Sociology

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Open Access
Adherence and sustained access to antiretroviral treatment in the Free State public health sector: a gender perspective
(University of the Free State, 2008-11) De Reuck, Chantell Jacqualine; Pretorius, E.; Van Rensburg, H. C. J.
English: Sustained access to ART and adherence to ARV medications remain crucial for reducing AIDS-related mortality and morbidity, minimising the development of drug resistance, and for appropriate treatment decision-making by health care providers. Thus, the factors associated with non-adherence to ARV medication and poor sustained access need to be identified and addressed. Although there is a preponderance of treatment adherence research, in which social aspects that affect the way patients manage HIV/AIDS and related treatment have been identified, far less attention has been paid to the relevant gender dimensions of treatment, care and support. The aim of this study was to examine how gender influences adherence to ARV medications and sustained access to treatment among patients on ART in the Free State public health sector. To achieve this aim, several methods were deemed necessary. First, current literature was reviewed to identify factors that predict nonadherence to ARV medications and impede sustained access to ART. Second, a framework was adapted to focus on inequalities in treatment from a gender perspective, and to take cognisance of both biological sex and socially constructed gender influences on the health of patients on ARV treatment, with specific reference to access and adherence to treatment. Masculinity and femininity is discussed in respect of the varied resources that an individual has access to and control over, an individual’s decision-making power, the gender norms held by society, and gender roles that men and women are expected to adhere to. Third, an empirical investigation of data from a prospective cohort study was conducted to identify similarities and differences in factors associated with nonadherence to ARV medications and to poor sustained access among men and women on ART in the Free State’s public health sector. A total of 1609 patients were interviewed in face-to-face interviews using semi-structured questionnaires. Patients were interviewed six times during the course of this study with an average six-month interval between interviews. The outcome variables assessed included self-reported seven-day adherence to ARV medication regimens and self-reported adherence to scheduled appointments over a six-month period as a measure of sustained assess to treatment. Sex was used as the dependent variable in all analyses. Demographic, psychosocial/behavioural, clinical, and service delivery variables were all tested for a statistically significant association with non-adherence to medications and appointments in separate sex-disaggregated multivariate regression analyses (P≤0.05). Logistic regression models showed that the strongest predictors of medication nonadherence among men included financial difficulties in visiting hospital facilities and poor treatment knowledge. Among women, tobacco use and perceived stigma were identified as the strongest predictors of medication non-adherence. Self-reported depression or anxiety and experiencing difficulties in visiting clinic and hospital facilities were similarly associated with non-adherence to appointments for men and women. Service satisfaction at clinics and having few self-reported service needs were also independently associated with appointment non-adherence among women, but not among men. Findings for men do however need to be interpreted with caution, as both outcomes, despite being valid measures for the combined sample and among women, were not valid for men. Marked differences and similarities in the factors influencing medication adherence and sustained access to treatment between men and women were identified, reflecting the different lived experiences of men and women on ART in the Free State. Gender-sensitive interventions - as opposed to standardised ones - are thus required to improve adherence and sustained access in this population. Further research and possible interventions are required in respect of gender-sensitive outcome measures for adherence, improving treatment knowledge among men, coping responses to gender role stressors among women, less stigmatising means for taking medications, improving mental health and improving the quality of services rendered at health care facilities.
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 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
An assessment of the thatch harvesting programme at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park
(University of the Free State, 2016-11) Kernan, Anna-Lee Marié; Pelser, André J.
English: In many African countries, poverty rates often swelling beyond the national average are most prevalent in those rural communities bordering protected areas. As a result, national parks are progressively expected to navigate past the conventional primary focus on biodiversity protection to also, whilst conserving biodiversity, contribute towards improving the well-being of those communities adjacent to conservation areas. One such initiative is the thatch harvesting programme at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in South Africa. As the sustainable impact of this programme had not yet been evaluated, this study served to explore the extent to which the thatch harvesting programme had aided in augmenting the well-being of its beneficiaries. Applied within both a quantitative and qualitative context, an outcome analysis was used to determine the degree of this programme‟s success, the challenges that it faces, the extent to which it has improved the well-being of the participating beneficiaries, the degree to which it has reached the intended population, and finally, how the benefits of this programme might be enhanced in the future. With this in mind, the five dimensions of well-being as described by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment were pertinently used to determine the programmes impact on the direct beneficiaries, and an evaluation of the impact of this programme on the park, the broader community, as well as on the commercial buyers that purchased the thatch, was also piquantly explored. Upon analysis, a number of key findings emerged.  The programme has indeed improved the beneficiaries‟ well-being by augmenting their material well-being, health, social relations, and environmental safety, subsequently providing them with more freedom of choice. However, very few of the beneficiaries used the income generated from participating in the programme to pursue sustainable economic activities.  This programme faces several administrative and logistical issues such as lack of sufficient advertising, delayed permit retrieval, unclear selection processes, and lack of supervision during harvesting. The impact of this programme on the ecosystem of the harvested areas has not yet been quantified.  Anecdotal evidence points towards grass being illegally harvested. Therefore, benefits that should extend to the local communities are contracted.  Many beneficiaries lack the knowledge, skills and training regarding correct harvesting methods. This restricts accrued benefits and threatens the programmes long-term sustainability. Drawing from this, there are a number of ways in which the impact of this programme may be further endorsed. Strengthen the administration process of the programme by: a) Ameliorating the application process for beneficiaries. b) Extending the period for harvesting. c) Establishing clear boundaries of allocated harvesting areas. d) Supervising, monitoring and regulating the harvesting process. e) Developing clear communication lines between stakeholders and potential sponsors. f) Supplementing advertisements for the programme. Augment an inclusive decision-making approach by: a) Involving and supporting participation of the beneficiaries in the decision-making process. b) Edifying beneficiaries regarding the need to protect the ecosystem services of the park. c) Promoting conservation practice amongst the beneficiaries. Promote workshops and training sessions by:  Involving beneficiaries and engaging outside companies to offer training and/or workshops for the beneficiaries.  Creating a stimulating entrepreneurial environment. Extend the impact of the programme through future research by:  Exploring potential entrepreneurial readiness.  Identifying specific adaptive management approaches.  Monitoring a greater number of potential areas supporting grass species suitable for harvesting. In conclusion, although there are some significant challenges faced by the thatch harvesting programme, it has nonetheless augmented the overall well-being of its beneficiaries. However, specific interventions need to be considered in order to further improve the beneficiaries‟ access to capital, therefore enhancing their capability to meet and sustain their needs.
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
Between two worlds: everyday life of Basotho labour migrants in Bloemfontein, South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2016-02) Moletsane, ‘Malilimala Elizabeth; Coetzee, Jan; Kelly, Melissa
English: The concept of people’s migration has been studied extensively in the academic realm. The reasons why people migrate, the use of remittances in sending countries and the impact of migration on the migrants’ families are some of the topics addressed by academic research. However, the migrants’ experiences of belonging have not received much attention, especially in South Africa. This study adds to the migration literature by exploring the everyday lives of Basotho labour migrants in Bloemfontein, South Africa. It is unique insofar as it focuses on how the migrants make circular moves across the South Africa-Lesotho border, and whether they experience a sense of belonging in this process. The design is mainly a narrative inquiry, which is informed by the interpretive paradigm on which the study is grounded. For the purposes of the research, phenomenology, existential sociology and reflexive sociology are the theoretical lenses used within the interpretive paradigm. The study assumes a qualitative approach. It is based on a purposive sample of nine Basotho migrants – five men and four women. They all work in the informal sector in Bloemfontein and lack work permits. Their narratives of belonging are elicited through the use of semi-structured in-depth interviews. The interviews are guided by an interview schedule, which is formulated along the lines of the study’s research questions, as well as of the concepts from the study’s theoretical context and the review of existing literature on migration and on belonging. The data are analysed thematically. The findings point to the fact that the migrants do not experience high levels of belonging to Bloemfontein. They live largely marginalised and insecure lives and believe that they are often excluded from the wider Bloemfontein community. Much of their lives in Bloemfontein revolve around their work. They spend most of their time at work, and they visit Lesotho whenever their working situation allows. As a result, they do not have any meaningful and deep-seated relations with their neighbours and the communities in which they live. This shows that they lack a sense of community in Bloemfontein. In turn, it indicates that they do not experience a true sense of belonging in as far as group membership (in terms of the politics of belonging) is concerned. Consequently, they continue to maintain close ties with Lesotho in all ways possible. For instance, they communicate regularly with their families and friends back in Lesotho, they visit Lesotho monthly, they transfer most of their earnings back to Lesotho and they relate most of their situations in Bloemfontein back to Lesotho. Their emotional attachment lies overwhelmingly with people, places and things in Lesotho. Thus they do not strongly feel at home in Bloemfontein.
Open Access
Books & bones & other things
(SUN MeDIA Bloemfontein (SUN PReSS imprint), 2018-07) Coetzee, Jan K.
Books tell stories about our lifeworld. In this book Jan Coetzee invites us to critically inquire into the aims, the content, and the context of the stories contained in a collection of old books from an old world. Without opening these old texts and without converting the original print on the pages to meaning and message, Coetzee brings the books into a dialogue with each other. Together with accompanying sculpted and/or found objects these books take on a new, broader function. By gathering them in one volume they attain a different character and tell us more than what the individual books ever could.
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
Community participation in the upgrading of informal settlements: theoretical and practical guidelines
(University of the Free State, 1999-05) Botes, Lucius Johannes Snyman; Van Rensburg, H. C. J.; Beukes, E. P.
English: The emergence of participation as an alternative paradigm of development has been phenomenal. All over the world, and in South Africa in particular, enthusiasm for community participation in development exists. Moreover, many development initiatives in South Africa aspire to be participatory and people-driven processes. However, the difficulties of achieving participation at grassroots level is not always fully recognised or analysed. Therefore, participatory development, specifically in urban upgrading in South Africa, was the focus of this research. This study attempted to move beyond both the development rhetoric and the lofty sentiments associated with participatory development, and to search for a deeper understanding of community participation in development. In this search for a more in-depth understanding of the dynamics of participatory development, the study firstly traced the roots of community participation back to some of the social and development theories and paradigms from which community participation originated. The acceptance of participatory approaches to development reflects an awareness of the inadequacy of previous development efforts that failed to communicate effectively with local persons and considers their felt needs and potential contributions. Participatory development was developed primarily in a Third World context, albeit with Western influences, and it grew out of a wide range of alternative and divergent ideas, theories and paradigms, from all over, and from a multitude and rich legacy of development forces and approaches that influenced and co-shaped it. Secondly, this thesis attempted to achieve conceptual clarity on community participation in relation to development projects. Community participation is for the purposes of this study, defined as a collective process that has its focus on the active collaborative involvement of keystakeholders in joint decision-making that will influence the outcome of development decisions and of actions impacting on the broader development context of an end-beneficiary community. Thirdly, this research paid some attention to community participation in low-income urban housing projects. Important impediments or obstacles to community participation were exposed, with some reference to their application in urban upqradinq contexts. This study highlighted the emergence and evolution of participatory housing processes in urban low-income communities, both internationally and in South Africa. The global nature of shelter poverty, specifically in urban environments, was explored and the extent of shelter poverty in South Africa's urban areas and related low-income housing initiatives was discussed. r,e emergence of participatory urban development in South Africa was also analysed. Fourthly, the research described and analysed the community participation dynamics of a selected case study of informal settlement upgrading. For this purpose Freedom Square (an informal settlement on the outskirts of Bloemfontein, the capital of the Free State Province in South Africa) was selected as a case study. The findings demonstrated that informal settlers do have the inherent ability to participate meaningfully in their own development, albeit not without conflict among the different stakeholders involved. Lastly, the study proposed some emergent guidelines for promoting or facilitating community participation in urban upgrading projects. These guidelines could serve as a developmental strategy of conduct for the practice of participatory development and also as a development ethical code. Participatory development, and for that matter human development, is about processes whereby people empower themselves to participate continuously in improving their own destiny. A constant reorientation of the thinking of development professionals is therefore necessary, during which process they should rather adopt the motto of planning with and not for the people. In this reorientation they should change from being implementers to being facilitators and enablers who foster the principle of minimum intervention and who respect the indigenous knowledge of ordinary community members. The participatory development paradigm is here to stay, but the challenge remains to make community participation more than an empty catchword. Although there are major issues and problems associated with community participation in development, the benefits of participation by far outweigh these problems. Despite its ambiguities and limitations, the participatory approach enables ordinary people to assume responsibility for policies and decisions, and also for actions which concern them.
Open Access
A community-based conservation programme for the management and conservation of land resources in Lesotho
(University of the Free State, 2004-11) Esenjor, Akinagum Fidelis; Pelser, A. J.; Botes, L.
English: Literature abounds with discussions regarding land degradation and the sustainability of land resources conservation programmes in sub-Saharan Africa. A thorough understanding of past and present intervention mechanisms and the consequences both to humans and to the entire ecosystem is necessary to advise stakeholders in conservation initiatives. This study employs comprehensive multiple participatory methodologies in analysing both the causes of land degradation and the importance of local communities’ real involvement in land resources conservation initiatives. The participatory methodologies include focus group discussions. The consequences of the paternalist classical model of land resources conservation programmes practised in the developing countries include endless conflicts between conservation officers and local communities, a lack of unequivocal acknowledgement of indigenous knowledge, denial to local communities of access to rights and adequate benefits, and a lack of local support and community participation which results in the sudden collapse and abandonment of conservation programmes. This indicates a wasting of government agencies’ heavy investment in conservation initiatives. Yet, worldwide advocation of a shift from official to community-based conservation approaches does not mean the total withdrawal of government agencies. It only means a trimming down of government agencies’ “do it all” recurrent roles to one of facilitation of the conservation initiatives of local communities. Government agencies may also give unconditional support in community-based initiatives. It has been established that the continuous occupation of the centre stage in land resources conservation programmes by government agencies has accelerated land degradation, has intensified conflicts between government officers and local communities, has wasted local available resources input, has denied local communities access, rights and benefits of land resources, and has increased the number of abandoned conservation projects. The hope of effectively practising real community-based land resources is an uphill task. This is so because government agencies operating in Lesotho have raised unsustainable expectations of food-for-work and/or cash payment incentives to local community members for participating in conservation work. This poor practice has established a false impression that land resources conservation is the sole responsibility of government agencies. This study has established that to practise community-based conservation would require drastic new training of government agencies; it would necessitate providing more sustainable incentives to local communities, and also re-orientating, empowering and capacitating the people for the challenging tasks ahead. Real involvement of local communities in the processes of identification of conservation needs, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation are sure ways of ensuring sustainable land resources conservation programmes.
Open Access
Die dagboek van'n Boeremeisie in diens van die vyand-siekte en sorg in die Bethulie-kamp
(Faculty of the Humanities, University of the Free State, 2011-09) Pretorius, Engela; Krige, Daleen
The many published diaries kept by women in the concentration camps constitute an extraordinary aspect of the Anglo-Boer War. Undoubtedly, some diaries have only survived within families – like the one kept by Susara Johanna (Sarie) Roos. Armed conflict can be considered to be the antithesis of public health and, as such, it constitutes a health issue. Central to every war one finds the health care staff, and specifically the nurse, who has to deal with the physical, emotional and social consequences of the conflict. Sarie Roos, a young Boer woman, was employed by the British as a nurse in the Bethulie camp. In the main, her narrative deals with this role. This article aims to describe and analyse her experiences in this camp – one of the most devastating of its kind. During the course of her narrative, documented history comes to light, which serves to verify the reliability and authenticity of her diary. It does, however, also provide a somewhat different view of the events – from the perspective of a Boer woman employed by the enemy to serve her own people.
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
From the ‘History of Western Philosophy’ to entangled histories of philosophy: the Contribution of Ben Kies
(Routledge, 2023) Miller ,Josh Platzky
The idea of ‘Western Philosophy’ is the product of a legitimation project for European colonialism, through to post-second world war Pan-European identity formation and white supremacist projects. Thus argues Ben Kies (1917-1979), a South African public intellectual, schoolteacher, trade unionist, and activist-theorist. In his 1953 address to the Teachers’ League of South Africa, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘰𝘯-𝘌𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘊𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, Kies became one of the first people to argue explicitly that there is no such thing as ‘Western philosophy’. In this paper, I introduce Kies as a new figure in the historiography of philosophy with important insights, relevant today. I outline his three key arguments: that ‘Western Philosophy’ is the product of political mythmaking, that it is a recent, largely mid-twentieth century fabrication, and that there is an alternative to ‘Histories of Western Philosophy’, namely ‘mixed’ or entangled histories. I show that Kies’ claims are supported both by contemporary scholarship and bibliometric analysis. I thus argue that Kies is right to claim that the idea of a distinctive, hermetically sealed ‘Western Philosophy’ is a recent, political fabrication and should be abandoned. We should instead develop global, entangled historiography to make sense of philosophy and its history today.
Open Access
Growing old with HIV: narratives of women in Manicaland Zimbabwe
(University of the Free State, 2016-12) Chikonzo, Ndakaitei; Coetzee, Jan K.; Rau, Asta
English: In this study, research participants’ narratives provide knowledge and a better understanding of the nature of life of women who are living and growing old with HIV. I use phenomenology as a principal lens to study the research participants’ lived experiences, social realities, existential being, and gendered lives. Phenomenological assumptions inform us that experiences are subjectively (personally), intersubjectively (interpersonally) and objectively (culturally and historically) impacted upon by different realities that exist in society. This study is interpretive — research participants share their unique perspectives. As a result, I adopt a qualitative approach to obtain the research participants’ first-hand narratives about their life stories. Audio-recorded, semi-structured and in-depth interviews with eight purposively-selected women, aged fifty to sixty-five years and living in the Manicaland Province of Zimbabwe, were conducted. Informed consent from the participants was obtained after approval to conduct the research by the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe and the Ethical Committee of the University of the Free State’s Faculty of the Humanities. A thematic data analysis approach was used to make sense of the data gathered. The process yielded various themes and eventually produced four major over-arching themes, which are pre-diagnosis experiences, post-diagnosis experiences, adapting and adjusting to the condition, and life in the future. These phases are congruent with the notion that lived experiences are temporal, organised and inform each other. In addition, the analyses are also organised with reference to the observations that people who suffer from chronic conditions initially undergo a phase of inner struggle with regard to the reality of living with that condition, but come to terms with that reality over time and undertake to live positively with it. The ordinary everyday life experiences are mainly intersubjective, with people aligning their thoughts, judgements and actions with the common and shared knowledge and assumptions that construct and order life in that society. As noted in the findings, the research participants were initially not knowledgeable, some were fatalistic of the existence of HIV in their lives and others took long to implement proper courses of action to manage their condition. Consequently, their perspectives on HIV were mainly guided by the socially constructed assumptions and misconceptions about HIV existing in their communities. Some report that they encountered great difficulties during the disclosure of their HIV-positive status to those they deemed fit or trusted. Later on, proper support and age-influenced maturity assisted the research participants to acquire competencies that enabled them to deal with HIV in a positive way. They eventually adjusted and adapted well as they made efforts to understand, accept and manage their condition in a way that facilitates the re(creation) of the social order. The development of functional new meanings, such as a positive outlook on life, positive perception of self and personal strength, result in a positive outlook of the future, where some research participants hope for an HIV cure in their lifetime. Others, less ambitiously, hope to get well enough to return to their old activities such as engaging in cross-border businesses. They also acquired the ability to assess the impact of societal norms, beliefs and practices on their condition and discern what works for them, rather than acting blindly according to what is socially-accepted. Nevertheless, despite these positives, the research participants still have concerns about what lies ahead as they worry about the unpredictable effects of HIV and old age. The participants’ experiences as women, are also impacted by societal norms and values that relegate them to an inferior position in heterosexual relationships. Gender imbalances and inequality disempower women with regard to taking relevant courses of action to prevent or alleviate the effects of HIV owing to the societal expectations that women be submissive on issues that involve sexuality and the conduct of their husbands. Most of the research participants acknowledge that their experiences in this life-changing condition (HIV-positive) were complicated by their upholding of societal norms instead of having a greater regard for their personal wellbeing. On the whole, the study observes that the research participants create new meanings to live well with HIV despite the existing challenging social structures in their society.
Open Access
Hospitalisation for tuberculosis in the Free State, South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2004-05) Heunis, James Christoffel; Van Rensburg, H. C. J.; Meulemans, H.
Abstract not available
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
International conflict over fresh water resources: the formulation of preventive and interventive guidelines
(University of the Free State, 2008) Redelinghuys, Nola; Pelser, A. J.
The pressures of human society on available water resources lead to the grave and everworsening scarcity of this resource, which locally and internationally, strains policy and institutional capacity to deal with the issue cooperatively. While conflict over fresh water, to the extent even of war, is not generally characteristic of relations over water, tension is nevertheless felt between countries over various issues surrounding access to water. It is thus imperative to determine the nature and extent of issues that may give rise to future tension and conflict over freshwater resources. Given the above situation, this study aimed to meet the following objectives: - To gain in-depth understanding of the social, economic and political dynamics that underlie current relations over water, globally and more specifically in the Southern African region. - To assess current ways in which water issues are being addressed at the international and the regional level, by focusing on the existing global and regional policy frameworks for dealing with water scarcity. - To assess the institutional frameworks within which water issues are currently being dealt with at the international and the regional levels. - To develop a set of policy guidelines that can be used to facilitate cooperation over water issues in Southern Africa. The research design of this study was qualitative and interpretative, and four sources of information were utilised in data collection, namely primary and secondary literature sources; secondary demographic and environmental data; policy and legislative documents; and, information obtained from personal key-informant interviews. The following conclusions were drawn from the study - The dominant social paradigm underlying decision making with regard to natural resources does not support closer cooperation over fresh water. - The emphasis on political sovereignty in policy is inconsistent with the international commitment to cooperation over freshwater resources. - The policy obligation of equitable distribution of water between sectors and states is hampered by unresolved tensions in policy and institutional frameworks. - As a result of the vagueness with which contentious issues are addressed in international policy, current policy options may neither be adequately able to intervene in nor to prevent conflicts over fresh water. - A lack of both ratification and enforcement of the existing international policy framework renders these instruments powerless to prevent or intervene in future conflicts over fresh water. - Effective cooperation between water-resource institutions is hampered by significant shortcomings in vertical and horizontal communication linkages between such institutions. Recommendations made based on the study are: - A transition needs to be made from a technocentric approach focused on managing the issues arising from water scarcity, to an ecocentric approach focused on radical changes in policy formulation. - Current vague statements and terms in the international policy framework need to be conceptualised more clearly. - Policy makers at the regional and national levels should specifically work toward diffusing subtle tensions in current policy and institutional arrangements through closer integration of sectoral policies. - A regional perspective on the issues of water scarcity, conflict and cooperation over fresh water needs to be strengthened. - In line with the IWRM strategy’s emphasis on decentralisation, appropriate mechanisms need to be found to link institutions horizontally. - The capacity and functioning of multistakeholder platforms in the water sector need to be strengthened.