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Die psigopaat as kliënt in die Maatskaplike Werk

  • Authors: Venter, Pieter Viviers
  • Date: 1977
  • Language: Afrikaans
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: vital:21106 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/6410
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 1977

A narrative study of patients’ illness experiences on antiretroviral treatment

  • Authors: Tsope, Lindiwe
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: AIDS (Disease) Social aspects South Africa , HIV infections Social aspects South Africa , Stigma (Social psychology) , Antiretroviral agents , Disclosure of information , Social media in medicine South Africa , Discourse analysis, Narrative
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63032 , vital:28356
  • Description: Eight female respondents, who have publicly disclosed their HIV-positive status on social media, were involved in a semi-structured in-depth interview process. Using the theoretical frameworks of symbolic interactionism and social constructionism, the study explores the effects of antiretroviral treatment on patients’ illness experiences, looking at the personal and social symbolisms and meanings attached to taking antiretrovirals. The study revealed a positive and inspirational aspect of living with HIV/AIDS and especially consuming antiretroviral therapy. It became evident that the knowledge participants had of antiretrovirals before consuming them was misguided and based more on false ‘general knowledge’ among laypersons than actual medical fact. Moreover, the study revealed that there is a social reconstruction of narratives that has taken place in each participant’s life due to consuming antiretrovirals. Publicly disclosing their statuses has also proved to have both negative and positive consequences for the individuals and for society at large. While there is a consensus that participants’ illness experiences are directly affected by antiretroviral treatment, each participant’s narrative is different, yet positive.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

The structural arrangements in local government and their role in promoting community participation in basic service delivery: a case study of Emalahleni and Intsika Yethu local municipalities in the Chris Hani District Municipality area

  • Authors: Nqwemeshe, Nomvuyo
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Water utilities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Water-supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- Evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: vital:3315 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003103
  • Description: This study analyses the effectiveness of community participation in service delivery. The area of study, the Chris Ham District Municipality (CHDM), is a Water Services Authority, responsible for ensuring access to water services (water and sanitation) by all communities within its jurisdiction. There are eight local municipalities within the CHDM. The objective of this study is to determine whether systems are in place in local government to promote participation by communities in service delivery projects and whether these systems are being utilised efficiently by the role-players concerned. The role-players in this research are people who are involved in community development programmes of the municipality (municipal staff in the relevant departments of the municipalities under study, the social facilitators, civil society organisations, ward committees, ward councillors, traditional authorities as well as the representatives of communities (Project Steering Committees) who are beneficiaries of the projects under study). The projects that are under study were selected from a readily available list of CHDM capital projects that appear in the 2003/2004 financial year funding plan and are running. The findings of the study at both levels (local and district) show that the municipal environment is not conducive to promoting community participation. This is linked to factors such as the structural arrangements, whereby the offices relevant for promoting community participation are not fully occupied, which provided evidence that community participation is not prioritised. There is lack of coordination of programmes within the local government spheres as well within departments of the DM and strategies for community participation have been found to be non-effective. At project level lack of community participation is linked to the utilisation of ward committees as the only mechanism for community participation regardless of its un-equal and party biased representation. This study therefore concludes that although the systems to promote community participation are in place, they are not effective.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

A phenomenological explication of the artistic creative experience of a painter, a writer and a playwright

  • Authors: Lambie, Eileen
  • Date: 1988
  • Subjects: Phenomenology Art -- Philosophy Artists Creation (Literary, artistic, etc.)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: vital:3115 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004605
  • Description: The aim of the thesis was to explore two focus questions using the phenomenological approach. Firstly, what it meant to be an artist for three particular artists; a painter, a writer and a playwright. Secondly, what a general explicitation (after Van Kaam, 1958) of the three subjects' artistic creative experience and working processes revealed in essence. The taped data of the three artists were reduced and explored through a number of phenomenological strategies. This led to the formulation of four essential descriptions for each artist, which were based structurally on Van den Berg's experiential categories in A Different Existence. Thus, the essential descriptions reflect each artist's relationship with his/her world, body, fellow people and time. The final step was the achievement of a general extended description. The major conclusion arising from the phenomenological explication is that art affords a way through which artists are able to live an authentic existence. That is, the body and world of the artist are in harmony and the artist's art roots him in the past, is manifest in the present and indicates the future direction of his work. Another conclusion is that the artist is Janus-faced and this enables him/her to balance subjectivity and objectivity in the Lebenswelt and to communicate what he/she sees to others in a healthy way through art. The artist's relationship with world, body, fellow people and with time, is postulated as being qualitatively richer than that of the nonartist. The two focus questions were successfully answered through the research explication and were validated by two independent judges. The viability of the phenomenological approach in the field of artistic creativity was therefore demonstrated. Suggestions for future research were made, one of which was that more phenomenological research aimed at eliciting specific information on the creation of art works might render more information on the artistic creative process.
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  • Date Issued: 1988

Religious orders and personal and group attitudes and values

  • Authors: Wright, Beryl
  • Date: 1970
  • Subjects: Church and social problems -- South Africa , Christians -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Attitudes
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: vital:3358 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007685 , Church and social problems -- South Africa , Christians -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Attitudes
  • Description: From Introduction: For many years I have been interested in the relationship between ethical and moral attitudes and values and religious belief. I became aware of a conflict in attitudes concerning the role of the Church in society as a member of the Methodist Church, and this stimulated me to study seriously the role of the Church in present day society. I found that members of the Wesley Guild, of which I myself was a member, conceived of the Guild in three forms: (a) as a social club; (b) as an institution for training in Christian service, both at the level of spiritual belief and practice and at the level of practical help to those in human need; (c) as an assooiation where individual spiritual values are fostered. Members differed in their view of the Guild, some seeing it in terms of all three enumerated forms, others emphasising one or two of these forms. This induced tension within the Guild. Wider observation led me to the view that this diffused concept of the Church and its functions was not peculiar to the Wesley Guild. It seemed to be general to the South African Church. I became confirmed in this view when, as a student at Rhodes University, I found that many theological students of different denominations shared it.
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  • Date Issued: 1970

An exploration into the meaning of death

  • Authors: Todres, Leslie Allen
  • Date: 1980 , 2013-03-28
  • Subjects: Death -- Psychological aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: vital:3107 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004519 , Death -- Psychological aspects
  • Description: From Preface: The present study attempts to explore, both theoretically and empirically, some implications that a personal consideration of death may have for the way we live our lives. Existential-Phenomenology has concerned itself with the description of the dimensions of human existence. It is in this enquiry that Death, and through it, human finitude, emerges as an important dimension of existence. It is not the fact of death itself, but the MEANING it has for our lives which may be of important consequence. It is to this area that this research addresses itself. The methodology employed arises out of a concern to contribute to the establishment of Psychology as a Human Science. To this end, a chapter focusing on the philosophical bases of methodology is included. It is hoped that this study may, however little, contribute both to the field of Thanatology as well as to the more theoretical issue of what Psychology is, and where it is going. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.53 Paper Capture Plug-in
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  • Date Issued: 1980

Foster care as a form of substitute care in the black community : an exploratory-descriptive study

  • Authors: Sishuta, Happy Babalwa
  • Date: 1996
  • Subjects: Foster home care -- South Africa , Kinship care -- South Africa , Children, Black -- Services for -- South Africa , Black people -- Services for -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: vital:3282 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006505 , Foster home care -- South Africa , Kinship care -- South Africa , Children, Black -- Services for -- South Africa , Black people -- Services for -- South Africa
  • Description: Kinship care is increasingly supplementing the more traditional forms of out-of-home care. Because related foster care has potential great value, the possibility of placement with relatives needs to be explored first. At its best it provides the child love and security with known people and possibly in a familiar environment. Yet, important as it is, this area of practice is seriously underdeveloped - few publications especially in South Africa exist on how children fare in this arrangement. This situation exists in spite of the fact that many children find themselves in both legal as well as privately arranged related foster care placements. Equally of course no comprehensive study has been undertaken to study the black family's perception of formal foster care and their adjustment to formal foster care practice which for many is a new encounter in their lives. More clarity on these issues pertaining to kinship care will not only improve our understanding but can lead to a better service. Socio-political influences have weakened the mutual aid system in African families. This has resulted in needs· and problems which the African family find it difficult to deal with. This has prompted families to make use of non-family support particularly services from specialized and other welfare agencies. Formal foster care is a foreign practice to the black community as a result of their tradition and custom. It offers a new method of coping with child care problems and indicates a shift from the conventional patterns among South African blacks. As a result there is often confusion and a lack of understanding, making the community not to make proper use of this service. This study is exploratory-descriptive. The sample comprised thirty foster parents. The main objective of this study was to investigate the nature and practice of formal foster care in the black community with specific emphasis on related foster care and its perception. The study has raised a number of issues for practice and policy consideration. Notable findings were: the need to (1) promote much more active involvement of foster parents, foster child and their families (2) educate the community about foster care (3) prepare, train, support and supervise foster parents. The study revealed that these placements have become indistinguishable from natural parenthood and the foster children have become absorbed into the foster family. A need exists for permanency planning in foster care. It is hoped that the research findings will contribute to the existing body of knowledge and that more studies will be undertaken in future.
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  • Date Issued: 1996

Young women's memories of their experiences in adolescent relationships : a qualitative study

  • Authors: Breetzke, Andrea Welsh
  • Date: 2001
  • Subjects: Teenage girls , Adolescent psychology , Teenagers , Parent and teenager , Teenage parents
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: vital:690 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006366 , Teenage girls , Adolescent psychology , Teenagers , Parent and teenager , Teenage parents
  • Description: Democratic Government in South Africa has brought with it changes in ideology and policy as well as a focus on a new area of concern. It has recognised the importance of young people. In May 1995 the Inter-Ministerial Committee for Youth at Risk (IMC) was established to re-organise the Child and Youth Care system in order increase its effectivity in coping with vulnerable youths. The IMC proposed a new framework for understanding and working with youth based on the principle of the Sioux parenting practices, called the Circle of Courage. Traditionally, helping professionals such as social workers use western theories, such as Erikson's Psychosocial Stage theory, to understand adolescents. Both of these theories and philosophies were not developed in South Africa and there is, therefore, cause for concern as to their relevance to the diverse and unique circumstances of this country. In this qualitative study, five young South African women attending a tertiary institution were asked to tell the stories of their adolescence with specific reference to their boy/girl relationships and factors influencing these relationships. The data was gathered in one or two semi-structured interviews. Data was analysed using Miles and Huberman's (1994) broad model using data reduction (through coding), data display (with the use of two context charts and a thematic conceptual matrix)and verification and conclusion drawing (through finding synergies and contrasts between the data and the two theories). This analysis was conducted with two specific aims. The first aim was to provide a thick description of one of the women's stories to show the complexity and diversity of her experience. Secondly, synergies and contrasts were sought between the women's stories and the two theories: Erikson's stage theory and the Circle of Courage. The analysis showed strong evidence that aspects from both these theories existed in the data and that to some degree both were relevant to the experiences of these five women.
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  • Date Issued: 2001

New spaces and old stories: the Luminance woman, black womanhood and the illusion of the “new” South Africa

  • Authors: Alweendo, Ndapwa Magano Nelao
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Luminance stores (South Africa) , Dhlomo, Khanyi , Dlamini, Judy , Women, Black -- South Africa -- Social life and customes , Women, Black -- South Africa -- Social conditions , Clothing trade -- South Africa , Social classes -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/42619 , vital:25220
  • Description: This study examines ideas of black womanhood in post-apartheid South Africa. The opening of the Luminance boutique in 2013, previously owned by South African businesswoman and media mogul Khanyi Dhlomo in Johannesburg’s ultra-exclusive Hyde Park Corner, has been articulated as representing a rupture in the public and private performance of black womanhood. Luminance has positioned itself as a provider of world-class style and beauty and has embraced a narrative of black women’s empowerment in the process. The study is based on narrative semistructured interviews conducted Johannesburg with black women who have shopped at the boutique and women who believe themselves as having a meaningful connection to the store. The literature on black women, both internationally and in South Africa, acknowledges that black women experience multiple and intersecting oppressions of race, class and gender, among others. Located within black feminist theory, the study argues that the Luminance woman does represent some rupture in the historic understanding of black womanhood in South Africa. This woman is an elite player in both the corporate world and the world of luxury consumption, and is certainly entering spaces to which black women have historically been denied access. However, this study argues that there is a danger in reducing this woman to an oversimplified character, allowing responses to her to ignore the complexities of her reality in favour of the simplicity of her story, and ignore the structural socioeconomic challenges that continue to shape the lives of all black women in postapartheid South Africa. In this regard, the Luminance woman, while on the surface appearing to be an empowering new iteration of womanhood that should inspire other black woman, contributes to the erasure of her particular marginal experiences, and the oppression of black women in general. The story of the Luminance women contributes to a narrative of individual hard work and determination that frames her as a respectable example of what the “new” South Africa has delivered for its citizens. This woman is a model example of a South African who has succeeded because she took advantage of the opportunities supposedly afforded to all in the post-1994 era. It is therefore argued that praise of the Luminance woman serves a dual purpose: to reinforce the myth of equal opportunity in South Africa, and to lessen the legitimacy of marginalised groups’ experiences of oppression, especially black women who continue to constitute the poor majority.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

An evaluation of IMF structural adjustment programmes : lessons for South Africa

  • Authors: Berolsky, Nuno Goncalo
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: International Monetary Fund , International Monetary Fund -- Developing countries , Structural adjustment (Economic policy) -- Developing countries , South Africa -- Economic policy
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: vital:935 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002668 , International Monetary Fund , International Monetary Fund -- Developing countries , Structural adjustment (Economic policy) -- Developing countries , South Africa -- Economic policy
  • Description: The mixed results of International Monetary Fund structural adjustment programmes in less developed countries are a major motivation for this research. Explanations must be advanced as to what may inhibit the success of such programmes. South Africa has often found itself in a precarious position- with a deteriorating balance of payments, a position similar to other countries that have accepted IMF loans. Furthermore, South Africa undertook an IMF loan in 1993. Financial support from the IMF incorporates structural adjustment programmes. These may include measures such as tighter monetary policy, reduction in the budget deficit, exchange rate devaluation and ceilings on domestic credit with increased interest rates (Ferguson, 1988). These policies illustrate the principle of ‘conditionality,’ whereby access to further loans is conditional on certain criteria being met, such as reduced budget deficits and inflation rates. The principle of conditionality has met with a great deal of criticism. Bacha (1987) and Dell (1982) argue that these aggregate demand-reducing conditions more often than not stagnate domestic economies, worsening the balance of payment and result in programme breakdowns. Essentially, they refer to the IMF conditions as ‘unrealistic.’ The IMF denies this, arguing that shortfalls are mainly due to a lack of political commitment to carry out its conditions (Winters, 1994). This issue of conditionality will be examined in detail, using three specific case studies. The aim of this study is to examine the characteristics of Brazil, Mexico and Zambia to see whether or not the IMF programmes were successful. Guidelines will be established for South African policy from these case studies. South Africa is trying to adjust to the competitiveness of the international economy. At the same time, the need for reconstruction and development exerts increasing pressures on the balance of payments. Guidelines are established for a successful economic adjustment for South Africa. The research concludes that South Africa is certainly in line for a successful transformation. The rigidities are not as extensive as has been the case in Brazil and Zambia. Institutionally, South Africa is sound. However there are still challenges in this area, such as export diversification and economic stability to attract foreign investment.
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  • Date Issued: 2000

The interface between nurse and patient in health care: exploring the use of emotional labour among nurses in Mthatha

  • Authors: Maqabuka, Qawekzi
  • Date: 2016
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/1477 , vital:20061
  • Description: In exploring the use of emotional labour among nurses within the nurse/patient relationship, this study employed the conceptual framework of ‘emotional labour’ associated with Arlie Hochschild-as a means of examining the “nature” of the nurse patient interface, including the dynamics, challenges and intricacies that shape this relationship of care. The portrayal of emotional care offered to patients dealing with suffering and illness by nurses as an entirely natural activity for women is related to the devaluation of emotional labour. The focus of this study is how nurses manage their emotional involvement with patients to provide quality services. The study was conducted in Mthatha in the former Transkei in the Eastern Cape Province with nurses who worked St Mary’s Life Group and the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital. A qualitative research design and qualitative ethnographic research methodology was chosen as suitable for answering the research question. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and a focus group, and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis included identifying consistent emotional labour themes in the responses. The study’s main findings revealed that emotional labour strategies of surface acting and deep acting were utilised as a means of meeting organisational rules established by management of the two health care institutions that were investigated. Nurses understood that only desirable traits like include friendliness, smiling and proving a calming environment for patients should be exhibited. It was revealed that nurses often used sentimental work and emotion work in performing their tasks as this made their work easier. Lastly, the research revealed that external factors like overcrowding and shortages in personnel, accompanied by the emotional demands on nurses’ work has adverse effect on nurses work environment. The dissertation has contributed to the limited body of knowledge about emotional labour in the South African context and the lived experiences of nurses deploying their labour to patients.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

The development and evaluation of a cohesion-building programme for a South African male collegiate basketball team

  • Authors: Razafimbola, Sandimampita
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Teamwork (Sports) Basketball teams College sports Sports -- Psychological aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: vital:3040 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002549
  • Description: There is a general consensus among sport coaches and practitioners that it is better to work with a cohesive team. Research on cohesion has provided positive links between cohesion and performance as well as the overall well-being of the team and its members. The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a cohesion-building programme under an Action Research paradigm. The Group Environment Questionnaire, in parallel with focus group discussions were used to assist in the development and evaluation of a cohesion-building programme tailored to the specific needs of the Rhodes University men’s basketball 1st team. The team is known to be a good team but it was missing something that made it become great. Fostering higher cohesiveness was deemed to be the missing link to the chain of success. Various changes were brought to the 1) team structure, 2) team processes, 3) team environment to enhance the team’s cohesiveness levels. It was found that the programme was positive and powerful in that it accelerated the process of cohesion building within the team. It was also found that the programme had the power to transcend demographical barriers and unite people from diverse backgrounds. Finally, the programme increased the team’s performance level and enabled it to achieve objectives that were never achieved by any other men’s basketball team at Rhodes University before. Naturally there are going to be some ups and downs, especially if you have individuals trying to achieve at a high level. But when we stepped in between the lines, we knew what we were capable of doing. When a pressure situation presented itself, we were plugged into one another like a cohesive unit. That’s why we were able to come back so often and win so many close games. And that’s why we were able to beat more talented team. - Michael Jordan (former Chicago Bulls; NBA Hall of Famer).
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  • Date Issued: 2008

The psychological adjustment of middle managers after revolutionary organisational change

  • Authors: Coates, Nicholas Robert
  • Date: 1999
  • Subjects: Psychology, Industrial -- South Africa Organizational change -- South Africa Organizational change -- Psychological aspects Management -- Psychological aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: vital:3190 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008554
  • Description: With the accelerated process of political and socio-economic transformation in South Africa, revolutionary organisational change has become a given in contemporary South African business life (Human & Horwitz, 1992). For revolutionary organisational change to succeed in South Africa, middle managers who represent the 'cement' of the organisation, need to adjust at the individual level. However, the literature on organisational change remains curiously silent about individual adjustment (Ashford, 1988). The goals of the research were firstly, to recount the middle manager's perceptions and experiences of revolutionary organisational change. Secondly, to detail the psychological re-
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  • Date Issued: 1999

A critical discourse analysis of representations of the Niger Delta conflict in four prominent Western anglophone newspapers

  • Authors: Mushwana, Tinyiko
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Newspapers -- Political aspects -- Nigeria -- Niger River Delta , Newspapers -- Economic aspects -- Nigeria -- Niger River Delta , Newspapers -- Social aspects -- Nigeria -- Niger River Delta , Mass media -- Political aspects -- Nigeria , Mass media -- Economic aspects -- Nigeria , Mass media -- Social aspects -- Nigeria , Insurgency -- Nigeria -- Niger River Delta , Petroleum industry and trade -- Political aspects -- Nigeria -- Niger River Delta , Public opinion -- Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: vital:2872 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007745 , Newspapers -- Political aspects -- Nigeria -- Niger River Delta , Newspapers -- Economic aspects -- Nigeria -- Niger River Delta , Newspapers -- Social aspects -- Nigeria -- Niger River Delta , Mass media -- Political aspects -- Nigeria , Mass media -- Economic aspects -- Nigeria , Mass media -- Social aspects -- Nigeria , Insurgency -- Nigeria -- Niger River Delta , Petroleum industry and trade -- Political aspects -- Nigeria -- Niger River Delta , Public opinion -- Africa
  • Description: This thesis explores the manner in which the conflict in the oil-rich Niger Delta in Nigeria is represented in western Anglophone media. Large oil reserves in the Niger Delta have contributed millions of dollars towards the growth of Nigeria's export economy. Despite this, the Niger Delta is the least developed region in the country and is characterised by high rates of inequality. Residents of the Niger Delta have been outraged by the lack of action on the part of the Nigerian government and multinational oil corporations. Their discontent over the inequalities in the region has resulted in the proliferation of armed groups and militants who often use violent and criminal tactics to communicate their disgruntlement. This thesis closely examines the representations of the violent insurgency in the Niger Delta by conducting a Critical Discourse Analysis of 145 news texts selected from four western Anglophone newspapers from 2007 to 2011. The depiction of the conflict as it appears in the four newspapers is discussed in relation to an overview of scholarly literature which explores the portrayal of Africa not only in western media, but also in other forms of western scholarship and writing. The research undertaken in this study reveals that to a significant extent representations of the Niger Delta conflict echo and reflect some of the stereotypical and age-old negative imagery that informs meanings constructed about the African continent. However, the analysis of the news texts also shows that there are certainly efforts amongst some newspapers to move beyond simplistic representations of the conflict. The disadvantage however, is that these notable attempts tend to be marred by the use of pejorative language which typically invokes negative images associated with Africa. This study argues that the implications of these representations are highly significant as these representations not only affect the way in which the conflict is understood, but also the manner in which the international community responds to it.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

The role of the marriage counsellor in a Xhosa community: an exploratory-descriptive study

  • Authors: Phorie, Constancia Lineo
  • Date: 1990
  • Subjects: Marriage counselling -- South Africa Xhosa (African people) -- Marriage customs and rites Marriage customs Family
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: vital:686 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002011
  • Description: The focus of this study is on the role the marriage counsellor should play in the Black community. This role is being placed in sharp perspective as a result of social change affecting the Black family. Problem-solving, including marriage counselling has traditionally been done by the extended family. This role of the family as a natural support system has been weakened by factors such as urbanization and Westernisation. This has prompted Black couples experiencing in particular marriage problems to make use of professional marriage counselling services from specialised and other welfare agencies. A major problem in the rendering of professional counselling services is that they are to a great extent based on Western civilization as far as basic philosophy and underlying assumptions are concerned. Thus intervention modalities used for marital problems in the Black community do not address the real needs of the people. The main objective of this study was to investigate how marriage counselling services are perceived in the Black community. It is expected that research findings would assist the helping professions make the necessary adjustments to make marriage counselling approaches more relevant to problems experienced in married life in the Black community. The study revealed that the family in the Black community is still regarded as the main problem-solver although people do go beyond the family for assistance. The nuclear family has also started to emerge in the Black community and bonds to the bigger family systems are beginning to loosen. The research findings indicated clearly that there is a need for professional marriage counselling and that services of this nature should be extended further into the Black community. A problem in this regard however is that the community will have to be educated to use these services
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  • Date Issued: 1990

A learning state?: a case study of the post-1994 South African welfare regime

  • Authors: Mungwashu, Sthembiso Handinawangu
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: South African Social Security Agency , South Africa -- Social policy , Poor -- South Africa , Social service -- South Africa , Public welfare -- South Africa , Social service -- Government policy -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: vital:3325 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003113 , South African Social Security Agency , South Africa -- Social policy , Poor -- South Africa , Social service -- South Africa , Public welfare -- South Africa , Social service -- Government policy -- South Africa
  • Description: This thesis examines the processes of policymaking in South Africa, as expressed through the shifts in income maintenance policy. The thesis focuses on the processes leading to the establishment of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), as its case study. SASSA is the institutional framework for the delivery of social grants. Our intention is to test the efficacy of what we have called ‘state learning’ in the South African context. Therefore, the overall aim of the study is to assess the capacity of the ‘state to learn’ in the process of policymaking as expressed through the shifts in social grant administration and the institutional framework of social welfare in South Africa. The subsidiary goals of the research includes mapping changes in the system of social grants administration since 1994 in order to assess the sources of the shifts in its institutional framework; to assess processes and responses within the state that result in policy shifts and the extent to which these can be considered dimensions of state learning; to assess the power of ideas in the policymaking process and to assess the influence of non-state agencies/actors in policy contestation and learning processes. This is essential, because social policy, especially welfare policy research in post-apartheid South Africa, has focused on the economic value of policies and not the political processes in policymaking. For the framework of analysis the study draws on theories of learning, especially at the organizational or institutional level. We start from the perspective that policymaking and implementation cannot be reduced to a neatly ordered schema (Lamb: 1987:6). Further, that policy change and policymaking are “iterative, haphazard, and highly political processes, in which the apparently logical sequences of decision-making, may turn out to be the reverse” (Lamb, 1987:6). This is mainly because state building is a complex affair and a contested terrain; policy learning and making are neither benign nor do they involve the state working in isolation (Sabatier, 1998). To understand processes of policymaking in South Africa, we rely on content analysis of primary and secondary materials or documents and in-depth interviews with key informants involved in the policy process. The documentary sources include records of parliamentary debates, green and white papers on social welfare, ANC party documents, presidential task force reports, newspapers, magazines and court judgments. The study reveals that the establishment of SASSA lends itself to the idea of ‘state learning’. Learning is indicated in South Africa by the capacity and ability of the state to stimulate ideas, debate ideas to establish ideational matrixes as well as paradigms that have informed the development of policy, take ideas and implement them to try and solve mismatches between the intention of the state and the outcomes and the ability of the state to produce policy.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

The incorporation of certain psychological and sociological perspectives into social work intervention : a general systems approach

  • Authors: Collins, Anton Daniel
  • Date: 1979
  • Subjects: Sociol service -- Psychological aspects Social service -- Sociological aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: vital:685 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002010
  • Description: In this dissertation the use of general systems theory as an aid to knowledge building, and the refinement of intervention in social work, is investigated. It is held that the social work view of man, and the profession's declared objectives, determine a structure and function for the client.which cause the social worker to resort to psychological and sociological perspectives in his intervention programme. However, the two disciplines concerned formulate their respective perspectives without regard to each other. The disparity between these perspectives present problems when they are incorporated into social work knowledge. The latter, as it is, is characterized by an unco-ordinated body of suppositions, facts, thoughts and theories. The social work literature on the use of the systems approach displays a lack of detailed description of general systems theory and the open living system. Because of this shortcoming it was decided to pay particular attention to general systems theory and the concept of the open living system. Since a system's view of man forms a firm basis for the appreciation of systems theory in psychology and sociology it was decided to include such a consideration. Following on this is an analysis of two perspectives held to be particularly relevant to social work, viz. the personality system and the social system. This leads finally to a description of the social work client as a system, as a sub-system and as a supra-system. Provision is made for the incorporation of psychological and sociological perspectives in social work intervention. It is subsequently concluded that the application of general systems theory has advantages for social work. It facilitates the incorporation of perspectives for psychology and sociology without distortion, promotes the integration and consolidation of social work knowledge, and brings the discipline into relation with the disciplines of psychology and sociology
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 1979

Colloquial terms used in young adults’ talk about sexual practices, sexual subjectivities and sexual desires’

  • Authors: Robertson, Cassandra Ann
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Youth -- Sexual behavior , Sex in popular culture , Communication and sex , Language and sex
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96551 , vital:31293
  • Description: Much of the growth in sexualities‘ research has taken the form of large scale surveys, but there is also increased interest in qualitative approaches that provide useful insights into the experiential and subjective aspects of sexuality, and illuminate the social and cultural contexts shaping these experiences. The reason for this research is to provide a richer understanding of the language that young people employ when speaking about sexuality. This study examines young adults‘ talk about sexualities with a special focus on the way in which colloquial terms are deployed in this talk and through the presence of gendered and/or heteronormative assumptions. Data consisted of posts off a student-led social media site and the study design employed was a validity check group interview. The social media site allowed its followers to post anonymously about a range of sexualities related issues. Data were analysed thematically, using a deductive, critical, and post-structuralist approach with key insights drawn on from Michael Foucault, Adrienne Rich, Gayle Rubin, Judith Butler and Rosalind Gill. Three overarching themes emerged: young adults spoke to sexual practices, sexual subjectivities and sexual desires. A major focus of this talk is casual sex. This talk showed that there are attempts to undermine gendered and heteronormative power relations, for example, non-normative sexual experiences were not seen as deviant, although those who were engaging in monogamy and casual sex were constructed as deviant sexual subjects. Yet underpinning of these power relations still took place, for example, in the female missing discourse of desire, the internalisation of male sexual desires over female sexual desires and the sexual double standard. There was a clear divide between the sexual practices and sexual subjectivities that were considered to be good and bad. This research therefore has the potential to benefit sexuality interventions by bringing into sharp focus the actual experiences of young adults.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2019

Credit accessibility and rural development in the former Ciskei: an overview of Keiskammahoek

  • Authors: Kimemia, Peter Njau
  • Date: 2001
  • Subjects: Credit -- Research -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Rural development -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Poor -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Poor -- Developing countries
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: vital:3312 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003100 , Credit -- Research -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Rural development -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Poor -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Poor -- Developing countries
  • Description: This study focuses on the issue of credit accessibility for the rural poor. Taking cognisance of the critical role played by innovative micro-lending mechanisms in the sphere of rural development, the study reaffirms the need to enhance access to financial services by rural communities. However, it also reveals the fact that there are numerous impediments to access to credit for the people living in parts of the Keiskammahoek District of the former Ciskei. Key among the impediments has been lack of awareness about the existence and the activities of micro-lending institutions. This has, in a large measure been blamed for many of the rural poor people's failure to approach such institutions for funding. As a result, the affected people's efforts to fully actualize themselves economically have to a certain extent been hampered. Consequently, as its core argument, this study views as crucial the need to tackle all the attendant impediments. It also suggests that as the first step, the government, NGOs as well as formal and informal lending institutions should endeavour to disseminate the requisite information on micro-financing and in enhancing the affected people's institutional capacity to effectively use credit obtained for commercially productive ventures. Without sorting out the basics first, credit extension even when easily availed may not have the desired impact. At worst, it may actually complicate the poverty situation as the people grapple with piling debts.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2001

Transformation at Rhodes University: investigating the extent of support for the participation of students with disabilities in the transformation processes of the Institution

  • Authors: Israel, Veronica
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Rhodes University , Educational change -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Educational equalization -- South Africa -- Makhanda , College students with disabilities -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Students with disabilities -- Services for , Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Critical Disability Studies Approach (CDSA)
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62006 , vital:28095
  • Description: This study is motivated by the vigorous discourse around transformation at Rhodes University and investigates the extent of support for and engagement with students with disabilities in the transformation processes of the institution. It analyses the extent to which integration is holistic at institutions of Higher Learning. Particular interest is given to the institutional culture of Rhodes University, namely whether it values and embraces diversity and is committed to inclusivity, centering the presence and voice of students with disabilities. It explores institutional responses to students with disabilities and their capacity to flourish beyond notions of access, therefore, delivering on the demand for institutional transformation. The thesis draws on the Critical Disability Studies Approach (CDSA), the social justice reform agenda with reference to the feminist analysis of disability, and the concept of inclusive education. The study uses a qualitative research methodology. The sample size used in the study was sufficient to highlight the challenges students with disabilities at Rhodes University face and their coping mechanisms while investigating the extent of support and active participation in the transformation discourse. The study found that the majority of the participants’ academic capabilities were influenced by their disability and impacted on their academic success. The study further revealed that there is a disjuncture between policy and practice in terms of awareness, and as such, effectiveness. While there is a supportive institutional framework, as indicated by more than 50% of the participants in the study, the recommendations ensuing from this research indicate that there are areas in which the university can improve its support mechanisms. Improving support structures is possible through establishing platforms which can be used for students to share their lived experiences and making disability a visible part of the institutional discourse on transformation. The study concludes by arguing for the application of principles of Ubuntu which demonstrate the commitment of Rhodes University in inculcating an inclusive institutional culture and understanding that disability is intersectional with social registers such as race and gender. It emphasises the recognition of the institution as a transforming one if the body that matters is the body whose presence, voice and lived experience is acknowledged and recognised.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018
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