Impact of sectoral determinations in previously unregulated sectors: a case study of domestic work in Grahamstown
- Authors: Nxokweni, Saphokazi
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3761 , vital:20542
- Description: Domestic labour is widely recognized as one of the most vulnerable labour sectors, both nationally and internationally. In South Africa, sectoral determination 7 was specifically developed to protect domestic workers’ rights and provide them with the means to negotiate with and hold employers to account. However, research over the past years has demonstrated that, while some areas of domestic labour have improved, many workers are still locked in exploitative labour relationships. This research shows that it may seem as if there are significant changes in this sector since the introduction of the sectoral determination, but paternalistic orientations, one-of-the-family myths, and food distribution suggest otherwise. The research concluded that continuities of exploitative and discriminatory practices are still prominent in the employment relationship when viewed through the lens of paternalistic care, food distribution, and the ‘one-of-the-family’ myth.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Restructuring in higher education institutions: a case study of centralised cleaning services at Rhodes University
- Authors: Ntlokwana, Ziyanda
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3738 , vital:20540
- Description: The centralization of cleaners at Rhodes University has been the university’s response to the pressures put on higher education. This form of restructuring is the university’s attempt at dealing with the government’s cuts in funding despite the increasing demands placed on higher education institutions. The demands on universities necessitates that they compete on a global scale ,which sometimes sees many universities adopting a ‘neoliberal logic’ and as a result cutting labour costs to survive and compete. The aim of this study was to examine the nature and form of restructuring at Rhodes University and its impact on the workers’ lives. This research made use of both quantitative and qualitative research methods: namely, a quantitative survey that focused on the cleaners and in-depth interviews with trade union representatives. This research discovered that the restructuring programme at Rhodes University is different from that at other universities through its avoidance of outsourcing and the retrenchment of workers. Despite this tricky balance, however, the effects of this form of restructuring largely embody outsourcing characteristics and as a result disadvantage the cleaners.
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- Date Issued: 2016
The interface between nurse and patient in health care: exploring the use of emotional labour among nurses in Mthatha
- Authors: Maqabuka, Qawekzi
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/1477 , vital:20061
- Description: In exploring the use of emotional labour among nurses within the nurse/patient relationship, this study employed the conceptual framework of ‘emotional labour’ associated with Arlie Hochschild-as a means of examining the “nature” of the nurse patient interface, including the dynamics, challenges and intricacies that shape this relationship of care. The portrayal of emotional care offered to patients dealing with suffering and illness by nurses as an entirely natural activity for women is related to the devaluation of emotional labour. The focus of this study is how nurses manage their emotional involvement with patients to provide quality services. The study was conducted in Mthatha in the former Transkei in the Eastern Cape Province with nurses who worked St Mary’s Life Group and the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital. A qualitative research design and qualitative ethnographic research methodology was chosen as suitable for answering the research question. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and a focus group, and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis included identifying consistent emotional labour themes in the responses. The study’s main findings revealed that emotional labour strategies of surface acting and deep acting were utilised as a means of meeting organisational rules established by management of the two health care institutions that were investigated. Nurses understood that only desirable traits like include friendliness, smiling and proving a calming environment for patients should be exhibited. It was revealed that nurses often used sentimental work and emotion work in performing their tasks as this made their work easier. Lastly, the research revealed that external factors like overcrowding and shortages in personnel, accompanied by the emotional demands on nurses’ work has adverse effect on nurses work environment. The dissertation has contributed to the limited body of knowledge about emotional labour in the South African context and the lived experiences of nurses deploying their labour to patients.
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- Date Issued: 2016