"To learn how to speak": a study of Jeremy Cronin's poetry
- Authors: Pinnock, William
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Poets, South African , Historical materialism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8484 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021038
- Description: In the chapters that follow, the porous boundary between the public and the private in Jeremy Cronin’s poetry is investigated in his three collections, Inside (1983), Even the Dead: Poems, Parables and a Jeremiad (1996) and More Than a Casual Contact (2006). I argue two particular Marxist theorists are central to reading Cronin’s poetry: Bertolt Brecht, and his notion of the Verfremdungseffekt, and Walter Benjamin and his work on historical materialism, primarily the essay On the Concept of History / Theses on the Philosophy of History (1940). Both theorists focus on the work of art in a historically contextualized manner, which extends the challenge to the boundary between the public and the private. Their work is underpinned by the desire to draw out hidden narratives occluded under the grand narratives of history and capitalist ideas of progress. I argue that these are the major preoccupations in Cronin’s oeuvre as well. As such Cronin’s poetry may be seen to write against a perspective that proposes a linear conceptualisation of history. The poetry therefore challenges the notion that art speaks of ‘universal truths.’ Such ideas of History and Truth, if viewed uncritically, allow for a tendency to conceive of the past as unchanging, which subconsciously promotes the idea that social and political realities are merely logical evolutionary steps. I argue that Cronin’s poetry is thus purposefully interruptive in the way that it confronts the damaging consequences of the linear conceptualisation of history and the universal truth it promotes. His work attempts to find new ways of connection and expression through learning from South Africa’s violent past. The significance of understanding each other and the historical environment as opposed to imposing perspectives that underwrite the symbolic order requires the transformation rather than the simple transferral of power, and is a central focus throughout Cronin’s oeuvre. This position suggests that while the struggle for political freedom may be over, the necessity to rethink how South Africans relate to each other is only beginning. Chapter One will focus on positioning Cronin, the poet and public figure, in South African literature and literary criticism. In this regard, two general trends have operated as critical paradigms in the study of South African poetry, namely Formalism (or ‘prac crit’) and a Marxist inflected materialism, which have in many ways perpetuated the division between the private and the public. This has resulted in poetry being read with an exclusive focus on either one of these two aspects, overlooking the possibilities of dialogue that may take place between them. Cronin’s perspective on these polarised responses will be discussed, which will illustrate the similarity of his position to Ndebele’s notion of the ‘ordinary’ which suggests a way beyond these binaries. This will lead to a discussion of how South African poets responded to the transition phase, suggesting that the elements of the polarisation still remained. Considering the major influences and paradigms when reading Cronin’s oeuvre provides a foundation for the following three chapters. These include Cronin’s use of Romanticism, Bertolt Brecht and the V-Effekt and Walter Benjamin’s perspectives on historical materialism. In addition to these three theoretical paradigms, the relevance of Pablo Neruda’s poetry to Cronin’s work is also foregrounded. In Chapter Two, the focus will be on Cronin’s first collection of poetry, Inside, concentrating on Cronin’s use of language as a way of constructing poetry in the sparseness of the prison experience. This will show an abiding preoccupation of learning to speak in a language that considers the material context out of which it emerges. In this regard, the poems “Poem-Shrike” “Prologue” and “Cave-site” are analysed. In addition, one of the central poems in Cronin’s oeuvre, “To learn how to speak […],” will be examined in order to illustrate how the poet extends this project on a meta-poetic level, asking for South African poets to ‘learn how to speak’ in the voices of South African experience and histories. I will show how this is linked to Cronin’s “Walking on Air” which illustrates how the V-Effeckt recovers the small private histories through re-telling the life story of James Matthews, a fellow prisoner incarcerated for his anti-apartheid activism, revealing how this story is intimately connected to the public sphere. In Chapter Three, Cronin’s second collection: Even the Dead: Poems, Parables and a Jeremiad will be examined. In the poem “Three Reasons for a Mixed, Umrabulo, Round-the-Corner Poetry” Cronin resists inherited Western poetic conventions by incorporating and subverting versions of the Romantic aesthetic, arguing for poetry to be immersed in South African multi-lingual and multi-cultural experiences. “Even the Dead” reveals how Cronin uses Walter Benjamin’s perspectives on historical materialism to confront amnesia. In terms of the themes established in “To learn how to speak […]”, the poem “Moorage” demonstrates how the public and private can never be separated in Cronin’s work. The final section of this chapter will examine how Cronin responds to Pablo Neruda’s poems “I am explaining a few things” and “The Education of a Chieftain,” and how these poems challenge narratives that privilege the ‘great leader’ instead of the so-called smaller individuals’ stories. Chapter Four examines selections from Cronin’s third collection, focusing on Cronin’s use of the automobile, charting an ambiguous trajectory through the ‘new’ South Africa. The examination of the poems “Where to begin?”, “Switchback” and “End of the century - which is why wipers,” all attempt to include individuals left on the margins of the narrative of global freeways and neo-liberal capitalist progress. The poems present an interrogation of how ‘vision’ is constructed. This will show that the poetry responds to the experiences of the marginalised under these grand narratives in a primarily fragmentary and interruptive manner. This in effect constitutes the culmination of Cronin’s poetic journey and the search for new ways of envisaging South Africa’s future and finding a new language with which to speak it.
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- Date Issued: 2014
"Totally unacceptable" : representations of homosexuality in South African public discourse
- Authors: Mutambanengwe, Simbarashe Abel
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Independent Online , Homosexuality -- South Africa , Sexual minorities in mass media -- South Africa , Mass media and gays -- South Africa , Homophobia -- Press coverage -- South Africa , Electronic newspapers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2882 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013259
- Description: The 1996 Constitution of South Africa is ranked as one of the most liberal and democratic constitutions in the world. The right to freedom of sexual orientation, equality and the freedom of association amongst other rights is in its Bill of Rights and are thus inherently assured and protected in post- apartheid, democratic South Africa. However, the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community continue to face discrimination and prejudice despite this newly established constitutional order. The present study is interested in how, in the light of the equality clause in the South African constitution, homosexuality is represented and constructed in the South African media. The thesis examines representations of homosexuality between the years 1999-2013 in articles collected from the Independent Online media site which incorporates 30 newspapers. The approach focuses on the topics, overall news report schemata, local meanings, style and rhetoric of the news reports. The results of the study show that negative attitudes towards homosexuality are framed in three main ways: homosexuality is represented as "unAfrican"; "ungodly" and "unnatural". I argue that rather than extreme forms of violence (such as "corrective rape" and murder) directed against LGBT citizens being interpreted as the aberrant behaviour of a few, these need to be understood in the context of the circulation of the above justificatory narratives.
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- Date Issued: 2014
A bone fragment
- Authors: Dyantyi, Mbongisi Orlean
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , Creative writing (Higher education) , English language -- Writing , South African fiction (English) -- Study and teaching (Higher)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:5985 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015677
- Description: This novella presents three characters, each occupying a different sphere of reality. One is a ‘living dead’ who is forced to return to the land of the living for his continued existence. The other is a young woman who, having lost the will to live, must find a purpose if she is to continue living. The third is a young man who dwells more in the inner than the external world. Their lives intersect through the scripture known as ‘a fragment of a bone.’
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- Date Issued: 2014
A case study of child-centred play therapy with a child suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder
- Authors: Nyanga, Kanyisa
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Play therapy , Post-traumatic stress disorder in children
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8802 , vital:26431
- Description: Child-centred play therapy is not the preferred treatment approach for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), because of the limited research demonstrating this treatment as a proper approach for childhood trauma. The purpose of this case study was to explore and describe the process of child-centred therapy with a four-year-old child with PTSD. An exploratory descriptive case study approach was utilised as it allowed for an in-depth description of a phenomenon in its therapeutic context. Data was collected through multiple sources to establish a comprehensive database. The data was analysed through Alexander’s content analysis and Guba’s model of trustworthiness. Findings included themes observed in the research participant dealing with PTSD of perfectionism, control, shame, mistrust, needing control, and perfectionism. The therapist’s application of Axline’s principles indicated these principles being enough for treating PTSD in a child. Some of those principles had immediate impact while others were cumulative in their effect.
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- Date Issued: 2014
A comparison of extrinsic and intrinsic motivators between Germany and South Africa
- Authors: Giesser, Anne
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Motivation (Psychology) , Employee motivation , Cultural relations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9417 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021063
- Description: This thesis explored different perceptions of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation in an intercultural context. The main objective of this study was to investigate similarities and differences concerning extrinsic and intrinsic motivation in the workplace between the German and the South African culture by examining individuals with working experience and tertiary education. It provides background information about motivation and a historical overview of previous and current motivational theories as well as cultural influences and differences. In addition, regarding the two cultures the researcher aimed to investigate similarities and differences between other demographics such as gender, age and income. The literature review provides information about extrinsic and intrinsic motivation retrieved from previous research and puts it into an intercultural context. The researcher conducted a quantitative, exploratory study. The data was gathered using an existing research instrument, which was distributed online. The sample comprised 374 respondents. This sample was conducted by a combination of quota and snowball sampling. The obtained data is evaluated and presented in text and table form. The results revealed preferences for intrinsic motivators for the whole sample and higher motivation for the South African part of the sample. Demographic characteristics played a minor role.
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- Date Issued: 2014
A critical cultural review of the media coverage in the infighting of Nelson Mandela's burial in 2013
- Authors: Tandwa, Nontlahla
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Mandela, Nelson, 1918-2013 , Mass media and culture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5733 , vital:20987
- Description: The aim of the study is to analyze the representation of isiXhosa traditional culture through the coverage on media coverage as the topic suggests following a legal battle on the removal of the remains of Mandela‘s children in the year 2013. The online news articles selected in this study covered issues since Mandela was in and out of hospital. The articles covered are those of local newspaper, The Herald-online- as it is based in the Eastern Cape and has covered more on the traditional beliefs, understanding and following such rituals. The aim of the study is to explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of people around the family feud and the legal battle on the removal of those remains. It will also emphasize on the representation of the media on this problem and how Xhosa tradition can be affected and also compare other newspaper articles on their coverage.
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- Date Issued: 2014
A critical discourse analysis (CDA) of the contesting discourses articulated by the ANC and the news media in the City Press coverage of The Spear
- Authors: Egglestone, Tia Ashleigh
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Murray, Brett , African National Congress , Mass media -- Political aspects -- South Africa , Press and politics -- South Africa , Freedom of the press -- South Africa , Mass media policy -- South Africa , Newspapers -- Objectivity , Critical discourse analysis , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3526 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012975
- Description: This research focuses on the controversy surrounding the exhibition and media publication of Brett Murray’s painting, The Spear of the Nation (May 2012). It takes the form of a qualitative Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), underpinned by Fairclough’s (1995) three-dimensional approach, to investigate how the contesting discourses articulated by the ruling political party (the ANC) and the news media have been negotiated in the City Press coverage in response to the painting. While the contestation was fought ostensibly on constitutional grounds, it arguably serves as an illustrative moment of the deeply ideological debate occurring in South Africa between the government and the national media industry regarding media diversity, transformation and democracy. It points to the lines of fracture in the broader political and social space. Informed by Foucault’s conceptualisation of discourse and the role of power in the production of knowledge and ‘truth’, this study aims to expose the discourses articulated and contested in order to make inferences about the various ‘truths’ the ANC and the media make of the democratic role of the press in a contemporary South Africa. The sample consists of five reports intended to represent the media’s responses and four articles that prominently articulate the ANC’s responses. The analysis, which draws on strategies from within critical linguists and media studies, is confined to these nine purposively sampled from the City Press online newspaper texts published between 13 May 2012 and 13 June 2012. Findings suggest the ANC legitimise expectations for the media to engage in a collaborative role in order to serve the ‘national interest’. Conversely, the media advocate for a monitorial press to justify serving the ‘public interest’. This research is envisioned to be valuable for both sets of stakeholders in developing richer understandings relevant to issues of any regulation to be debated. It forms part of a larger project on Media Policy and Democracy which seeks to contribute to media diversity and transformation, and to develop the quality of democracy in South Africa.
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- Date Issued: 2014
A critical history of the rise and fall of the first ever independently owned Matabeleland publication in Zimbabwe : the case of The Southern Star
- Authors: Moyo, Chelesani
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Southern Star (Zimbabwe) , Matabeleland (Zimbabwe) -- History -- Autonomy and independence movements , Mass media and nationalism -- Zimbabwe , Mass media -- Political aspects -- Zimbabwe , Press and politics -- Zimbabwe , Newspaper publishing -- Management , Newspapers -- Marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3530 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013273
- Description: This research is premised on the understanding that alternative forms of media emerge to deal with specific ideological projects and, as such, must be seen as satisfying a specific need at a specific point in time. Using the case of a weekly newspaper, The Southern Star which was in circulation from January 2012 to June 2012, this study sought to understand the factors that led to the establishment of the newspaper, what it sought to achieve, how it went about putting that into practice, its message in relation to debates emanating from the ‘Matabeleland Question’ and also the factors that led to the its collapse. In order to address my research questions, I adopted a two stage research design qualitative content analysis and semi structured in depth interviews. In locating the study within the qualitative epistemic understanding of research, it was clear from the qualitative content analysis of 13 editions of the publication and in depth interviews held with 15 respondents that the newspaper was set up with the aim of serving a marginalised section of the population (in this instance the Ndebele) by providing them with a platform to articulate issues affecting them. It also sought to ‘speak’ the ‘unspoken’ within the mainstream media by focusing on Matabeleland identity politics. It achieved this by creating content around the Gukurahundi genocide, Matabeleland development, Matabeleland history and Matabeleland heroes. The newspaper also sought to emancipate the people from the South by advocated for social, cultural, economic and political justice as a resolution to the ‘Matabeleland Question’. However, the newspaper failed to sustain operations due to lack of advertising revenue. As a result of the constraining political environment in which the newspaper operated, potential advertisers were afraid of placing advertisements in the newspaper because of the nature of the content produced, which in view of Zimbabwe’s rival ethnic history, could easily be labelled ethnically divisive. Also, being a new player in the market worked to their disadvantage as prospective advertisers opted to place their adverts in “tried and tested” publications (Zimpapers and Alpha Media Holdings). Additionally, because of poor management, roles were not clearly defined and hence the newspaper failed to operate as a business enterprise. As noted during interviews with junior reporters, there was little or no experience at management level. The paper lacked a coordinated circulation strategy and from inception, was never officially launched, which resulted in the failure to reach significant audiences.
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- Date Issued: 2014
A goal-setting intervention with motocross racers : a case study investigating the effects of an intervention on perceived motivation, confidence, and self-efficacy
- Authors: Fleming, Tracey Laura
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Motocross -- Psychological aspects -- Research , Motorcyclists -- Psychological aspects -- Research , Goal (Psychology) -- Research , Competition (Psychology) -- Research , Motivation (Psychology) -- Case studies , Confidence -- Case studies , Self-efficacy -- Case studies , Sports -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3224 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012996
- Description: This study aimed to investigate the effects that a specifically tailored goal-setting program would have on two motocross racers in terms of their self-efficacy and motivation, as well as the process of designing this intervention. This case-study approach involved a mixed methods approach, consisting of pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments, interviews, and performance profiles. The tools used include Vealey’s (1986) Competitive Orientation Inventory (COI), Gill and Deeter’s (1988) Sport Orientation Questionnaire (SOQ), performance profiles, and semi-structured interviews. The goal-setting intervention lasted a total of five weeks. The results from the preintervention and post-intervention assessments were compared to determine whether any changes in motivation or self-efficacy occurred during the intervention. For the first participant, significant changes in both motivation and self-efficacy were present in addition to significant changes in competitive orientation. For the second participant, there were no significant changes in either motivation or self-efficacy. However, for the second participant there was also no change in competitive orientation. Findings suggest that the focus and competitive orientation of an athlete have a significant influence on the types of goals set, and consequently on positive changes in motivation, confidence, and self-efficacy. The influence of the competitive orientation in athletes also highlighted the importance of attaining a balance between performance and outcome goal-related activities. It was also discovered through qualitative assessment that this program is suitable for particular groups of athletes such as those who are injured, display an external locus of causality or are otherwise not performing at their prime.
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- Date Issued: 2014
A new approach to representations of revolution
- Authors: Burke, Matthew Ainslie
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Radicalism in literature , Radicalism in literature -- Moral and ethical aspects , Politics and literature -- Moral and ethical aspects , Revolutionary literature, English
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2310 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013068
- Description: This project asserts that revolution is characterised by the expression of unthinkable possibilities, and so addresses the paradox implicit in any attempt to "write revolution." That is, how does one represent revolution without reducing it to an ordered term of reference, and thereby subduing its radical character? Additionally, can transformative action be conceptualised as a creative project to which an ethical subject may, and in fact should, be drawn? To answer these questions, my investigation develops in three strands. I combine the radical theory of Alain Badiou with similar affirmations of revolutionary intervention from Slavoj Žižek and Paulo Freire, and so create an aesthetic that affirms revolutionaries as agents of supplementary creativity. My first purpose is thus to establish revolution as a productive enterprise that enables peace, rather than a destructive undertaking that introduces violence. This done, I apply the resultant conceptual tools to literary representations of radical transformation, and demonstrate that my aesthetic enables new readings of the literature of revolution to which it is applied. In the course of my analysis, I also evaluate the suitability of Badiou's ethic as a standpoint from which to engage with literature on revolution. Ultimately, then, the aesthetic I construct not only contests the notion that radical transformation is always destructive, but also renders one sensitive to revolutionary literature's excessive and supplementary dimensions.
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- Date Issued: 2014
A phenomenological study of the experiences of adolescents following maternal HIV-disclosure
- Authors: Sibanyoni, Sibongile Success
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: HIV infections -- Transmission -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , HIV-positive youth -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Teenagers -- Diseases -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3231 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013125
- Description: Maternal HIV-disclosure to an adolescent is a controversial issue especially when considering the suitable time and context in which disclosure should take place. Furthermore there have been other considerations such as the adolescent’s emotional maturity as well as gender issues which have played a role in regards to determining whether the adolescent would be able to understand and cope effectively post-disclosure. These considerations formed the basis of this study’s aim and objectives which primarily focused on taking into account the developmental aspects apparent in the adolescent phase. These include adolescent’s relations with their mother, their peers and the meaning attached to having an education and career in their lives. For purposes of this study it was deemed important to actually explore with the adolescent’s the meaning they uphold pertaining to maternal HIVdisclosure. This differs from previous research which has focused predominantly on accessing adolescent’s experiences via their parents and in particular, their mothers. Data of only three participants was included following in-depth interviews being conducted. Data was analysed via Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) which enabled an enhanced understanding and meaningful interpretation of the adolescent’s experiences following maternal HIV-disclosure. From the findings it became apparent that most concerns had already been addressed and were similar when compared to previous research that had been conducted. However one notable different finding was that instead of adolescent’s acting in ways that would lead to them self-sabotaging their lives they instead portrayed themselves to be living in a responsible manner. It became apparent rather that it was the adolescent’s mother rather that became more inclined to engage in self-sabotaging behaviours.
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- Date Issued: 2014
A phenominological study of young adults' experiences of facebook
- Authors: Prince, Inge
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Teenagers -- Social networks , Online social networks , Internet -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9979 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021116
- Description: Social networking sites are a recent phenomenon and have experienced tremendous growth in popularity especially among young people. Social networking sites are changing the way individuals communicate with each other and the world. Social networking sites (SNS) provide users with a unique computer-mediated environment where individuals are able to disclose their thoughts, feelings, and experiences within their own social network. The present study aims to explore the experiences of young adults regarding Facebook. A transcendental phenomenological approach was used to elicit the essence of the experiences of the participants. Theoretical sampling ensured relevant participants were selected through haphazard sampling procedures. Data was collected through the use of biographical questionnaires and individual, semi-structured interviews. The data was processed according to the four phenomenological principles epoche, phenomenological reduction, imaginative variation and synthesis using Tesch’s eight steps. Lincoln and Guba’s model was used to assess the trustworthiness of the data obtained. The participants described their experiences of Facebook by highlighting how they use Facebook as a communication tool which assists them in their relationship maintenance with others. Participants use self-presentation on Facebook to manage how they are perceived. The participants experience Facebook as having many privacy risks. They indicated that Facebook has addictive qualities and facilitates cyber stalking behaviour.
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- Date Issued: 2014
A psychobiographical study of Christiaan Neethling Barnard
- Authors: Lekhelebana, Vuyokazi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Barnard, Christiaan, 1922-2001 , Surgeons -- South Africa -- Biography , Self-actualization (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7836 , vital:24310
- Description: Dr. Christiaan Neethling Barnard (Barnard) was a world renowned surgeon who made medical history when he performed the world’s first human heart transplant. Barnard was celebrated by some for his courage and contribution in advancing the field of cardiothoracic surgery, while others believed that the technique of human heart transplantation was not his own. Barnard became known for his controversial lifestyle, and acquired a reputation as a playboy. He died in 2001 at the age of 78, following an asthma attack. The aim of the current study was to explore and describe the personality development of Barnard, by applying Alfred Adler’s theory of Individual Psychology to the context of his lived life. The study used a single case study research design, and purposive sampling was used to select the subject. This selection was made on the basis of the researcher’s interest in Barnard’s life history and his immense contribution to medical science. Data sampled was qualitative, and was collected from primary and secondary data sources. Collected data was analysed in accordance with Alexander’s model of data analysis. The findings of the study indicated that Barnard’s life was in many respects aligned with Adler’s theory and that his striving for significance was largely influenced by his social environment as well as the cultural context in which he lived.
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- Date Issued: 2014
A psychobiographical study of John Henry Newman
- Authors: Mitchell, Gregory Paul
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Newman, John Henry, 1801-1890 , Cardinals -- England -- Biography , Authors, English -- 19th century -- Biography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9981 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021145 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021085
- Description: This study is a psychobiographical study, aiming to explore and describe the life of John Henry Newman (1801-1890), a theologian, priest, and cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church, through the application of Erik Erikson’s theory of Psychosocial Development. Newman is a significant figure in the English-speaking Christian world and his life and thought remains of interest and importance, particularly in the fields of philosophy, theology, ecclesiology and education. Newman was beatified in 2010 and therefore this study also considers the hagiographical nature of biographical data. This study utilises a qualitative single case study approach and the subject was selected through purposive sampling based on interest value. Data were collected from primary and secondary sources to enhance validity. The data were analysed by organising and reducing information obtained regarding Newman’s life and then displaying it for discussion. The study considers Newman’s life, reconstructed from birth, through adolescence and adulthood to his death and also considers his posthumous legacy. The main themes of discussion revolve around Newman’s development of his religious identity and his life as a churchman and an academic. It considers how a psychosocially functional individual such as Newman manifests certain dystonic, maladaptive or malignant tendencies such as doubt, shame, guilt and overextension, and how these impact the formation of religious identity and the experience of God and the spiritual life. Basic trust, celibate intimacy and generativity emerged as three significant areas of importance in the Newman’s life and identity. The study highlighted the value of psychobiographical studies and of Erikson’s theory in understanding development. Recommendations for future research in this field are made in the hope of further uncovering and understanding personality, religious identity and psychosocial development.
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- Date Issued: 2014
A psychobiographical study of Steven Paul Jobs
- Authors: Moore, Noelle
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Jobs, Steve, 1955-2011 , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Computer engineers -- United States -- Biography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9978 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021112
- Description: The study consists of a psychobiography of the American entrepreneur and innovative co-founder of Apple Computers, Steven Paul Jobs (1955 – 2011). The psychobiographical research method qualitatively considers the lived life of an individual in an attempt to understand the psychological development in the context of applied psychological theory. A theoretical integration of Adler‘s Individual Psychology and Antonovsky‘s Sense of Coherence was utilized in the present study. This integrative approach facilitated a dynamic and holistic picture of the individual‘s functioning in illuminating not only personality but also the individual‘s social context, choice making capacity, general resistance resources and the individual‘s ‗meaning making‘ capacity in the strive towards health and superiority. Steven Paul Jobs revolutionised personal computing. Ranked as Forbes‘ seventeenth most powerful person and Man of the Year by The Financial Times in 2010, Jobs‘ contribution to modern technology is widely acknowledged and revered. To ensure the accurate description of the lived life of Steven Paul Jobs, extensive data was examined by utilizing Alexander‘s model of identifying salient themes. The study considered the nature and methodology of psychobiography, the theories of Alfred Adler and Aaron Antonovsky and the life of Steven Paul Jobs that resulted in an integrated psychological description of the subject. The findings of this study indicate that Steven Paul Jobs‘ unique context (environment and constitutional attributes) was valuable in light of the theoretical frameworks that the present study is grounded upon as it illustrated an individual‘s self-determination and capacity to exercise choice in response to life challenges. The study highlighted that the individual is not necessarily a passive bystander to his life events but rather is driven by an internal forward striving. Key concepts: Aaron Antonovsky, Alfred Adler, Apple Computers, Individual Psychology, Psychobiography, Sense of Coherence, Steven Paul Jobs.
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- Date Issued: 2014
A sociological analysis of Southern African AIDS Trust's capacity-development model in responding to HIV and AIDS
- Authors: Mushonga, Allan
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Southern African AIDS Trust , AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa , HIV (Viruses) -- Social aspects -- South Africa , HIV-positive persons -- South Africa , Community development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3379 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013261
- Description: The issues of capacity and capacity development in the response to HIV and AIDS is a topic of intense academic interest and is on the agenda of development practitioners, particularly as these issues are linked to community HIV and AIDS competence and sustainability of civil society organisations and community capacity. The capacity development model of the Southern African AIDS Trust is one of the more illuminating examples of capacity development of civil society organisations for the enhancement of community HIV and AIDS competence in southern Africa. The thesis examines the conceptualisation and implementation of the Southern African AIDS Trust's capacity development model in order to identify and understand the multi-dimensional factors that influence the success and sustainability of HIV and AIDS responses. It argues that, even though the conceptualisation, formulation and implementation of the model were appropriate and yielded acceptable benefits to communities in relation to HIV and AIDS, the sustainability of the model depended fundamentally on the availability of requisite resources. The dependence on external resources, the availability of which is in large part beyond the control of the Southern African AIDS Trust and its community-based beneficiaries, undercuts the sustainability of the model and the programmes delivered through it. Community capacities and community-based HIV and AIDS responses are sustainable only to the extent that communities have sufficient resources to build capacities and develop responses, or can leverage and negotiate external inputs. The degeneration of capacity in intermediary organisations (such as Southern African AIDS Trust) that support community competence undermines models that at first sight seem suitable for effective capacity enhancement with regard to HIV and AIDS programmes. In this regard, the thesis also focuses on the organisational crisis within Southern African AIDS Trust and the ramifications this had for community HIV and AIDS competence.
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- Date Issued: 2014
A study of the corporate social investment distribution and spending by selected corporates in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Tetyana, Sakhiwo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Investments -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9203 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020423
- Description: Corporate Social Investment (CSI) presents a platform for the business sector in South Africa to respond to challenges facing the Eastern Cape. Challenges facing this province are well documented, and it is important to measure and quantify how the business sector in South Africa currently contributes towards addressing those challenges. The Eastern Cape remains by and large undeveloped, with economic activity well below economic potential. Currently, economic activity is concentrated in Port Elizabeth, East London and Mthatha. Notwithstanding economic growth, high levels of unemployment and poverty persist, particularly in the rural areas where two-thirds of the population reside. The research study purposely sampled the top 30 companies from the top 100 listed in Trialogue. A total of 14 questionnaires were completed and returned by respondents. Five CSI managers were randomly selected from the 30 companies for in-depth interviews. The purpose of this exercise was to solicit further views to enable substantive triangulation of data from other sources. The research reveals that corporate groups in South Africa use different but complementary models and strategies in contributing towards poverty reduction. Education, particularly support for secondary school technology and science tuition, and also early childhood development (ECD), constitute key intervention areas by corporations in the Eastern Cape. This is closely followed by economic inclusion or enterprise development. There is no demonstrable evidence that corporate social investment in South Africa is informed by a coherent theoretical framework. The study revealed that education receives the largest share of CSI budgets in the Eastern Cape. Within education, mathematics and science is the most supported sub-programme focus area. This is followed by higher education which is also a preferred sub-programme focus area. A total of 40 percent of CSI spending has been channeled towards rural areas and towns in the former Transkei area. The ‘Mandela factor’ also plays an influential role in thedistribution of CSI spending, especially in the rural areas of the former Transkei. Donations ‘in kind’ are mostly distributed in urban areas.
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- Date Issued: 2014
A study of the impact of the St. Mary's Development and Care Centre on communities in Grahamstown
- Authors: Booth, Kaylene Lucinda
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Community-based social services -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Community development -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9193 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020369
- Description: The study is made in an attempt to evaluate a Non-Profit Organisation established 30 years ago. The organisation is called The St. Mary’s Development and Care Centre. This centre, amongst others, was established in 1982 by a true humanitarian, Mrs Thelma Henderson, and has since had more than 2250 children and lots more families in its care. The research aims to explore and evaluate the impact that the centre has had on the families and communities in Grahamstown. The evaluation is done as part of the current manager’s strategy to assess the strengths of the organisation and to build on the efficacy of the organisation. The researcher understands impact as any change whether positive or negative. This, from a social science perspective, is experienced by the person on a personal level and the effects in different families cannot be measured with a universal measure. Theory proves that because people are at varying levels of development, they therefore experience change and thus impact, differently. With the use of the grounded theory method comprising of systematic, inductive and comparative approaches for conducting inquiry for the purpose of constructing theory (Bryant & Charmaz 2007: 1) the research found that people have experienced change at different levels. This information, triangulated against previous research, validated the claims that child sponsorship at an NGO level indeed has benefits for the children involved in their programs. Therefore this evaluation paper draws the conclusion through similarities found and qualitative personal views that the St. Mary’s Development and Care Centre has indeed had an impact on the Grahamstown community.
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- Date Issued: 2014
A systematic review of the effectiveness of animal-assisted interventions
- Authors: Badenhorst, Estelle
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Animals -- Therapeutic use , Human-animal relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9980 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021139
- Description: There is a global increase in research on the benefits of animals and the value of incorporating them into interventional practices. This is referred to as animal-assisted interventions. Due to the novelty of this type of intervention and the accompanying complexity of variables, a need exists to explore the various aspects within these interventions. Looking specifically at animal-assisted interventions within the mental health field, this study focuses on the psycho-therapeutic value of companion animals, such as dogs and cats. The primary aim of this study was to identify the mechanisms through which an animal-assisted intervention exerts its influence. A secondary aim was to indentify salient methodological aspects within the included studies. A systematic review of existing literature was undertaken to explore these factors. Each study was appraised against specific inclusion and exclusion criteria and themes were extracted. The data was synthesised, integrated and discussed in relation to previously conducted studies in relevant fields. Six themes emerged from the systematic review. These included enhanced comfort, the living nature of animals, physical contact, adjunctive nature, an affinity for animals, as well as methodological considerations. Based on these emergent themes conclusions were drawn as to the psycho-therapeutic influences of companion animals. This may serve as informative knowledge regarding animal-assisted interventions for practitioners seeking additional methods to reach treatment goals. Information is also provided for researchers interested in the field, particularly methodological considerations, before embarking on a study of animal-assisted intervention efficacy.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Aggrey Klaaste : the relentless community-builder
- Authors: Mbonambi, Phakama
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Klaaste, Aggrey , Sowetan (Johannesburg, South Africa) , Newspaper editors -- South Africa -- Biography , Nation-building -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 20th century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:5999 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020882
- Description: This thesis looks at the life and times of Aggrey Klaaste, the larger-than-life late editor of Sowetan who shot to fame by championing a novel idea of nation building. His initiative started in 1988 as flames of violence engulfed South Africa and it seemed as if an apocalypse was on the cards. Sickened by what the frustrated black community was doing to itself, for example the use of the dreadful practice of necklacing against the so-called collaborators, he called for moral regeneration. He wanted his compatriots to look into the future and take their destiny in their own hands. Through nation building he tirelessly launched into crusading journalism that sought to heal the scars of the black community after decades of apartheid. It was grassroots community building. He rewarded ordinary men and women who made a difference in their communities. He actively sought peace to end the violence of the 1980s and 1990s. He spoke his mind without wearing any ideological blinkers, even as some thought his initiative would disturb the march to freedom. He was the ultimate newspaperman. This thesis argues that by calling for reconciliation and rebuilding of battered black communities even before freedom came, Klaaste was ahead of his time and even predated Nelson Mandela. Klaaste preferred to do what was right and not be shackled to any ideology. In doing so, he angered many people who felt his thinking was derailing the struggle for freedom. But Klaaste stressed that nation building was ideologically neutral and was meant for everyone. By contradicting prevailing political orthodoxy, he very likely risked his own life. But, like a true leader, he stuck to his convictions. Klaaste was exemplary in calling for reconciliation and building when others called for breaking. Ten years after he died, as the country still grapples with issues he raised in his popular weekly column On The Line, it is worth appraising his thinking and actions. The thesis also looks at the environment that influenced his thinking. His life is interwoven with South African history. That he began his adult life shakily, spending his days in a drunken stupor at Johannesburg shebeens to being awarded the Order for Meritorious Service for his outstanding community work, makes him an interesting subject to look at. It’s a story of a man who vanquished his demons and, through his compassionate community engagement, became an asset to the country. It’s a story of redemption. As his private life attests, he was man with flaws – like anyone else. But Aggrey Klaaste strived to do what was right for his community at all times. He was a restless community builder.
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- Date Issued: 2014