. Six individuals, ranging from students in their late teens to a grandson of Hendrik Verwoerd, shared their stories, which were reflexively engaged through an interpretive sociological approach that incorporated elements of phenomenology, existentialism and reflexive sociology. The dissertation starts off with an introduction to the epistemological and ontological foundation upon which the investigative process was built, before investigating the concept identity as conceptualised during the research process, namely as constituting a relatively stable but malleable set of understandings regarding the self and its place within society in general and specific racial, religious and cultural collectivities in particular. A history of white Afrikaans speaking identity is then presented, which makes clear the prior existence of at least three historical white Afrikaans speaking collectivities, namely the Burghers of the 17th and 18th centuries, the Boers of the 1800’s, and the Afrikaners of the 20th century. The stage is then set for the examination of the new collectivities that have developed since the demise of a coherent Afrikaner identity in the late 20th century. The data, collected by means of reflexive individual and group interviews, and analysed using ‘Dialogical Narrative Analysis’ (DNA), a process that focuses on the contents and circulation of individual and collectively shared stories, or ‘narrative repertoires’, indicate the existence of at least three relatively coherent contemporary white Afrikaans speaking collectivities. These are the ‘Pseudo-Boers’, the ‘Afrikaners’, and the ‘Afrikaanses’. These three collectivities, developing simultaneously and largely parallel to each other out of the once coherent Afrikaner collectivity of the previous century, exhibit significant variance regarding the content, structure and circulation of their narrative repertoires. This means that Afrikaners, Pseudo-Boers and Afrikaanses, on both the individual and collective levels, differ from each other in terms of the stories they tell and dynamics pertaining to the circulation of these stories, as well as the genres, plots and character types prevalent in them. These shared stories in turn represent, according to this study, the matrix out of which identity is constructed, be it individual or collective. The uncovered data are further represented in a manner borrowing from certain techniques used in the fields of semi-fiction writing and journalism, with the aim to aid understanding through presenting the data themselves in a storied form. This choice was made in line with the hypothesis, developed throughout this dissertation, that the uniquely human phenomenon of storytelling in fact underlies much of the social construction of reality, and serves to inform individual and collectively shared meaning frameworks and understandings regarding the world of everyday life.
Open Access
Breast cancer and the medical encounter: experiences, perceptions, negotiations and transformations of identity and feminity
(University of the Free State, 2013-07) Heggenstaller, Alessandra Kim; De Wet, Katinka; Coetzee, Jan K.
English: It is commonly thought that breast cancer, like many other cancers, is an illness equivalent to a death sentence. Though this may be true in some cases, the majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer do survive this illness. Breast cancer is a growing illness and consequently is continuing to affect women worldwide, including in developing countries like South Africa. In this dissertation, I look at how eight middle-class South African women experience their breast cancer diagnosis and the subsequent treatment. I aim to understand how each participant re-negotiates and transforms her self-perception, her “identity” and issues around femininity. I am also interested in seeing how the prolonged and intense medical encounter is experienced, as well as how this encounter influences the individual in her renegotiation and transformation of “identity” and femininity. Social constructivist, social existentialist, and phenomenological approaches are combined to highlight the rich experiences of the collected narratives. These narratives are aimed at gaining a deeper insight into what a breast cancer diagnosis and its concomitant treatment entail. The main method for collecting the experiences of the research participants is in-depth interviews. The interview schedules were designed to prompt the individual to expand on relevant topics for the study. When working through a topic, most participants broadened their narratives by going deeper into their personal experiences and unique understanding by revealing more personal thoughts of their breast cancer journey. This in turn, led the narrative analysis to produce themes such as the role of religion, femininity and gender, surviving and support, maintaining normality and the medical experience. It is also evident that these eight women have access to state-of-the-art medical treatment, given their adherence to private medical insurance schemes. This reflects a very specific experience, very similar to accounts in existing literature of women in firstworld countries who undergo a similar diagnosis and treatment. Each research participant elaborates on the self-understanding of her illness which reflects either an optimistic or pessimistic attitude in as far as her self-concept and self-image is concerned. The participants’ self-understanding and attitude (optimistic or pessimistic) are found to be closely linked to the level of support that they have access to, as well as to their religious beliefs, outlooks and understandings. This is reflected in how the illness is accepted and also in their current outlook towards future prospects. This study aims at humanising the illness of breast cancer through listening to the personal accounts of individuals who have had to experience the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Within these personal illness narratives, I aim to expand our understanding of this illness and the experience of those who were diagnosed and treated for it.
Open Access
The aging experiences of English speaking older white woman in central South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2014-01) Hellerle, Ferdinand; Elliker, Florian; Coetzee, Jan K.
English: The aim of this study was to explore the aging experiences of older white English speaking women in central South Africa. The initial motivation for this study came from a conversation I had with my study supervisor and mentor regarding the disparity between the manner in which older people were portrayed in society and the way in which they view their own aging experiences. Six women, aged 65 years and older, within the Bloemfontein area (the capital of the Free State Province in South Africa) were recruited to take part in this study. A qualitative research approach is used to explore the stories the women shared of their aging experiences in in-depth interviews. An interpretive sociological approach, which incorporates phenomenology, existential sociology, and reflexive sociology, is chosen for the purpose of this study. The narrative accounts of their stories are constructed in terms of themes that emerged, linking it with the literature. Role changes during their life course are found to influence who they have become. The dissertation starts off by introducing aging as a phenomenon before reviewing the concept of aging and components such as, society’s view of aging, retirement, social relationships, living arrangements and spirituality. Identity and the changing roles during the life course of a women is conceptualized as means of further understanding of the aging process before introducing the ontological and epistemological foundation on which the investigative process is based. The narratives of the older women in the study portray a holistic picture of aging. Contrary to older women being portrayed as frail, dependent individuals in society, the analysis reveals that they view aging as a positive process. They have clear ideas and expectations of what they want from life. It affords them the freedom to utilize their time in a manner that pleases them without having the responsibility of having to take a spouse into consideration, or to care for children. Despite living on a marginal financial budget, they construct themselves as women having close links with family and friends, being active members in their churches and societies, and as independent women who enjoy the freedom of living life on their own terms and within their means. Being older brings with it, for them, confidence, selfawareness, and the freedom to make their own choices.
Open Access
Mother–daughter communication on intimate relationships: narratives from Mangaung Township (Bloemfontein, South Africa)
(University of the Free State, 2015) Gumede, Ntombizonke Agnes; Coetzee, Jan K.; Young-Hauser, Amanda
English: Good communication skills and conversations on intimate relationships between mothers and daughters have a positive influence on young people’s intimate relationships, sexual development and behaviour. This study explores conversations on intimate relationships between African mothers and their daughters in Mangaung Township, Bloemfontein, South Africa. The willingness, extent, content, and quality of communication on intimate relationships between daughters and their mothers, are the main focus of this study. The responses of the research are juxtaposed and compared to explore the respective angles, similar or divergent understandings and the barriers encountered in these conversations. This is important because research indicates that women are more vulnerable to sexually risky behaviour with the potential for serious consequences such as unplanned pregnancies or HIV infection. In light of the high prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and AIDs and unplanned pregnancies it is essential to scrutinise the mother–daughter communication on intimate relationships. This qualitative study is guided by the interpretivist paradigm. Theoretical lenses followed in the study include, phenomenology, existential sociology and feminist perspectives. Nine in-depth interviews were conducted with mothers and their daughters. These mother-daughter conversations take place in diverse domestic situations and fragile household compositions with the daughters’ fathers mostly being absent. In spite of the complex family dynamics, both mothers and their daughters consider their conversations on sex and reproductive health important. However, both parties were reluctant to talk and conversation was often only initiated following a precursory event (e.g. pregnancy or television programmes). The conversations were characterised as didactic, confrontational, and instructional and framed by cultural mores. The mothers’ focus was to warn, threaten and discourage their daughters from sexual activities. Certain topics like HIV and AIDS, pregnancy, menstruation were emphasised at the expense of other topics. Pleasure and emotional aspects of relationships were rarely considered. While the mother is the preferred primary source of information by both mothers and daughters, the latter tend to talk more openly to their friends and felt they received more information during sex education in schools. The study shows that the mothers often feel poorly equipped to conduct effective discussions on intimate relationships with their daughters because of embarrassment, lack of knowledge and socialisation of silence around sexual topics. Generally in these conversations sex has been reduced to a void and dangerous act and lack aspects such as emotions, love, desire and pleasure and partner choices.
Open Access
Women’s narratives of everyday precarity in the Mangaung township (Bloemfontein, South Africa)
(University of the Free State, 2015-02) Masenya, Dimakatso Veronica; De Wet, Katinka; Coetzee, Jan K.
English: Twenty years into South Africa’s new dispensation, poverty and unemployment remain a reality. Perpetuated by poor service delivery, the limited economic opportunities continue to disproportionately affect and marginalise the lower socioeconomic classes and those areas where they reside. “Black” African women, in particular those with minimal schooling (unskilled and semi-skilled), suffer most from these social illsand yet many are able to survive under precarious living conditions. The majority of “Black” African women are characterised by oppression, discrimination and exploitation, especially those who are unskilled and semi-skilled and who also had limited educational opportunities. In addition, these women inherit the weakened family structures created and caused to a great extent by years of apartheid rule where the presence and contributions of male members were slowly eroded by the migrant labour system and the creation of artificial areas where “Black” Africans had to reside and where a variety of laws undermined the development of the “Black” African population. Up until today, most “Black” African women are completely unemployed and many are dependent on social grants and informal employment or hand-outs to secure a living. Most of these women find themselves fulfilling multiple roles of both the “breadwinner” and “managers” of their households given the absence of their children’s fathers in their lives. Using a narrative inquiry, this research report delves into the precarious life-worlds of African women from the Mangaung township in Bloemfontein. It explores how these womensurvive with their limited and erratic sources of income which is often not sufficient to sustain all the dependents. It further demonstrates how these women cope and manage the sometimes strenuous and challenging execution of multiple roles. Through their narratives of everyday life experiences, the philosophy of Ubuntu/Botho, and its value and importance is brought to the fore. Their ability to cope and survive in their unpredictable and insecure reality is through the reciprocal help from individuals who form part of their social support. Hope and faith resonate in the lives of these women as they continue to aspire and dream of their escape and that of their children from this precarious reality. Similarly doubt and fear of the unknown lingers on. Death and deprivation are constant realities of this precarious living.
Open Access
Young and upwardly mobile: voices from historically disadvantaged groups
(University of the Free State, 2015-02) Kok, Michael Edward; Coetzee, Jan K.; Elliker, Florian
English: South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994 signalled a fundamental shift in the country’s social environment. The institutionalized racism that once subjugated the Black majority during apartheid gave way to legislature that aims to bring South Africa into a wholly new era of egalitarianism, the most striking result of which has been the steady influx of young Black people achieving upward mobility and making the transition into the middle- and upper-classes. The aim of this study is to conduct a phenomenological exploration into young Black South Africans’ lived experiences of upward mobility (the transition from a lower to a higher social class) with the express purpose of understanding how they construct their identities, both subjectively and in their interactions with others. Although there has been considerable interest in South Africa’s Black Diamonds and Buppies (as upwardly mobile Black people are often referred to), academic work on the upward mobility of Black people has largely been limited to quantitative studies in the field of economics and market research. This study thus attempts to fill a gap in the academic literature by offering insight into young Black South Africans’ subjective experiences of upward mobility and identity navigation. The foundation of this study is guided by the philosophical principles of interpretive research. As such, the aim is not to provide an objective explanation of the research participants’ experiences, but to explore how they perceive various experiences from their own unique perspectives. The research participants for this study are comprised of young, Black South Africans (between the ages of 18 and 30) who reside in the Bloemfontein area of Central South Africa. They are also specifically chosen to participate in this study because they have acquired professional occupations through educational attainment, which has placed them in a social position that is comparatively higher in the social hierarchy than that of their parents. The data for this study is collected by way of one-one-one interviews and a focus group discussion. The ultimate aim of the data collection is to obtain data that gets as close as possible to providing a first-hand account of the participants’ experiences with upward mobility and identity. This study therefore makes use of a narrative-centred approach to research, and the research participants’ stories are analysed according to an analytical framework known as the narrative practice approach. Rather than focusing purely on the content of the research participants’ stories, the narrative practice approach also focuses this study’s attention on how they tell their stories. The findings presented in this study touch upon numerous aspects of young Black South Africans’ lived experiences of upward mobility and identity, the most notable of which relate to the intersection of race and class in their interaction with others. Having made the transition from a lower social class that has historically been occupied by Blacks, into a higher social class that has historically been reserved for Whites, the research participants’ narratives richly illustrate how the accomplishment of upward social mobility is intrinsically affected by the everyday social process of identity construction and the unequal distribution of economic and cultural capital. As the dissertation’s findings suggest, the transition into a higher social class is not without its hardships. Apart from overcoming the more recognizable economic obstacles inherent in achieving upward mobility, the research participants’ narratives also shed light on transcending more implicit challenges to achieving upward mobility, such as cultural biases towards education, the lack of cultural knowledge needed to attend university, as well as the lack of cultural knowledge required to occupy a higher social class. More specific to the issue of identity construction, the research participants’ narratives indicate that because of their achievements, they are identified as members of a higher social class, both by people in their social class of origin, and by those in their achieved social class. However, the salience of race in South African society, coupled with the fact that South Africa’s class structure has invariably been shaped by race politics, means that the research participants find themselves in a unique position that requires them to successfully negotiate the presence of two separate and often contrasting identities. On the one hand, is an identity shaped by African traditions and culture within the lower class, and on the other hand, is a higher class identity that requires adherence to White South African culture if the participants are to fit in with those in their achieved social class.
Open Access
Perceptions of femininity among young black women in Bloemfontein, South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2016) Majali, Zukiswa; Coetzee, J. K.; Glapka, E.
Abstract not available