'n Antropologiese studie na die identiteit van vroue in Orania

In this thesis, 'n description is given of the content of the cultural identity of a selected group of women in Orania, as well as how women maintain and promote their identity by means of their activities and viewpoints. Orania is located next to the Orange River, in the arid, semi-desert area of the Karoo (Northern Cape Province), with Kimberley (±160 km) and Bloemfontein (±260 km) being the closest cities. After eighteen years, Orania is considered an independent Afrikaner community with structures, in~titutions and associations. Independence in Orania is especially concerned with the following: independent management, economic self-maintenance; unique newly established schools systems, supportive social structures; and the responsible ecological management of the environment. The study is an exploratory, descriptive investigation, in which a qualitative research methodology is used. The empirical investigation was preceded by a study of the literature, with a focus on the following: a Theoretical framework involving identity (personal and social), gender and culture; and a chapter on the history, vision, character and demographic information of Orania. The following research techniques were utilised in the empirical investigation: focus group interviews, participative observation and in-depth interviews in the form of life histories. The main research group consisted of nine women from Orania from the age of 16 and older. The focus group interviews included three groups of men and three groups of women between the ages of 10-18, 18-35 and 40-70 years. The empirical investigation included the following: The development of women in their parental homes, the occupation, marriage, parenthood, social connection and life views of the mature woman before moving to Orania, and the involvement of women with life in the community of Orania, Via their life stories, the researcher has attempted to indicate how the social and personal identity is formed and promoted. In the particular context of Orania, attention is also given to the convictions of the women concerning their Afrikanerhood and the ways in which this Afrikanerhood is promoted and realised.