Clinical psychologists’ perceptions of the phenomenon of schizophrenia in a psychiatric setting in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Hamman, Colette
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Schizophrenia -- Diagnosis -- South Africa , Schizophrenia -- Treatment -- South Africa , Schizophrenics -- Rehabilitation -- South Africa , Schizophrenics -- South Africa -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/71398 , vital:29845
- Description: Numerous international and South African scholars are critical of the dominant research on the phenomenon of schizophrenia. Rather than refuting dominant biomedical psychiatric conceptualisations of schizophrenia, there is a call for incorporating a focus on the psychology of the person diagnosed with schizophrenia. In South Africa, the integration of the psychosocial components of psychotic experiences into the understanding and treatment of psychosis are still neglected in biomedically-focused psychiatric settings. In relation to this call, the role of clinical psychologists working within these settings seems pertinent. Against this background, this study aimed to explore and describe the perceptions of clinical psychologists, working in a psychiatric setting in South Africa, in relation to the phenomenon of schizophrenia. Informed by a social constructionist theoretical framework, this study utilised a qualitative research design and a semi-structured interview schedule. In-depth, individual interviews were conducted with three clinical psychologists and the transcribed interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. From the data, perceptions were identified as largely polarised in relation to the phenomenon of schizophrenia. These polarised perceptions included: Physical impact of schizophrenia versus social impact of schizophrenia; rehabilitation of schizophrenia versus recovery within schizophrenia; diagnostic frameworks as useful versus diagnostic frameworks as limiting; and institutionally-defined identity versus self-defined identity. In terms of these polarised perceptions, an overarching theme of the medicalisation versus the demedicalisation of schizophrenia was identified. Therefore, the perceptions of clinical psychologists in this study were largely polarised towards either a medicalisation of the phenomenon of schizophrenia or a demedicalisation of it. However, perceptions were also identified that evidenced an integration of the two sides of the polarities, and a holding of tension between seemingly incompatible or incongruent frameworks. The participants perceived psychologists as positioned in the middle ground between the medicalisation and demedicalisation of schizophrenia in a biomedical psychiatric setting. In response to the call for a focus on the psychology of the person diagnosed with schizophrenia, the findings support both the value and the need for an “integration of polarised perceptions”, “holding of the tension”, and “middle ground positioning” of clinicians between medicalised and demedicalised aspects of the phenomenon of schizophrenia.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hamman, Colette
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Schizophrenia -- Diagnosis -- South Africa , Schizophrenia -- Treatment -- South Africa , Schizophrenics -- Rehabilitation -- South Africa , Schizophrenics -- South Africa -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/71398 , vital:29845
- Description: Numerous international and South African scholars are critical of the dominant research on the phenomenon of schizophrenia. Rather than refuting dominant biomedical psychiatric conceptualisations of schizophrenia, there is a call for incorporating a focus on the psychology of the person diagnosed with schizophrenia. In South Africa, the integration of the psychosocial components of psychotic experiences into the understanding and treatment of psychosis are still neglected in biomedically-focused psychiatric settings. In relation to this call, the role of clinical psychologists working within these settings seems pertinent. Against this background, this study aimed to explore and describe the perceptions of clinical psychologists, working in a psychiatric setting in South Africa, in relation to the phenomenon of schizophrenia. Informed by a social constructionist theoretical framework, this study utilised a qualitative research design and a semi-structured interview schedule. In-depth, individual interviews were conducted with three clinical psychologists and the transcribed interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. From the data, perceptions were identified as largely polarised in relation to the phenomenon of schizophrenia. These polarised perceptions included: Physical impact of schizophrenia versus social impact of schizophrenia; rehabilitation of schizophrenia versus recovery within schizophrenia; diagnostic frameworks as useful versus diagnostic frameworks as limiting; and institutionally-defined identity versus self-defined identity. In terms of these polarised perceptions, an overarching theme of the medicalisation versus the demedicalisation of schizophrenia was identified. Therefore, the perceptions of clinical psychologists in this study were largely polarised towards either a medicalisation of the phenomenon of schizophrenia or a demedicalisation of it. However, perceptions were also identified that evidenced an integration of the two sides of the polarities, and a holding of tension between seemingly incompatible or incongruent frameworks. The participants perceived psychologists as positioned in the middle ground between the medicalisation and demedicalisation of schizophrenia in a biomedical psychiatric setting. In response to the call for a focus on the psychology of the person diagnosed with schizophrenia, the findings support both the value and the need for an “integration of polarised perceptions”, “holding of the tension”, and “middle ground positioning” of clinicians between medicalised and demedicalised aspects of the phenomenon of schizophrenia.
- Full Text:
Communicating in/from the Cave: a communication for development/social change project aimed at enhancing communication, action and learning within the science cave, a learner-led Grade 10 science club in a public school in Makhanda
- Authors: Bombi, Thandi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa , Communication in science -- South Africa , Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Communication in science -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Student centered learning -- South Africa , Student centered learning-- South Africa -- Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96837 , vital:31330
- Description: This research seeks to design, execute and reflect on a process where the principles and techniques of Communication for Development and Social Change are applied to enhance, support and develop qualitative changes within a learner-led Grade 10 science club at a public school in Makhanda. It draws and reflects on an ethnographic action research (Tacchi et al 2003) cycle proposed to explore the club’s communicative ecology (Foth & Hearn 2007) and resources, and understand how these have the potential to encourage the expression of voice (Couldry 2010: 580) and participation (Carpentier, 2011) in the members of the club. The research then attempts to understand the kind of communication, action and learning that takes place as well as the ways in which the framework is able to support the club (or not). The research uses an ethnographic narrative, told from the perspective of the researcher informed by field notes, interviews and participant reflections written during the intervention. This narrative, alongside an analytical summery of the club’s complex communicative ecology, tells the story of a club building confidence within a closed group and using that to connect with a wider public, articulating its needs, resources and potential supporting stakeholders for the club’s future development. The club is able to share its achievements with a community of peers and uses the platform of Facebook, to communicate with and inspire other like-minded people with an interest in science and their community.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bombi, Thandi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa , Communication in science -- South Africa , Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Communication in science -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Student centered learning -- South Africa , Student centered learning-- South Africa -- Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96837 , vital:31330
- Description: This research seeks to design, execute and reflect on a process where the principles and techniques of Communication for Development and Social Change are applied to enhance, support and develop qualitative changes within a learner-led Grade 10 science club at a public school in Makhanda. It draws and reflects on an ethnographic action research (Tacchi et al 2003) cycle proposed to explore the club’s communicative ecology (Foth & Hearn 2007) and resources, and understand how these have the potential to encourage the expression of voice (Couldry 2010: 580) and participation (Carpentier, 2011) in the members of the club. The research then attempts to understand the kind of communication, action and learning that takes place as well as the ways in which the framework is able to support the club (or not). The research uses an ethnographic narrative, told from the perspective of the researcher informed by field notes, interviews and participant reflections written during the intervention. This narrative, alongside an analytical summery of the club’s complex communicative ecology, tells the story of a club building confidence within a closed group and using that to connect with a wider public, articulating its needs, resources and potential supporting stakeholders for the club’s future development. The club is able to share its achievements with a community of peers and uses the platform of Facebook, to communicate with and inspire other like-minded people with an interest in science and their community.
- Full Text:
Discursive psychological analysis on the construction and performance of identity through rights talk on social media related to #FeesMustFall
- Authors: Mashaba, Tumelo Thabo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Identity , Right to education , Human rights , Social media -- Political aspects -- South Africa , College students -- Political activity -- South Africa , College students -- Attitudes -- South Africa , College students, Black -- Psychology -- South Africa , College students, Black -- Attitudes -- South Africa , College students -- Psychology -- South Africa , Student protestors -- Attitudes -- South Africa , Student movements -- South Africa , Internet and activisim -- South Africa , Internet in political campaigns -- South Africa , Higher education and state -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96668 , vital:31306
- Description: #FeesMustFall emerged at the end of 2015 after an announcement that tuitions would increase. The student protests occurred across higher education institutions within the country in which mass shutdowns were initiated, there was the presence of violence and the use of social media. The protests occurred in 2016 but experienced a shift in tone in terms of the violence present in the protests. The research sought to unpack how identity was constructed and performed through rights talk in regards to #FeesMustFall on social media. The methodology worked from a social constructionist perspective where the research consisted of a discursive psychological analytical approach to the texts presented. The discursive repertoires that were identified were: emotions repertoire; struggle repertoire; apartheid repertoire; racial repertoire; and rights repertoire. The subject positions revealed through the repertoires indicated that protesters and supporters constructed and performed their identity in particular ways. They were positioned as black; working class; victims who are enacting a sense of agency; denied their rights; have moral authority and are a parallel to the protesters under apartheid. The repertoire of struggle, racial and apartheid all link with each other. The rights repertoire is the foundation and the emotions repertoire is the tone of the student protests.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mashaba, Tumelo Thabo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Identity , Right to education , Human rights , Social media -- Political aspects -- South Africa , College students -- Political activity -- South Africa , College students -- Attitudes -- South Africa , College students, Black -- Psychology -- South Africa , College students, Black -- Attitudes -- South Africa , College students -- Psychology -- South Africa , Student protestors -- Attitudes -- South Africa , Student movements -- South Africa , Internet and activisim -- South Africa , Internet in political campaigns -- South Africa , Higher education and state -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96668 , vital:31306
- Description: #FeesMustFall emerged at the end of 2015 after an announcement that tuitions would increase. The student protests occurred across higher education institutions within the country in which mass shutdowns were initiated, there was the presence of violence and the use of social media. The protests occurred in 2016 but experienced a shift in tone in terms of the violence present in the protests. The research sought to unpack how identity was constructed and performed through rights talk in regards to #FeesMustFall on social media. The methodology worked from a social constructionist perspective where the research consisted of a discursive psychological analytical approach to the texts presented. The discursive repertoires that were identified were: emotions repertoire; struggle repertoire; apartheid repertoire; racial repertoire; and rights repertoire. The subject positions revealed through the repertoires indicated that protesters and supporters constructed and performed their identity in particular ways. They were positioned as black; working class; victims who are enacting a sense of agency; denied their rights; have moral authority and are a parallel to the protesters under apartheid. The repertoire of struggle, racial and apartheid all link with each other. The rights repertoire is the foundation and the emotions repertoire is the tone of the student protests.
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Disrupting the familiar family in postcolonial literature
- Authors: Laubscher, Emma Kate
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Postcolonialism in literature , Families -- Fiction , Interpersonal relations in literature , Families in literature , Gender identity in literature , Gappah, Petina, 1971- -- Criticism and interpretation , Enright, Anne, 1962- -- Criticism and interpretation , Owuor, Yvonne Adhiambo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/153757 , vital:39516
- Description: Anne Enright’s The Green Road, Petina Gappah’s The Book of Memory and Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor’s Dust offer various disruptive representations that challenge the normative family, and allow for an excavation of the potency and pervasiveness of the notion of family as an organising social principle, in a postcolonial context. Through these novels’ depictions of unorthodox families, it becomes possible to unpack the metaphorical architecture that underpins the normative family – by which I mean that social formation which enables and relies upon gender binaries, heteronormative constructions of sexuality and exclusionary racial structures. Additionally, I will attempt to examine the role that the normative family plays in shaping the subject, and determining its avenues of association, through encountering the disruptive possibilities portrayed in Gappah, Owuor and Enright’s works. My analysis is concerned with how the family orientates the subject in particular ways that regulate and delimit the subject’s means of relating to herself, those who surround her and the historic and mnemonic pasts in which she is embedded. In representing alternate kinship structures, these novels expand the aesthetic and imaginative landscape of the family and allow for new forms of relation to emerge. These transgressive and radical ways of being, knowing and loving have disruptive consequences for those social formations which are structured by, and draw on, the family – in particular the nation state. This reworking of the nation state, as well as the destabilisation of the relations between nations states, provides new avenues for inhabiting the postcolonial world. In particular, my reading argues that representations of the unfamiliar family offer different ways of receiving and relating to the self, others, and the past within a social order ruptured by the violent legacies of colonisation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Laubscher, Emma Kate
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Postcolonialism in literature , Families -- Fiction , Interpersonal relations in literature , Families in literature , Gender identity in literature , Gappah, Petina, 1971- -- Criticism and interpretation , Enright, Anne, 1962- -- Criticism and interpretation , Owuor, Yvonne Adhiambo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/153757 , vital:39516
- Description: Anne Enright’s The Green Road, Petina Gappah’s The Book of Memory and Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor’s Dust offer various disruptive representations that challenge the normative family, and allow for an excavation of the potency and pervasiveness of the notion of family as an organising social principle, in a postcolonial context. Through these novels’ depictions of unorthodox families, it becomes possible to unpack the metaphorical architecture that underpins the normative family – by which I mean that social formation which enables and relies upon gender binaries, heteronormative constructions of sexuality and exclusionary racial structures. Additionally, I will attempt to examine the role that the normative family plays in shaping the subject, and determining its avenues of association, through encountering the disruptive possibilities portrayed in Gappah, Owuor and Enright’s works. My analysis is concerned with how the family orientates the subject in particular ways that regulate and delimit the subject’s means of relating to herself, those who surround her and the historic and mnemonic pasts in which she is embedded. In representing alternate kinship structures, these novels expand the aesthetic and imaginative landscape of the family and allow for new forms of relation to emerge. These transgressive and radical ways of being, knowing and loving have disruptive consequences for those social formations which are structured by, and draw on, the family – in particular the nation state. This reworking of the nation state, as well as the destabilisation of the relations between nations states, provides new avenues for inhabiting the postcolonial world. In particular, my reading argues that representations of the unfamiliar family offer different ways of receiving and relating to the self, others, and the past within a social order ruptured by the violent legacies of colonisation.
- Full Text:
Ekhakhamela
- Authors: Machi, Nolwazi Fortunate
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Xhosa poetry
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/76332 , vital:30549
- Description: My collection of isiZulu poems is based on my rural and traditional upbringing. It draws on language and customs which have shaped and defined me as a woman born in the South of KwaZulu-Natal. I write about how I have to conform to both a rural life and an urban one that forms my second world. I find myself having to switch between these lives, which benefits me a lot, and I feel a responsibility to bring hope to young people especially from the rural side, that nothing is wrong with being who and where they are. My writing is influenced by authors such as Nazim Hikmet, Mafika Gwala, and Mazisi Kunene who encourages black writers to write about their own customs and stories rather than embracing ‘western civilization’ and foreign languages. I also like the contemporary subjects and the humour in Dr Nakanjani Sibiya’s work.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Machi, Nolwazi Fortunate
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Xhosa poetry
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/76332 , vital:30549
- Description: My collection of isiZulu poems is based on my rural and traditional upbringing. It draws on language and customs which have shaped and defined me as a woman born in the South of KwaZulu-Natal. I write about how I have to conform to both a rural life and an urban one that forms my second world. I find myself having to switch between these lives, which benefits me a lot, and I feel a responsibility to bring hope to young people especially from the rural side, that nothing is wrong with being who and where they are. My writing is influenced by authors such as Nazim Hikmet, Mafika Gwala, and Mazisi Kunene who encourages black writers to write about their own customs and stories rather than embracing ‘western civilization’ and foreign languages. I also like the contemporary subjects and the humour in Dr Nakanjani Sibiya’s work.
- Full Text:
Empire in Lusaka: hip-hop, young men and masculinity in an African city
- Authors: Mulolani, Happy
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Empire (Television program : 2015) -- Influence , Hip-hop -- Zambia -- Lusaka , Young men -- Zambia -- Lusaka , Young men -- Psychology -- Zambia -- Lusaka , Young men -- Social conditions -- Zambia -- Lusaka , Rap musicians -- Zambia -- Lusaka , Masculinity -- Zambia -- Lusaka
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92650 , vital:30736
- Description: This study examines young Zambian men who are aspiring hip hop artists in Lusaka and the meanings they make of the representations of masculinity in Empire, a popular US television drama. Broadcast locally via satellite on the South African cable network, DStv, Empire narrates the story of a family of powerful men as they battle for the control of Empire, a successful hip-hop label. Of significance is how the programme’s representations of masculinity resonate with the young men’s own ideas of masculinity within a highly patriarchal and conservative urban African space. The young male hip-hop artists encounter their everyday experiences in a context of a range of socio-economic challenges within the urban space of Lusaka which presents them with very limited economic opportunities and resources. Underpinned by a constructivist approach, this reception study explores how these young male artists encounter their everyday experiences in the city and how its structural constraints are navigated through hip-hop, a highly popular local cultural form. The male artists’ reactions to the programme are dependent on their socio-economic location and the types of skills and resources they draw on in order to traverse their everyday experience of city life which concurrently is perceived as exclusionary and as impacting on their livelihoods and aspirations.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mulolani, Happy
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Empire (Television program : 2015) -- Influence , Hip-hop -- Zambia -- Lusaka , Young men -- Zambia -- Lusaka , Young men -- Psychology -- Zambia -- Lusaka , Young men -- Social conditions -- Zambia -- Lusaka , Rap musicians -- Zambia -- Lusaka , Masculinity -- Zambia -- Lusaka
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92650 , vital:30736
- Description: This study examines young Zambian men who are aspiring hip hop artists in Lusaka and the meanings they make of the representations of masculinity in Empire, a popular US television drama. Broadcast locally via satellite on the South African cable network, DStv, Empire narrates the story of a family of powerful men as they battle for the control of Empire, a successful hip-hop label. Of significance is how the programme’s representations of masculinity resonate with the young men’s own ideas of masculinity within a highly patriarchal and conservative urban African space. The young male hip-hop artists encounter their everyday experiences in a context of a range of socio-economic challenges within the urban space of Lusaka which presents them with very limited economic opportunities and resources. Underpinned by a constructivist approach, this reception study explores how these young male artists encounter their everyday experiences in the city and how its structural constraints are navigated through hip-hop, a highly popular local cultural form. The male artists’ reactions to the programme are dependent on their socio-economic location and the types of skills and resources they draw on in order to traverse their everyday experience of city life which concurrently is perceived as exclusionary and as impacting on their livelihoods and aspirations.
- Full Text:
Exploring Lay people’s understanding of substance abuse
- Authors: Ranase, Asanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Substance abuse -- South Africa , Substance abuse -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Psychology -- Qualitative research -- South Africa , Social constructionism -- South Africa , Lay analysis (Psychoanalysis) -- South Africa , Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders , Dependency (Psychology) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/114881 , vital:34046
- Description: South Africa has been identified as one of the drug centres of the world (UNODC, 2016). Substance abuse has been implicated in violent crimes and accidental deaths, as well as in the increasing the risk of communicable and non-communicable diseases (Harker Burnhams & Parry, 2015; Pasche & Myers, 2012; van Heerden et al., 2009). Even though substance abuse is evidently a challenge facing South Africa, there is currently a paucity of literature exploring how substance abuse is understood, specifically among lay people. Research indicates that there is a clear need for qualitative inquiry on lay people’s understanding of substance abuse (Keatley et al, 2017; Lang & Rosenberg, 2017; Sorsdahl et al., 2012 ). Available South African research in this area centres on trends, attitudes and perceptions of substance abuse (Sorsdahl, Stein, & Myers, 2012). Previous studies indicate that professionals often define substance abuse according to observable indicators, as well as the type of substance used (APA, 2013). Research shows that lay people tend to lean towards moral models of understanding, in contrast to professionals who align with the medical models. Located within social constructionism, this study provides insight into how the understanding of substance abuse is shaped by society (Gergen & Gergen, 1996). This study aims to explore how lay people understand substance abuse and use, and whether this understanding confirms or contradicts that of professionals/DSM. The study made use of an exploratory research design. The sampling procedures used was a combination of purposive and snowball sampling. A total of 50 participants were recruited and twelve focus groups were conducted. The information was analysed using thematic analysis. Six themes emerged: severity of substance abuse; use, abuse and dependence; functionality; loss of control; gateway substance use and experimenting; and mental health literacy. The findings of this study indicate that lay peoples’ understanding of substance abuse centres on the impact that substance use and abuse have on peoples’ lives. Further suggested by the findings is that, lay people often associate poor interpersonal relationships, functionality or lack thereof and loss of control with substance abuse problems. This view is consistent with that of professionals and the DSM5 (APA, 2013). The findings of this research indicate that there are similarities in the views of lay people and those of professionals regarding substance abuse problems.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ranase, Asanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Substance abuse -- South Africa , Substance abuse -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Psychology -- Qualitative research -- South Africa , Social constructionism -- South Africa , Lay analysis (Psychoanalysis) -- South Africa , Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders , Dependency (Psychology) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/114881 , vital:34046
- Description: South Africa has been identified as one of the drug centres of the world (UNODC, 2016). Substance abuse has been implicated in violent crimes and accidental deaths, as well as in the increasing the risk of communicable and non-communicable diseases (Harker Burnhams & Parry, 2015; Pasche & Myers, 2012; van Heerden et al., 2009). Even though substance abuse is evidently a challenge facing South Africa, there is currently a paucity of literature exploring how substance abuse is understood, specifically among lay people. Research indicates that there is a clear need for qualitative inquiry on lay people’s understanding of substance abuse (Keatley et al, 2017; Lang & Rosenberg, 2017; Sorsdahl et al., 2012 ). Available South African research in this area centres on trends, attitudes and perceptions of substance abuse (Sorsdahl, Stein, & Myers, 2012). Previous studies indicate that professionals often define substance abuse according to observable indicators, as well as the type of substance used (APA, 2013). Research shows that lay people tend to lean towards moral models of understanding, in contrast to professionals who align with the medical models. Located within social constructionism, this study provides insight into how the understanding of substance abuse is shaped by society (Gergen & Gergen, 1996). This study aims to explore how lay people understand substance abuse and use, and whether this understanding confirms or contradicts that of professionals/DSM. The study made use of an exploratory research design. The sampling procedures used was a combination of purposive and snowball sampling. A total of 50 participants were recruited and twelve focus groups were conducted. The information was analysed using thematic analysis. Six themes emerged: severity of substance abuse; use, abuse and dependence; functionality; loss of control; gateway substance use and experimenting; and mental health literacy. The findings of this study indicate that lay peoples’ understanding of substance abuse centres on the impact that substance use and abuse have on peoples’ lives. Further suggested by the findings is that, lay people often associate poor interpersonal relationships, functionality or lack thereof and loss of control with substance abuse problems. This view is consistent with that of professionals and the DSM5 (APA, 2013). The findings of this research indicate that there are similarities in the views of lay people and those of professionals regarding substance abuse problems.
- Full Text:
Exploring multiple dimensions of identiy development in black South African adolescents
- Authors: Buso, Masimbulele
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Identity (Psychology) , Adolescent psychology -- South Africa , Identity (Psychology) in adolescence -- South Africa , Teenagers, Black -- Psychology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96702 , vital:31310
- Description: South Africa, just like most African countries, is a country rich in social, political and economic history due to colonisation, specifically the apartheid system. The current socio-political and economic climate of the country is said to influence the process of identity development and formation during adolescence. Therefore, the main aim of the study was to explore the various identities that black adolescents are exploring given the context of the country. Additionally, the aim of this research was to explore the methods in which adolescents utilise to develop their identity and the challenges encountered during this process. The study made use of three data collection methods; a Short Reflective exercise, a Nominal Group Technique and Focus Groups. Data was analysed using thematic analysis to generate main themes and sub themes. The main themes discussed in this study revealed that adolescents experiences multiple aspects of their identity, which exist in a complex interwoven system influenced by both external and internal factors. The main challenge was the difficulty in integrating the dominant westernised/individualistic ideology with the collectivistic ideology that adolescents are raised according to. Overall, the study indicated that the majority of the participants had a positive self-concept and a positive outlook with regards to their future. Recommendations emphasise the need for further research that would be based on the South African context to further explore black identity and to gain contextual information that can be used to combat some of the social issues that the South African youth is challenged with.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Buso, Masimbulele
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Identity (Psychology) , Adolescent psychology -- South Africa , Identity (Psychology) in adolescence -- South Africa , Teenagers, Black -- Psychology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96702 , vital:31310
- Description: South Africa, just like most African countries, is a country rich in social, political and economic history due to colonisation, specifically the apartheid system. The current socio-political and economic climate of the country is said to influence the process of identity development and formation during adolescence. Therefore, the main aim of the study was to explore the various identities that black adolescents are exploring given the context of the country. Additionally, the aim of this research was to explore the methods in which adolescents utilise to develop their identity and the challenges encountered during this process. The study made use of three data collection methods; a Short Reflective exercise, a Nominal Group Technique and Focus Groups. Data was analysed using thematic analysis to generate main themes and sub themes. The main themes discussed in this study revealed that adolescents experiences multiple aspects of their identity, which exist in a complex interwoven system influenced by both external and internal factors. The main challenge was the difficulty in integrating the dominant westernised/individualistic ideology with the collectivistic ideology that adolescents are raised according to. Overall, the study indicated that the majority of the participants had a positive self-concept and a positive outlook with regards to their future. Recommendations emphasise the need for further research that would be based on the South African context to further explore black identity and to gain contextual information that can be used to combat some of the social issues that the South African youth is challenged with.
- Full Text:
Exploring the meaning of informal social alcohol consumption rituals in performing masculinity amongst male university students
- Authors: Makgale, Obakeng
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: College students -- Alcohol use , Drinking of alcoholic beverages -- South Africa , College students -- Conduct of life -- South Africa , Male college students -- Conduct of life -- South Africa , Masculinity
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96680 , vital:31308
- Description: Alcohol use amongst university students has received a significant amount of attention in different countries across the world (Dempster, 2011; Kobin, 2013; Maphisa & Young, 2018). The purpose of this study is to explore the meaning of informal social alcohol drinking rituals in performing masculinity amongst male university students. This study used a Social Constructionist approach to gender as theoretical framework. Thus, gender is understood as constructed through social interactions, where a person performs their masculinity before an approving audience (Butler, 2009; Sallee, 2011). This research employed a qualitative research approach. Four participants were selected for in-depth interviews which were analysed using Thematic Network Analysis (Attride-Sterling, 2001). Two global themes emerged from the data set. The first global theme focused on “Men and Alcohol” and concerns the facilitative role that alcohol use and tolerance plays in masculine performance, exploring how masculinities compete for the hegemonic position through excessive alcohol use. The second global theme concerns the “Wolf Pack” and focuses on how peer groups engage in informal social drinking rituals and how these rituals function within the group dynamic. Informal social drinking rituals appear to play a significant role in successful display of hegemonic forms of masculinity in this context, and also play a significant role in expanding one’s social network. However, the consequences associated with this social practice places one in the position of having to maintain participation in heavy drinking in order to feel secure, leaving one vulnerable to negative consequences associated with excessive drinking.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Makgale, Obakeng
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: College students -- Alcohol use , Drinking of alcoholic beverages -- South Africa , College students -- Conduct of life -- South Africa , Male college students -- Conduct of life -- South Africa , Masculinity
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96680 , vital:31308
- Description: Alcohol use amongst university students has received a significant amount of attention in different countries across the world (Dempster, 2011; Kobin, 2013; Maphisa & Young, 2018). The purpose of this study is to explore the meaning of informal social alcohol drinking rituals in performing masculinity amongst male university students. This study used a Social Constructionist approach to gender as theoretical framework. Thus, gender is understood as constructed through social interactions, where a person performs their masculinity before an approving audience (Butler, 2009; Sallee, 2011). This research employed a qualitative research approach. Four participants were selected for in-depth interviews which were analysed using Thematic Network Analysis (Attride-Sterling, 2001). Two global themes emerged from the data set. The first global theme focused on “Men and Alcohol” and concerns the facilitative role that alcohol use and tolerance plays in masculine performance, exploring how masculinities compete for the hegemonic position through excessive alcohol use. The second global theme concerns the “Wolf Pack” and focuses on how peer groups engage in informal social drinking rituals and how these rituals function within the group dynamic. Informal social drinking rituals appear to play a significant role in successful display of hegemonic forms of masculinity in this context, and also play a significant role in expanding one’s social network. However, the consequences associated with this social practice places one in the position of having to maintain participation in heavy drinking in order to feel secure, leaving one vulnerable to negative consequences associated with excessive drinking.
- Full Text:
If you strike a woman: an analysis of how women are represented in political cartoons of South Africa’s Women’s Day, 2009-2017
- Authors: Levin, Bianca
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Caricatures and cartoons -- South Africa , Women in mass media -- South Africa , Political cartoons -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92661 , vital:30731
- Description: On 7 August 2017, two days prior to South Africa’s National Women’s Day, video footage of a representative of the State, Mduduzi Manana, beating up a woman went viral. This marred the Women’s Day celebrations of that year, as it became clear to the public that the he was not going to be punished. As important political commentators, cartoonists used Manana’s actions as an opportunity to depict the violence women face, even in a month dedicated to women. In these cartoons, Manana became the face of a patriarchal system, one which has deeply affected the quality of life for women who, to date, cannot claim their Constitutional rights. This thesis is interested in the mini-narratives of such cartoons, ones which offer a view on the status of South African women. Through this qualitative study, a textual analysis in the spirit of Critical Discourse Analysis of seven selected cartoons leads to a discussion of what their representations of women means for gender justice. What this research shows is that the representations that cartoons offer of the position of women in South Africa are complex. These cartoons articulate that South Africa has a long way to go to reach equality and gender justice. In order for gender justice to be realised, the representation of women needs to evolve into one which recognises women’s plight but does not relegate them to the state of victimhood.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Levin, Bianca
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Caricatures and cartoons -- South Africa , Women in mass media -- South Africa , Political cartoons -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92661 , vital:30731
- Description: On 7 August 2017, two days prior to South Africa’s National Women’s Day, video footage of a representative of the State, Mduduzi Manana, beating up a woman went viral. This marred the Women’s Day celebrations of that year, as it became clear to the public that the he was not going to be punished. As important political commentators, cartoonists used Manana’s actions as an opportunity to depict the violence women face, even in a month dedicated to women. In these cartoons, Manana became the face of a patriarchal system, one which has deeply affected the quality of life for women who, to date, cannot claim their Constitutional rights. This thesis is interested in the mini-narratives of such cartoons, ones which offer a view on the status of South African women. Through this qualitative study, a textual analysis in the spirit of Critical Discourse Analysis of seven selected cartoons leads to a discussion of what their representations of women means for gender justice. What this research shows is that the representations that cartoons offer of the position of women in South Africa are complex. These cartoons articulate that South Africa has a long way to go to reach equality and gender justice. In order for gender justice to be realised, the representation of women needs to evolve into one which recognises women’s plight but does not relegate them to the state of victimhood.
- Full Text:
Investigating the linguistic effectiveness of early reading schemes in isiXhosa: a phonological and orthographical analysis of three isiXhosa Grade 1 graded reader series
- Authors: Katz, Jennifer L
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Education, Elementary -- South Africa , Literacy -- South Africa , Xhosa language -- Readers , Native language and education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92798 , vital:30748
- Description: Literacy in South Africa is in crisis. Inadequate learning and teaching materials, extensive curriculum changes, under-resourced schools and under-qualified teachers are all contributing factors to an alarming situation. Grade 1 African language reading schemes in South Africa are failing to provide young children with the necessary and appropriate practice required to facilitate home language literacy acquisition (NEEDU 2013). A detailed analysis of three isiXhosa Grade 1 graded reader series will show the short-comings of texts translated from English with no cognisance of isiXhosa phonic structures and little appreciation for the agglutinative nature of Nguni languages. Formulating a new, effective approach to the development of African language readers to facilitate reading literacy is urgent and of national importance. The innovative phonics-based methodology, as well as an appropriate instructional level used to develop the Vula Bula Grade 1 isiXhosa readers appears to be a viable blueprint for the development of early readers that can effectively help to ameliorate current deficient literacy levels in African languages. This research thus combines applied linguistics with literacy materials development.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Katz, Jennifer L
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Education, Elementary -- South Africa , Literacy -- South Africa , Xhosa language -- Readers , Native language and education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92798 , vital:30748
- Description: Literacy in South Africa is in crisis. Inadequate learning and teaching materials, extensive curriculum changes, under-resourced schools and under-qualified teachers are all contributing factors to an alarming situation. Grade 1 African language reading schemes in South Africa are failing to provide young children with the necessary and appropriate practice required to facilitate home language literacy acquisition (NEEDU 2013). A detailed analysis of three isiXhosa Grade 1 graded reader series will show the short-comings of texts translated from English with no cognisance of isiXhosa phonic structures and little appreciation for the agglutinative nature of Nguni languages. Formulating a new, effective approach to the development of African language readers to facilitate reading literacy is urgent and of national importance. The innovative phonics-based methodology, as well as an appropriate instructional level used to develop the Vula Bula Grade 1 isiXhosa readers appears to be a viable blueprint for the development of early readers that can effectively help to ameliorate current deficient literacy levels in African languages. This research thus combines applied linguistics with literacy materials development.
- Full Text:
Language-in-education policy and language practices in Botswana primary schools: a case study of 3 schools
- Authors: Tselayakhumo, Dumelang
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Translanguaging (Linguistics) , Multilingual education -- Botswana , Home and school -- Botswana , Language in contact -- Botswana , Language and education -- Case studies -- Botswana , Language policy -- Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68271 , vital:29226
- Description: This is a multiple case study of language practices in relation to the language-in-education policy of Botswana. The impetus for this study came after realising a decline in the academic achievement of learners as they move to higher levels of education. Taking into cognisance other factors like socio-economic background and marginalised communities, this study intended to investigate language practices at 3 primary schools at Standard 1, Standard 4 and Standard 7. Cases were selected from 3 various schools in different districts that present the language situation in Botswana. School A was in Kgalagadi district where the dominant spoken language is Shekgalagarhi, a minority language of Botswana. School B was in Southern district where the dominant spoken language is Setswana, the national language of Botswana and School C was in Gaborone city, the capital city of Botswana, where languages of Botswana come into contact and parents mainly use English to communicate with their children at home. Observation of language practices at these schools was the primary technique of data collection. The researcher also used questionnaires and focus group discussions for authentication. It was realised that whereas the language-in-education policy of Botswana is monoglossic, as it separates languages into separate functions, language practices in the three primary schools were transglossic, as they involved the use of different language varieties in the classroom. However, the researcher discovered that there was limited translanguaging that limited learner creativity and participation in class. The language practices revealed compliance and non-compliance of some schools to the national language-in-education policy. The researcher found language teaching to be one of the factors that limited content acquisition in content subject lessons. Realising the irrelevance of the policy to the linguistic needs of learners, this study proposes guidelines on the implementation of a multilingual micro policy that considers both the strong and the weak versions of translanguaging. This will open ways for translanguaging henceforth, active participation and enhanced performance for all Batswana. It also proposes the study of 3 languages: a minority language of Botswana, Setswana and English as compulsory subjects to embrace multilingualism and for the development of indigenous languages.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tselayakhumo, Dumelang
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Translanguaging (Linguistics) , Multilingual education -- Botswana , Home and school -- Botswana , Language in contact -- Botswana , Language and education -- Case studies -- Botswana , Language policy -- Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68271 , vital:29226
- Description: This is a multiple case study of language practices in relation to the language-in-education policy of Botswana. The impetus for this study came after realising a decline in the academic achievement of learners as they move to higher levels of education. Taking into cognisance other factors like socio-economic background and marginalised communities, this study intended to investigate language practices at 3 primary schools at Standard 1, Standard 4 and Standard 7. Cases were selected from 3 various schools in different districts that present the language situation in Botswana. School A was in Kgalagadi district where the dominant spoken language is Shekgalagarhi, a minority language of Botswana. School B was in Southern district where the dominant spoken language is Setswana, the national language of Botswana and School C was in Gaborone city, the capital city of Botswana, where languages of Botswana come into contact and parents mainly use English to communicate with their children at home. Observation of language practices at these schools was the primary technique of data collection. The researcher also used questionnaires and focus group discussions for authentication. It was realised that whereas the language-in-education policy of Botswana is monoglossic, as it separates languages into separate functions, language practices in the three primary schools were transglossic, as they involved the use of different language varieties in the classroom. However, the researcher discovered that there was limited translanguaging that limited learner creativity and participation in class. The language practices revealed compliance and non-compliance of some schools to the national language-in-education policy. The researcher found language teaching to be one of the factors that limited content acquisition in content subject lessons. Realising the irrelevance of the policy to the linguistic needs of learners, this study proposes guidelines on the implementation of a multilingual micro policy that considers both the strong and the weak versions of translanguaging. This will open ways for translanguaging henceforth, active participation and enhanced performance for all Batswana. It also proposes the study of 3 languages: a minority language of Botswana, Setswana and English as compulsory subjects to embrace multilingualism and for the development of indigenous languages.
- Full Text:
Making meaning of reality television celebrities: the reception of South African Idol by young adults in Joza, Grahamstown
- Authors: Magade, Mncedi Eddie
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Talent shows (Television programs) -- South Africa , Television viewers -- South Africa , Television programs -- South Africa , Mass media -- South Africa , South African Idol (Television program) , Reality television shows
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/94217 , vital:31018
- Description: Reality television or “factual entertainment” is a hybrid of old television formats and factual programming in order to create a “new” entertaining show designed to draw the attention of audiences and increase viewership ratings. South African Idol is one popular local example. Adapted from the British programme Pop Idol, the show promises upward mobility for the young star who wins the competition. This show has become a subject of conversation amongst young people in South Africa who aspire to the “success” and “celebrity” status that is produced by participating on the show. This paper uses a Cultural Studies framework in order to examine the relationship between texts and audiences as an aspect of the “circuit of culture,” with its interrelated moments of production, texts, consumption and lived experience. My research focuses on the text and audience “moments” of this circuit. Audience studies research suggests that we should situate television viewing and the meanings made of TV programs in the natural setting of the home, and that this setting should be taken seriously as a unit of analysis. This study therefore, seeks to understand the ways in which audiences make meaning of this television programme within the domestic context.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Magade, Mncedi Eddie
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Talent shows (Television programs) -- South Africa , Television viewers -- South Africa , Television programs -- South Africa , Mass media -- South Africa , South African Idol (Television program) , Reality television shows
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/94217 , vital:31018
- Description: Reality television or “factual entertainment” is a hybrid of old television formats and factual programming in order to create a “new” entertaining show designed to draw the attention of audiences and increase viewership ratings. South African Idol is one popular local example. Adapted from the British programme Pop Idol, the show promises upward mobility for the young star who wins the competition. This show has become a subject of conversation amongst young people in South Africa who aspire to the “success” and “celebrity” status that is produced by participating on the show. This paper uses a Cultural Studies framework in order to examine the relationship between texts and audiences as an aspect of the “circuit of culture,” with its interrelated moments of production, texts, consumption and lived experience. My research focuses on the text and audience “moments” of this circuit. Audience studies research suggests that we should situate television viewing and the meanings made of TV programs in the natural setting of the home, and that this setting should be taken seriously as a unit of analysis. This study therefore, seeks to understand the ways in which audiences make meaning of this television programme within the domestic context.
- Full Text:
Memory of a dead river
- Authors: Mayo, Thandokazi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Short stories, South African (English) , South African (English)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92364 , vital:30716
- Description: My thesis is a collection of short stories that tap into cultural, literal references, both oral andvisual, and also draws on images I have seen and have struggled to get out of my head. The collection draws on Alissa Nutting’s distorted realism and Noy Holland’s evocative imagery to make even the most mundane things feel like something out of the ordinary. An unreal way of looking at real things. The stories are interrelated only insofar as they seek to normalise or neutralise the peculiarity of society’s seemingly outdated people who come from the rural areas. Their faces, their stories, their general mannerisms. To capture the tone of their emotions, their small plights, and to give an in-depth look into how where you are affects the very shape of your face.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mayo, Thandokazi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Short stories, South African (English) , South African (English)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92364 , vital:30716
- Description: My thesis is a collection of short stories that tap into cultural, literal references, both oral andvisual, and also draws on images I have seen and have struggled to get out of my head. The collection draws on Alissa Nutting’s distorted realism and Noy Holland’s evocative imagery to make even the most mundane things feel like something out of the ordinary. An unreal way of looking at real things. The stories are interrelated only insofar as they seek to normalise or neutralise the peculiarity of society’s seemingly outdated people who come from the rural areas. Their faces, their stories, their general mannerisms. To capture the tone of their emotions, their small plights, and to give an in-depth look into how where you are affects the very shape of your face.
- Full Text:
Ndonakele
- Authors: Ngcelwane, Ayabulela
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Xhosa fiction , Xhosa poetry
- Language: English , Xhosa
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92721 , vital:30742
- Description: Le thisisi yingqokelela yemibongo egxile kwimingeni ejamelene noluntu kwimimandla efana neelokishi. Unobangela wale mingeni yintswelo-ngqesho, ukungafumani zindlu, ubundlobongela, isimo sezepolitiki, njalo-njalo. Imisebenzi kaRonnie Kasrils ngakumbi kwincwadi yakhe ethi A simple man, uRustum Siyongwana – Ubulumko bezinja uS. S. Mema – Umnxeba Wobomi, nezinye, zibe nefuthe kakhulu kule thisisi. Indlela abasebenzisa ngayo ulwimi lwemihla ngemihla, maxawambi bade basebenzise nesakhono esisetyenziswa ezintsomini ezifana nokusebenzisa abalinganiswa abazizilwanyana bekwekwa umba onobuzaza. Injongo yalo msebenzi kukugqamisa ukubaluleka kwentlalontle yoluntu, nokuvuselela isazela koongxowa ayibotshwa. Yiyo loo nto kuzanywe kangangoko ukusetyenziswa ulwimi olunokufikeleleka nakubani na. , English and Xhoxa versions provided for dual language submission
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ngcelwane, Ayabulela
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Xhosa fiction , Xhosa poetry
- Language: English , Xhosa
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92721 , vital:30742
- Description: Le thisisi yingqokelela yemibongo egxile kwimingeni ejamelene noluntu kwimimandla efana neelokishi. Unobangela wale mingeni yintswelo-ngqesho, ukungafumani zindlu, ubundlobongela, isimo sezepolitiki, njalo-njalo. Imisebenzi kaRonnie Kasrils ngakumbi kwincwadi yakhe ethi A simple man, uRustum Siyongwana – Ubulumko bezinja uS. S. Mema – Umnxeba Wobomi, nezinye, zibe nefuthe kakhulu kule thisisi. Indlela abasebenzisa ngayo ulwimi lwemihla ngemihla, maxawambi bade basebenzise nesakhono esisetyenziswa ezintsomini ezifana nokusebenzisa abalinganiswa abazizilwanyana bekwekwa umba onobuzaza. Injongo yalo msebenzi kukugqamisa ukubaluleka kwentlalontle yoluntu, nokuvuselela isazela koongxowa ayibotshwa. Yiyo loo nto kuzanywe kangangoko ukusetyenziswa ulwimi olunokufikeleleka nakubani na. , English and Xhoxa versions provided for dual language submission
- Full Text:
Ndoxoza mphini wumbi!
- Authors: Saki, Sandile Dudu
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: South African fiction (English)
- Language: English , Xhosa
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92605 , vital:30741
- Description: My English half-thesis comprises semi-autobiographical short stories based on my own lived and observed experiences of patriarchal township life, but told through the eyes of others, often those who find themselves victims of societal ills and cruel injustices. The stories deal with issues ranging from rape culture, intimate femicide, social patriarchy and the vulnerability of women, children and people living with disabilities in such settings. Refusing didacticism, I seek to voice the complexity, bravery and beauty of my characters. I draw influence from Joel Matlou’s simple narration of the small details of daily life, Can Themba’s ability to find humour in the everyday, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s contemporary sass and Irenosen Okojie’s unconventional, subtle and deeply enigmatic approach to storytelling. , Le thisisi yingqokelela yemibongo enesingqi nefuthe endilincance kubabhali endihlangene nabo kwezi zifundo endingabala kubo uMxolisi Nyezwa, Rustum Kozain nabanye. Injongo yale thisisi kukonwabisa; ukucebisa mhlawumbi ukuthungulula iintongo emva kobentlombe. Maxa wambi ikukukhahlela nakwabo baye banegalelo kwizinto-yinto zokuhlala ngakumbi iimvumi zikaMasikhandi ezifana noMlindelwa ‘Inkunz’ emdaka’ Mralatya owaziwa njengovulindlela kaMasikhandi kwisizwe sakwaXhosa siphela. Bakho ke ababhali abasingqi sabo sindithimbileyo, naba bugcisa ndibuthandileyo endingabalula kubo uMzwandile Matiwana, M. S. Mlandu, Fundile Majola, John Solilo, J. J. R Jolobe kunye noS. E. K. Mqhayi. Liyavakala ifuthe labo kule mibongo, ngakumbi isingqi nokusetyenziswa kolwimi. , English and Xhosa versions provided for dual language submission
- Full Text:
- Authors: Saki, Sandile Dudu
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: South African fiction (English)
- Language: English , Xhosa
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92605 , vital:30741
- Description: My English half-thesis comprises semi-autobiographical short stories based on my own lived and observed experiences of patriarchal township life, but told through the eyes of others, often those who find themselves victims of societal ills and cruel injustices. The stories deal with issues ranging from rape culture, intimate femicide, social patriarchy and the vulnerability of women, children and people living with disabilities in such settings. Refusing didacticism, I seek to voice the complexity, bravery and beauty of my characters. I draw influence from Joel Matlou’s simple narration of the small details of daily life, Can Themba’s ability to find humour in the everyday, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s contemporary sass and Irenosen Okojie’s unconventional, subtle and deeply enigmatic approach to storytelling. , Le thisisi yingqokelela yemibongo enesingqi nefuthe endilincance kubabhali endihlangene nabo kwezi zifundo endingabala kubo uMxolisi Nyezwa, Rustum Kozain nabanye. Injongo yale thisisi kukonwabisa; ukucebisa mhlawumbi ukuthungulula iintongo emva kobentlombe. Maxa wambi ikukukhahlela nakwabo baye banegalelo kwizinto-yinto zokuhlala ngakumbi iimvumi zikaMasikhandi ezifana noMlindelwa ‘Inkunz’ emdaka’ Mralatya owaziwa njengovulindlela kaMasikhandi kwisizwe sakwaXhosa siphela. Bakho ke ababhali abasingqi sabo sindithimbileyo, naba bugcisa ndibuthandileyo endingabalula kubo uMzwandile Matiwana, M. S. Mlandu, Fundile Majola, John Solilo, J. J. R Jolobe kunye noS. E. K. Mqhayi. Liyavakala ifuthe labo kule mibongo, ngakumbi isingqi nokusetyenziswa kolwimi. , English and Xhosa versions provided for dual language submission
- Full Text:
Negotiating spaces, constructing identities and consuming symbolic resources: examining the complex interplay between identity formation, context and media consumption amongst black South African students at Rhodes University
- Authors: Willetts, Luke
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mass media -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Mass media -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Mass media -- Sociological aspects -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Mass media and culture -- South Africa , Mass media and race relations -- South Africa , Social movements -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Student movements -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Male college students -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Rhodes University -- Students -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/95207 , vital:31127
- Description: This thesis has looked at the complex interplay between media consumption and identity formation amongst a group of black South African male students within the context of a racially homogenous communal viewing area located on the Rhodes University campus during the #FMF protests in 2016. Using qualitative research methods the study concluded that the group context of communal viewing helped the students structure and make sense of their daily lives. They actively divorced themselves from the main student populace in an attempt to escape lived experiences of a repressive institutional culture expressed through the university’s monolingual language policies, aesthetics and course material. These students embodied the characteristics of a diasporic community characterised by displacement, dispersal and the continuous re-articulation of differences across contradictory social, cultural and economic contexts. They grappled with an alienating environment by creating a safe space for cultural reproduction aided by the communal consumption of local television programmes. Preferences for local content broadcast in African languages were shaped by a linguistic marginalisation experienced on the Rhodes campus. The politicisation of the context through #FMF in turn politicised the students’ subjectivities leading to a need to be informed of the movement’s progression through evening news broadcasts. Discussions around campus life were dominated by #FMF and the collective experiences of marginalisation in and from the university space. Communal viewing of local television shows allowed this group of students to transcend decades of essentialised African ethnic divisions bringing forward a group identity premised on a lived hegemony signified by blackness.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Willetts, Luke
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mass media -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Mass media -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Mass media -- Sociological aspects -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Mass media and culture -- South Africa , Mass media and race relations -- South Africa , Social movements -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Student movements -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Male college students -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Rhodes University -- Students -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/95207 , vital:31127
- Description: This thesis has looked at the complex interplay between media consumption and identity formation amongst a group of black South African male students within the context of a racially homogenous communal viewing area located on the Rhodes University campus during the #FMF protests in 2016. Using qualitative research methods the study concluded that the group context of communal viewing helped the students structure and make sense of their daily lives. They actively divorced themselves from the main student populace in an attempt to escape lived experiences of a repressive institutional culture expressed through the university’s monolingual language policies, aesthetics and course material. These students embodied the characteristics of a diasporic community characterised by displacement, dispersal and the continuous re-articulation of differences across contradictory social, cultural and economic contexts. They grappled with an alienating environment by creating a safe space for cultural reproduction aided by the communal consumption of local television programmes. Preferences for local content broadcast in African languages were shaped by a linguistic marginalisation experienced on the Rhodes campus. The politicisation of the context through #FMF in turn politicised the students’ subjectivities leading to a need to be informed of the movement’s progression through evening news broadcasts. Discussions around campus life were dominated by #FMF and the collective experiences of marginalisation in and from the university space. Communal viewing of local television shows allowed this group of students to transcend decades of essentialised African ethnic divisions bringing forward a group identity premised on a lived hegemony signified by blackness.
- Full Text:
Popular politics in the rural Western Cape, South Africa: a case study of Ruiterbos
- Authors: Ghedi Alasow, Jonis
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Political participation -- South Africa -- Cape Town , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994- , Land tenure -- Political aspects -- South Africa , Land use, Rural -- Political aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96165 , vital:31246
- Description: This thesis argues that the philosophical foundations upon which human beings have been engaged have, across various schools of thought, made the mistake of presuming that some people are more modern than others. This suggestion is refuted throughout this thesis. To do this, intellectual traditions that take the fundamental rationality of all human beings as an indispensable starting point are engaged to argue for the need to acknowledge that everyone in the ‘now’ is indeed, of the ‘now’. This thesis connects these debates about modernity, rationality and humanity to the contemporary discussions around rural politics with particular reference to Ruiterbos in the Western Cape province of South Africa. By means of detailed empirical and ethnographic research, this thesis illustrates the issues around which people in Ruiterbos are politicised. Via this case study, the a priori assumption that rural politics will necessarily manifest itself only with respect to questions of land and agrarian reform or labour relations is complicated. The two issues around which people in Ruiterbos, during the time of this research, seem to be politicised – housing and education – are surfaced throughout this thesis. The thesis argues that the findings in this case study call for an expansion of the issues that are traditionally considered when the question of rural politics is raised. The often historicist approach that limits the possibilities for politics in rural areas should be suspended for an approach that takes popular politics and political agents in rural areas seriously. The thesis finally argues that the conclusions that are reached with respect to questions of modernity and rural politics ought to be adopted to allow for more detailed and thorough explanations of popular politics in places like Ruiterbos.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ghedi Alasow, Jonis
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Political participation -- South Africa -- Cape Town , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994- , Land tenure -- Political aspects -- South Africa , Land use, Rural -- Political aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96165 , vital:31246
- Description: This thesis argues that the philosophical foundations upon which human beings have been engaged have, across various schools of thought, made the mistake of presuming that some people are more modern than others. This suggestion is refuted throughout this thesis. To do this, intellectual traditions that take the fundamental rationality of all human beings as an indispensable starting point are engaged to argue for the need to acknowledge that everyone in the ‘now’ is indeed, of the ‘now’. This thesis connects these debates about modernity, rationality and humanity to the contemporary discussions around rural politics with particular reference to Ruiterbos in the Western Cape province of South Africa. By means of detailed empirical and ethnographic research, this thesis illustrates the issues around which people in Ruiterbos are politicised. Via this case study, the a priori assumption that rural politics will necessarily manifest itself only with respect to questions of land and agrarian reform or labour relations is complicated. The two issues around which people in Ruiterbos, during the time of this research, seem to be politicised – housing and education – are surfaced throughout this thesis. The thesis argues that the findings in this case study call for an expansion of the issues that are traditionally considered when the question of rural politics is raised. The often historicist approach that limits the possibilities for politics in rural areas should be suspended for an approach that takes popular politics and political agents in rural areas seriously. The thesis finally argues that the conclusions that are reached with respect to questions of modernity and rural politics ought to be adopted to allow for more detailed and thorough explanations of popular politics in places like Ruiterbos.
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Psychotherapy in post-colonial SA: exploring attitudes, views and beliefs of rural ‘black’ communities on psychotherapy
- Authors: Mthembu, Thembekile Thobeka
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Black people -- Attitudes -- South Africa , Black people -- Psychology -- South Africa , Black people -- Mental health -- South Africa , Psychotherapy -- South Africa , Client-centered psychotherapy -- South Africa , Rural families -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/71419 , vital:29847
- Description: The appropriateness and effectiveness of the field of psychology and its branch psychotherapy has been met with fierce criticisms especially in contexts outside of Western or Euro American or urban Southern Africa. This thesis explores attitudes, views and beliefs of rural ‘black’ communities on psychotherapy (the healing process of the mind and soul). It is important to understand how the healing process of the mind and soul is constructed and practised in South African black rural communities, and this remains an imperative of psychology. The study takes an exploratory qualitative research approach. Nine participants from two rural communities in Kwa-Zulu Natal were interviewed through face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was utilised as a method of data analysis. The study employed social constructionism and Afrocentricity as theoretical points of departure. The findings were understood through employing Afrocentricity theory underpinned by post-colonial theory. Four main themes were derived with supporting subthemes. The themes indicate that rural black communities’ attitudes, views, and beliefs on psychotherapy are at variance with the Western perspective of psychotherapy. This is further associated with the practise of psychotherapy in rural black communities. The findings of this study can possibly assist in new understandings of psychotherapy as constructed in different contexts and instigate future research to be conducted in often-neglected areas such as rural communities.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mthembu, Thembekile Thobeka
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Black people -- Attitudes -- South Africa , Black people -- Psychology -- South Africa , Black people -- Mental health -- South Africa , Psychotherapy -- South Africa , Client-centered psychotherapy -- South Africa , Rural families -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/71419 , vital:29847
- Description: The appropriateness and effectiveness of the field of psychology and its branch psychotherapy has been met with fierce criticisms especially in contexts outside of Western or Euro American or urban Southern Africa. This thesis explores attitudes, views and beliefs of rural ‘black’ communities on psychotherapy (the healing process of the mind and soul). It is important to understand how the healing process of the mind and soul is constructed and practised in South African black rural communities, and this remains an imperative of psychology. The study takes an exploratory qualitative research approach. Nine participants from two rural communities in Kwa-Zulu Natal were interviewed through face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was utilised as a method of data analysis. The study employed social constructionism and Afrocentricity as theoretical points of departure. The findings were understood through employing Afrocentricity theory underpinned by post-colonial theory. Four main themes were derived with supporting subthemes. The themes indicate that rural black communities’ attitudes, views, and beliefs on psychotherapy are at variance with the Western perspective of psychotherapy. This is further associated with the practise of psychotherapy in rural black communities. The findings of this study can possibly assist in new understandings of psychotherapy as constructed in different contexts and instigate future research to be conducted in often-neglected areas such as rural communities.
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Religious pluralism: an analysis of its practice and effect in four historical examples
- Authors: Groves, Samuel Peter
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Religious pluralism , Christianity and other religions , Freedom of religion -- History , Alexandria (Egypt) -- History , Athens (Greece) -- History , Alexandria (Egypt) -- Religion , Athens (Greece) -- Religion , Eusebius, of Caesarea, Bishop of Caesarea, approximately 260-approximately 340 , Constantine I, Emperor of Rome, -337 , Constantine I, Emperor of Rome, -337 -- Religion , Rome -- History -- Constantine I, the Great, 306-337 , Rome -- Religion , Jews -- Spain -- History -- Expulsion, 1492 , Spain -- History -- Ferdinand and Isabella, 1479-1516 , Spain -- Religion
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67709 , vital:29132
- Description: Despite the fact that religious freedom is considered a basic human right, provided for in the South African constitution, the practise of religious freedom is often denied in certain countries and discouraged in others. The goal of this thesis is to examine four historical examples in which religious freedom was practised or denied, and the effect this decision had on the countries or people concerned. The first example of Alexander's empire is a positive example of religious liberty. His practise of religious pluralism offered peace to the Greeks and Jews of Alexandria, and it prompted creative and intellectual pursuits that would have been impossible without religious freedom. The second example is of Paul the Apostle's approach to positive religious engagement, as recorded in Acts 17 of the New Testament. Paul models constructive religious debate as he engages with the Athenian philosophers. The third example is of Constantine's pursuit of unity through religious prescription. In his bid for one empire under one God, he created both a divided empire and a divided church. The final example is of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, who through the persecution of Jews and Muslims, caused the economic collapse of Spain and the division of the church within Spain. This thesis provides historical evidence that religious pluralism benefits humanity and it is my hope that it will encourage religious and political leaders to uphold religious pluralism for the good of society and for the good of religion.
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- Authors: Groves, Samuel Peter
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Religious pluralism , Christianity and other religions , Freedom of religion -- History , Alexandria (Egypt) -- History , Athens (Greece) -- History , Alexandria (Egypt) -- Religion , Athens (Greece) -- Religion , Eusebius, of Caesarea, Bishop of Caesarea, approximately 260-approximately 340 , Constantine I, Emperor of Rome, -337 , Constantine I, Emperor of Rome, -337 -- Religion , Rome -- History -- Constantine I, the Great, 306-337 , Rome -- Religion , Jews -- Spain -- History -- Expulsion, 1492 , Spain -- History -- Ferdinand and Isabella, 1479-1516 , Spain -- Religion
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67709 , vital:29132
- Description: Despite the fact that religious freedom is considered a basic human right, provided for in the South African constitution, the practise of religious freedom is often denied in certain countries and discouraged in others. The goal of this thesis is to examine four historical examples in which religious freedom was practised or denied, and the effect this decision had on the countries or people concerned. The first example of Alexander's empire is a positive example of religious liberty. His practise of religious pluralism offered peace to the Greeks and Jews of Alexandria, and it prompted creative and intellectual pursuits that would have been impossible without religious freedom. The second example is of Paul the Apostle's approach to positive religious engagement, as recorded in Acts 17 of the New Testament. Paul models constructive religious debate as he engages with the Athenian philosophers. The third example is of Constantine's pursuit of unity through religious prescription. In his bid for one empire under one God, he created both a divided empire and a divided church. The final example is of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, who through the persecution of Jews and Muslims, caused the economic collapse of Spain and the division of the church within Spain. This thesis provides historical evidence that religious pluralism benefits humanity and it is my hope that it will encourage religious and political leaders to uphold religious pluralism for the good of society and for the good of religion.
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