The integration of academic skills/support programmes into university department structures: a case study in the sociology of education
- Authors: Drewett, Michael
- Date: 1993
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- South Africa , Compensatory education -- South Africa , Education, Higher , Education -- Philosophy , Rhodes University. Academic Development Programme
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3327 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003115
- Description: This research focuses on the extent to which the Rhodes University Academic Skills Programme (ASP), now known as the Academic Development Programme, is able to act as an agent of progressive change within Rhodes University. In so doing it concentrates on the potential of the strategy of integrated academic development for dealing with the academic needs of university students within the context of South Africa as a society in transition. The candidate considers the inability of structuralist educational theory to account for the potential of human agency at the site of formal education. It is shown that structuralist theories provide deterministic and pessimistic accounts of the role of institutions of formal education. In support of this contention this study explores the history of ASP at Rhodes University, demonstrating that significant change in student academic development has already taken place. ASP has contributed to change within the said University through challenging traditional notions of academic development. This thesis suggests that the non-structuralist critical theory of Jurgen Habermas provides a more holistic account of ASP than do structuralist theories of formal education. Through the incorporation of Habermas's theory of communicative action a process of critical integration is explored, showing that a strategy of integrated academic development has the potential to involve all those who have an interest in university education through a process of rational discourse. This potential is strengthened by the fact that many students and staff have expressed an awareness of the need for an integrated academic development strategy. This thesis subsequently explores the possibility of there being a process of democratic and rational discourse which could lead to a progressive integration programme in the Rhodes University Department of Sociology and Industrial Sociology. This thesis stresses the contested nature of the integration process within departments. It is indicated that Habermas's critical theory is able to account for the changes which have taken place in the past and which are presently under way. It is argued that it not possible to predict future outcomes, but that if ASP pursues a process of rational discourse, it will indeed be able to stimulate a critical integrative approach to academic development in the Rhodes University Department of Sociology and Industrial Sociology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1993
- Authors: Drewett, Michael
- Date: 1993
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- South Africa , Compensatory education -- South Africa , Education, Higher , Education -- Philosophy , Rhodes University. Academic Development Programme
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3327 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003115
- Description: This research focuses on the extent to which the Rhodes University Academic Skills Programme (ASP), now known as the Academic Development Programme, is able to act as an agent of progressive change within Rhodes University. In so doing it concentrates on the potential of the strategy of integrated academic development for dealing with the academic needs of university students within the context of South Africa as a society in transition. The candidate considers the inability of structuralist educational theory to account for the potential of human agency at the site of formal education. It is shown that structuralist theories provide deterministic and pessimistic accounts of the role of institutions of formal education. In support of this contention this study explores the history of ASP at Rhodes University, demonstrating that significant change in student academic development has already taken place. ASP has contributed to change within the said University through challenging traditional notions of academic development. This thesis suggests that the non-structuralist critical theory of Jurgen Habermas provides a more holistic account of ASP than do structuralist theories of formal education. Through the incorporation of Habermas's theory of communicative action a process of critical integration is explored, showing that a strategy of integrated academic development has the potential to involve all those who have an interest in university education through a process of rational discourse. This potential is strengthened by the fact that many students and staff have expressed an awareness of the need for an integrated academic development strategy. This thesis subsequently explores the possibility of there being a process of democratic and rational discourse which could lead to a progressive integration programme in the Rhodes University Department of Sociology and Industrial Sociology. This thesis stresses the contested nature of the integration process within departments. It is indicated that Habermas's critical theory is able to account for the changes which have taken place in the past and which are presently under way. It is argued that it not possible to predict future outcomes, but that if ASP pursues a process of rational discourse, it will indeed be able to stimulate a critical integrative approach to academic development in the Rhodes University Department of Sociology and Industrial Sociology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1993
Reconceptualising notions of South African Indianess : a personal narrative
- Authors: Kunvar, Yogita
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: East Indians -- South Africa , East Indians -- South Africa -- Ethnic identity , East Indians -- Cultural assimilation -- South Africa , National characteristics, East Indian , East Indian diaspora , Identity (Psychology) , South Africa -- Social conditions -- 1961-1994 , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1948-1994 , South Africa -- Race relations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:2123 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017767
- Description: The theoretical challenge of conceptualising South African Indianess is suffused with a plethora of variables that suggest complexity. While being misleadingly homogenous, Indian identity encompasses a multitude of expressions. This thesis seeks to reconceptualise notions of South African Indianess through personal narrative. The research context is contemporary South Africa with a specific focus on Johannesburg’s East Rand Reef. Inspired by the dearth of literature on contemporary Indianess this study addresses the gap in the present discourse. Following the autoethnographic work of Motzafi-Haller (1997) and Narayan (1993) the thesis presents a layered narrative by juxtaposing the experiences of research participants with my own. Using multi-sited autoethnographic data the thesis explores the question of what it means to be Indian in relation to South Africa’s Apartheid past. By drawing on concepts in popular diaspora theory and critiquing their application, the thesis illustrates the inadequacies inherent in the definitions of diaspora and suggests a broader understanding of its application. Through exploring layers of Indianess the thesis illustrates the inherent complexity in reconceptualising South African Indianess. The study suggests that as a result of changing global and local flows, South African Indians are reconceptualising what it means to be South African Indian.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Kunvar, Yogita
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: East Indians -- South Africa , East Indians -- South Africa -- Ethnic identity , East Indians -- Cultural assimilation -- South Africa , National characteristics, East Indian , East Indian diaspora , Identity (Psychology) , South Africa -- Social conditions -- 1961-1994 , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1948-1994 , South Africa -- Race relations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:2123 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017767
- Description: The theoretical challenge of conceptualising South African Indianess is suffused with a plethora of variables that suggest complexity. While being misleadingly homogenous, Indian identity encompasses a multitude of expressions. This thesis seeks to reconceptualise notions of South African Indianess through personal narrative. The research context is contemporary South Africa with a specific focus on Johannesburg’s East Rand Reef. Inspired by the dearth of literature on contemporary Indianess this study addresses the gap in the present discourse. Following the autoethnographic work of Motzafi-Haller (1997) and Narayan (1993) the thesis presents a layered narrative by juxtaposing the experiences of research participants with my own. Using multi-sited autoethnographic data the thesis explores the question of what it means to be Indian in relation to South Africa’s Apartheid past. By drawing on concepts in popular diaspora theory and critiquing their application, the thesis illustrates the inadequacies inherent in the definitions of diaspora and suggests a broader understanding of its application. Through exploring layers of Indianess the thesis illustrates the inherent complexity in reconceptualising South African Indianess. The study suggests that as a result of changing global and local flows, South African Indians are reconceptualising what it means to be South African Indian.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Aspects pertinent to the provision of sustainable water supply projects in the Eastern Cape Province: a case study of Nomzamo Water Supply Project
- Authors: Mpendu, Daluhlanga Ayford
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Water-supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nomzamo Water Supply Project Water-supply -- South Africa -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:5952 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007450
- Description: This study explores views behind the failure of water supply projects to achieve sustainability, primarily from the 'users' perspective, and at a secondary level from the perspective of the government/funders. One completed water supply project was selected as a case study for the research project. The overriding principle behind the water infrastructure delivery programme is that the service must be provided in a sustainable manner, and that the community must actively participate and be involved in all the phases of the project. The provision of water is not simply as it might look. In reality it is a complex process, which involves a number of organisations with different, yet important roles and responsibilities. Ongoing collaboration is important among these organisations if the service is to be provided efficiently and in a sustainable manner. In particular, local government has a Constitutional obligation to provide services to all consumers in an efficient, affordable, economical and sustainable manner. The National and Provincial governments, however, have a number of responsibilities in the field of water services. Semi-structured interview method was used to collect data from respondents. Two sets of interview schedules were developed, one for the community/water project committee members, and the other for the government officials. The data collected was analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. This analysis enabled the researcher to draw findings, make conclusions and propose recommendations. The findings and conclusions of the study point to lack of clarity on roles and responsibilities; gender and cultural constraints; and, poor training and capacity and building of the community as being some of the reasons for the failure of the project. The recommendations proposed entail, inter alia, massive community mobilisation and awareness creation programmes; improvement in levels of the service; adoption of a gender-sensitive approach to project development; and, implementation of a training and capacity building process in the community in order to 'revitalise' the project. The study has merely focussed on one water project and sets the scene for further exploration of the subject. It certainly highlights some critical issues around sustainability of water projects, and hopefully will contribute towards the ongoing debate in this area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
- Authors: Mpendu, Daluhlanga Ayford
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Water-supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nomzamo Water Supply Project Water-supply -- South Africa -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:5952 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007450
- Description: This study explores views behind the failure of water supply projects to achieve sustainability, primarily from the 'users' perspective, and at a secondary level from the perspective of the government/funders. One completed water supply project was selected as a case study for the research project. The overriding principle behind the water infrastructure delivery programme is that the service must be provided in a sustainable manner, and that the community must actively participate and be involved in all the phases of the project. The provision of water is not simply as it might look. In reality it is a complex process, which involves a number of organisations with different, yet important roles and responsibilities. Ongoing collaboration is important among these organisations if the service is to be provided efficiently and in a sustainable manner. In particular, local government has a Constitutional obligation to provide services to all consumers in an efficient, affordable, economical and sustainable manner. The National and Provincial governments, however, have a number of responsibilities in the field of water services. Semi-structured interview method was used to collect data from respondents. Two sets of interview schedules were developed, one for the community/water project committee members, and the other for the government officials. The data collected was analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. This analysis enabled the researcher to draw findings, make conclusions and propose recommendations. The findings and conclusions of the study point to lack of clarity on roles and responsibilities; gender and cultural constraints; and, poor training and capacity and building of the community as being some of the reasons for the failure of the project. The recommendations proposed entail, inter alia, massive community mobilisation and awareness creation programmes; improvement in levels of the service; adoption of a gender-sensitive approach to project development; and, implementation of a training and capacity building process in the community in order to 'revitalise' the project. The study has merely focussed on one water project and sets the scene for further exploration of the subject. It certainly highlights some critical issues around sustainability of water projects, and hopefully will contribute towards the ongoing debate in this area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
Assessing the need for specific services for HIV/AIDS affected people using participatory needs assessment processes
- Authors: Moresby-White, Ann
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Services for , HIV-positive persons -- Services for , AIDS (Disease) -- Research , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:713 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007692 , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Services for , HIV-positive persons -- Services for , AIDS (Disease) -- Research , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa
- Description: The purpose of the study undertaken is to develop knowledge to assist service providers in their planning and implementation of community -based programmes and projects. The thesis explores the most appropriate way of conducting a needs assessment, relating to HIV/AIDS services in a particular community; thereafter the needs assessment was carried out. This qualitative research study is conducted using participatory methods and techniques. The research reviews literature pertaining to HIV/AIDS, specifically in Africa, South Africa and the Eastern Cape and incorporates a discussion on the concept of community, community development and poverty. The design of the needs assessment tool, implementation and analysis is conducted through focus group discussions and individual semi-structured interviews. The theory on participatory approaches and community development are central to this study. The study found that HIV / AIDS as an issue is not perceived by the community under study to be an immediate need in light of basic needs being identified as priority. The use of participatory methods in this study highlighted the diversity within communities. Service providers who wish to initiate community - based projects need to take note of diversity and personal interests of individuals or groups who become involved in community- based projects. The study further highlighted the need for service providers to provide training, to their staff in participatory approaches and techniques, before embarking on community development projects. The study concludes that services relating to the HIV/AIDS epidemic cannot be carried out in isolation, but that an integrated approach is needed in the planning and implementation of services and programmes to address those affected by HIV/AIDS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
- Authors: Moresby-White, Ann
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Services for , HIV-positive persons -- Services for , AIDS (Disease) -- Research , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:713 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007692 , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Services for , HIV-positive persons -- Services for , AIDS (Disease) -- Research , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa
- Description: The purpose of the study undertaken is to develop knowledge to assist service providers in their planning and implementation of community -based programmes and projects. The thesis explores the most appropriate way of conducting a needs assessment, relating to HIV/AIDS services in a particular community; thereafter the needs assessment was carried out. This qualitative research study is conducted using participatory methods and techniques. The research reviews literature pertaining to HIV/AIDS, specifically in Africa, South Africa and the Eastern Cape and incorporates a discussion on the concept of community, community development and poverty. The design of the needs assessment tool, implementation and analysis is conducted through focus group discussions and individual semi-structured interviews. The theory on participatory approaches and community development are central to this study. The study found that HIV / AIDS as an issue is not perceived by the community under study to be an immediate need in light of basic needs being identified as priority. The use of participatory methods in this study highlighted the diversity within communities. Service providers who wish to initiate community - based projects need to take note of diversity and personal interests of individuals or groups who become involved in community- based projects. The study further highlighted the need for service providers to provide training, to their staff in participatory approaches and techniques, before embarking on community development projects. The study concludes that services relating to the HIV/AIDS epidemic cannot be carried out in isolation, but that an integrated approach is needed in the planning and implementation of services and programmes to address those affected by HIV/AIDS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
An assessment of the experience of small town local economic development in the Eastern Cape Midlands
- Authors: Pio, Elizabeth
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Small cities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , City planning -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:4888 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015464
- Description: This thesis is an assessment of the experience of small town local economic development in four towns namely Graaff-Reinet, Somerset East, Aberdeen and Pearston situated in the Eastern Cape Midlands, South Africa. It aims firstly to provide a critical overview of these selected small town economies before evaluating their local responses to the changing economic climate. The study is contextualized within the framework of locality development and emphasizes the heterogeneity of small towns with regards to physical, socio-economic, demographic and historical elements. From this, the original economic reasons for existence of these small towns are ascertained and then the major changes that occurred are identified. Amongst other aspects, the changes in the agricultural sector, the demographic changes particularly with regard to the significant increase in the urban population and the fluctuations in the quantity and types of businesses have all played a part in transforming the small towns' economies. As a result of these changes and many external driving forces such as changes in the regional and national economy, there are many severe challenges facing these small towns especially regarding the high unemployment rate, the associated poverty, HIV/AIDS and the low volume or absence of private investment into these localities. The responses of these small towns to the daunting challenges that they face have been considered in terms of Local Economic Development (LED) strategies that have been implemented. The LED initiatives in each town are examined in the context of their general characteristics, objectives, achievements and challenges. Emphasis is placed on Somerset East as it is the only town in the study area that has a development agency actively promoting various forms of LED. What has ultimately been established is: in all four towns, LED is not making a significant or meaningful difference and that natural market and economic forces play an important role in shaping and dictating the local economy. Somerset East is the only town where the economy could potentially be restructured with the proposed mega market-led approach to tourism and planning in the form of the Boschberg Development node. Four sectors perceived to be required for locality development are considered in this study, namely the export sector, the human resources, the local service sector and the government agencies. It is ascertained that although these sectors need to be part of a symbiotic relationship to promote and enhance economic development, they are not present in all the towns and as a result development, at both a household and a macro town level, is further hindered. Ultimately, these small towns in the Eastern Cape Midlands defy the notion that they are dying. 'Growth' and 'decline' have been two central features throughout this thesis and one of the biggest contradictions and challenges that these small towns face is the population growth with a declining or stagnant economy that cannot accommodate the increased number of people.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Pio, Elizabeth
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Small cities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , City planning -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:4888 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015464
- Description: This thesis is an assessment of the experience of small town local economic development in four towns namely Graaff-Reinet, Somerset East, Aberdeen and Pearston situated in the Eastern Cape Midlands, South Africa. It aims firstly to provide a critical overview of these selected small town economies before evaluating their local responses to the changing economic climate. The study is contextualized within the framework of locality development and emphasizes the heterogeneity of small towns with regards to physical, socio-economic, demographic and historical elements. From this, the original economic reasons for existence of these small towns are ascertained and then the major changes that occurred are identified. Amongst other aspects, the changes in the agricultural sector, the demographic changes particularly with regard to the significant increase in the urban population and the fluctuations in the quantity and types of businesses have all played a part in transforming the small towns' economies. As a result of these changes and many external driving forces such as changes in the regional and national economy, there are many severe challenges facing these small towns especially regarding the high unemployment rate, the associated poverty, HIV/AIDS and the low volume or absence of private investment into these localities. The responses of these small towns to the daunting challenges that they face have been considered in terms of Local Economic Development (LED) strategies that have been implemented. The LED initiatives in each town are examined in the context of their general characteristics, objectives, achievements and challenges. Emphasis is placed on Somerset East as it is the only town in the study area that has a development agency actively promoting various forms of LED. What has ultimately been established is: in all four towns, LED is not making a significant or meaningful difference and that natural market and economic forces play an important role in shaping and dictating the local economy. Somerset East is the only town where the economy could potentially be restructured with the proposed mega market-led approach to tourism and planning in the form of the Boschberg Development node. Four sectors perceived to be required for locality development are considered in this study, namely the export sector, the human resources, the local service sector and the government agencies. It is ascertained that although these sectors need to be part of a symbiotic relationship to promote and enhance economic development, they are not present in all the towns and as a result development, at both a household and a macro town level, is further hindered. Ultimately, these small towns in the Eastern Cape Midlands defy the notion that they are dying. 'Growth' and 'decline' have been two central features throughout this thesis and one of the biggest contradictions and challenges that these small towns face is the population growth with a declining or stagnant economy that cannot accommodate the increased number of people.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Policy responses to the sexual and reproductive health of queer youth in the global south: a systematic review
- Authors: Moore, Sarah-Ann
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sexual minorities -- Africa , Sexual minorities -- Asia , Sexual minorities -- Caribbean Area , Sexual health -- Developing countries , Reproductive health -- Developing countries , Reproductive health services -- Developing countries , Communication in reproductive health -- Developing countries , Sexual minorities -- Youth -- Developing countries , Medical policy -- Developing countries , Homophobia -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63021 , vital:28355
- Description: Concerns surrounding youth sexual and reproduction health (SRH) are deeply embedded within systems of heteronormativity and ciscentrism. Resultantly, youth SRH is filtered through a lens of heterosexual and cisgender experience, rendering invisible the SRH needs of queer youth. Importantly, a failure to recognise queer experiences of SRH has implications for normative subject positions, which enjoy stronger institutional support and constitute legitimate ways of being. As such, the failure to recognise queer youth as health care subjects within policy has far reaching consequences for their sexual and reproductive health. Within this research, a sexual and reproductive justice (SRJ) framework is adopted as a backdrop for exploring policy documents related to youth SRH within selected global South countries in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. The final data set comprises of 1035 policy excerpts extracted from 152 policies across these three regions. Research takes the form of a systematic review utilising a deductive framing and positioning thematic analysis. Analysis identifies framings of youth SRH and explores the subject positions assigned to queer youth in relation to these identified framings, with the understanding that the manner in which youth SRH concerns are framed and queer youth are positioned within policies provides an important foundation for the implementation of SRH-related policy. Findings demonstrate that policy responses to youth SRH are most often framed in terms of a public health approach. As a result, dominant understandings of youth SRH serve to reduce youth sexuality to notions of infections and impact, which may speak to an overreliance on biomedical and population-level health models. Themes emerging within human rights framings demonstrate a presumption that rights are equally afforded to, and freely exercised by, all individuals once legally secured, failing to engage with the creation of enabling conditions to realise these rights. Although context and culture framings were by no means exhaustive examples of SRJ, they provide an interesting insight into how such SRJ concerns might be integrated into policy. Importantly, policy responses demonstrate a general pattern hypervisibility of men who have sex with men (MSM) standing in marked contrast to the invisibility of queer youth and other adult queer populations. Within policy extracts, both youth and „MSM‟ are positioned as particularly prone to poor SRH outcomes. By virtue of their inclusion within both populations, queer youth may be considered as especially at risk for, or vulnerable to, such outcomes. Relatedly, these populations (and by extension queer youth) are positioned as in need of correction, containment, and/or protection by those occupying „gatekeeping‟ positions (e.g. health care providers). The positioning of „MSM‟ solely within the context of HIV/AIDS serves to link same-sex sexualities (and at times gender non-conformity) with harmful consequences, suggesting that the positioning of queer youth could similarly serve to conflate their SRH needs with concerns around HIV/AIDS. Many of the subject positions deployed in policies serve to deny the potential for youth and „MSM‟ agency, strength, and resilience. Thus, queer youth subjects are unlikely to be positioned as empowered, autonomous, and agentic. Across both framing and positioning themes, a number of key shortcomings were observed. For the most part, policy responses fail to acknowledge the influence of social, economic, political, and cultural forces that may serve to hinder SRH outcomes according to particular contexts and the intersection of multiple and varied social identities. By obscuring these broader contextual factors and power relations, policy responses may serve to hold individual youth responsible for poor SRH outcomes. In failing to engage with the potential for diversity within youth populations, these populations are largely homogenised. Finally, the need for the creation of an enabling environment in order to secure sexual and reproductive health is largely unacknowledged within policy responses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Moore, Sarah-Ann
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sexual minorities -- Africa , Sexual minorities -- Asia , Sexual minorities -- Caribbean Area , Sexual health -- Developing countries , Reproductive health -- Developing countries , Reproductive health services -- Developing countries , Communication in reproductive health -- Developing countries , Sexual minorities -- Youth -- Developing countries , Medical policy -- Developing countries , Homophobia -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63021 , vital:28355
- Description: Concerns surrounding youth sexual and reproduction health (SRH) are deeply embedded within systems of heteronormativity and ciscentrism. Resultantly, youth SRH is filtered through a lens of heterosexual and cisgender experience, rendering invisible the SRH needs of queer youth. Importantly, a failure to recognise queer experiences of SRH has implications for normative subject positions, which enjoy stronger institutional support and constitute legitimate ways of being. As such, the failure to recognise queer youth as health care subjects within policy has far reaching consequences for their sexual and reproductive health. Within this research, a sexual and reproductive justice (SRJ) framework is adopted as a backdrop for exploring policy documents related to youth SRH within selected global South countries in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. The final data set comprises of 1035 policy excerpts extracted from 152 policies across these three regions. Research takes the form of a systematic review utilising a deductive framing and positioning thematic analysis. Analysis identifies framings of youth SRH and explores the subject positions assigned to queer youth in relation to these identified framings, with the understanding that the manner in which youth SRH concerns are framed and queer youth are positioned within policies provides an important foundation for the implementation of SRH-related policy. Findings demonstrate that policy responses to youth SRH are most often framed in terms of a public health approach. As a result, dominant understandings of youth SRH serve to reduce youth sexuality to notions of infections and impact, which may speak to an overreliance on biomedical and population-level health models. Themes emerging within human rights framings demonstrate a presumption that rights are equally afforded to, and freely exercised by, all individuals once legally secured, failing to engage with the creation of enabling conditions to realise these rights. Although context and culture framings were by no means exhaustive examples of SRJ, they provide an interesting insight into how such SRJ concerns might be integrated into policy. Importantly, policy responses demonstrate a general pattern hypervisibility of men who have sex with men (MSM) standing in marked contrast to the invisibility of queer youth and other adult queer populations. Within policy extracts, both youth and „MSM‟ are positioned as particularly prone to poor SRH outcomes. By virtue of their inclusion within both populations, queer youth may be considered as especially at risk for, or vulnerable to, such outcomes. Relatedly, these populations (and by extension queer youth) are positioned as in need of correction, containment, and/or protection by those occupying „gatekeeping‟ positions (e.g. health care providers). The positioning of „MSM‟ solely within the context of HIV/AIDS serves to link same-sex sexualities (and at times gender non-conformity) with harmful consequences, suggesting that the positioning of queer youth could similarly serve to conflate their SRH needs with concerns around HIV/AIDS. Many of the subject positions deployed in policies serve to deny the potential for youth and „MSM‟ agency, strength, and resilience. Thus, queer youth subjects are unlikely to be positioned as empowered, autonomous, and agentic. Across both framing and positioning themes, a number of key shortcomings were observed. For the most part, policy responses fail to acknowledge the influence of social, economic, political, and cultural forces that may serve to hinder SRH outcomes according to particular contexts and the intersection of multiple and varied social identities. By obscuring these broader contextual factors and power relations, policy responses may serve to hold individual youth responsible for poor SRH outcomes. In failing to engage with the potential for diversity within youth populations, these populations are largely homogenised. Finally, the need for the creation of an enabling environment in order to secure sexual and reproductive health is largely unacknowledged within policy responses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Understanding the sexual practices of medically circumcised males in the context of HIV and AIDS : a study in Harare Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chamuka, Paidashe
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Circumcision -- Zimbabwe , Men -- Sexual behavior -- Zimbabwe -- Case studies , AIDS (Disease) -- Zimbabwe -- Prevention , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3363 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011745 , Circumcision -- Zimbabwe , Men -- Sexual behavior -- Zimbabwe -- Case studies , AIDS (Disease) -- Zimbabwe -- Prevention , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Prevention
- Description: Zimbabwe is one of the priority countries nominated by the World Health Organisation and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS to adopt and implement voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) because of its high rate of HIV prevalence and its low level of male circumcision. VMMC, which was introduced in Zimbabwe in 2009, is a new HIV prevention method which reportedly offers partial protection of about 60 percent for circumcised males with respect to contracting HIV through sexual relations. The other key prevention method, namely the use of condoms consistently and correctly, has a protection rate of up to 95 percent. As a result, because of only partial protection, medically-circumcised men are encouraged to use condoms to decrease the chances of HIV infection. Concerns though have been raised about the possibility of risk compensation by circumcised males by way of increases in unsafe or risky sexual practices subsequent to circumcision and arising from perceptions of reduced risk through VMMC. This compensation may take the form of condom use aversion including when involved with concurrent sexual partners. If risk compensation does take place, this would lead to increases in HIV transmissions affecting not only the circumcised men but their sexual partners as well. The supposed effectiveness of VMMC as a HIV prevention method has been subjected to significant criticism and, as yet, no significant study has been undertaken in Zimbabwe on the relationship between VMMC, condom use, concurrent sexual partners and risk compensation. Based on a study of twenty-five medically-circumcised males in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, this thesis seeks to understand and explain the relationship between voluntary medical male circumcision and risky sexual practices with particular reference to condom use amongst men engaged in concurrent sexual partnerships. While the thesis finds evidence of risky sexual practices subsequent to circumcision, risk compensation does not seem to be particularly prevalent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Chamuka, Paidashe
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Circumcision -- Zimbabwe , Men -- Sexual behavior -- Zimbabwe -- Case studies , AIDS (Disease) -- Zimbabwe -- Prevention , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3363 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011745 , Circumcision -- Zimbabwe , Men -- Sexual behavior -- Zimbabwe -- Case studies , AIDS (Disease) -- Zimbabwe -- Prevention , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Prevention
- Description: Zimbabwe is one of the priority countries nominated by the World Health Organisation and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS to adopt and implement voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) because of its high rate of HIV prevalence and its low level of male circumcision. VMMC, which was introduced in Zimbabwe in 2009, is a new HIV prevention method which reportedly offers partial protection of about 60 percent for circumcised males with respect to contracting HIV through sexual relations. The other key prevention method, namely the use of condoms consistently and correctly, has a protection rate of up to 95 percent. As a result, because of only partial protection, medically-circumcised men are encouraged to use condoms to decrease the chances of HIV infection. Concerns though have been raised about the possibility of risk compensation by circumcised males by way of increases in unsafe or risky sexual practices subsequent to circumcision and arising from perceptions of reduced risk through VMMC. This compensation may take the form of condom use aversion including when involved with concurrent sexual partners. If risk compensation does take place, this would lead to increases in HIV transmissions affecting not only the circumcised men but their sexual partners as well. The supposed effectiveness of VMMC as a HIV prevention method has been subjected to significant criticism and, as yet, no significant study has been undertaken in Zimbabwe on the relationship between VMMC, condom use, concurrent sexual partners and risk compensation. Based on a study of twenty-five medically-circumcised males in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, this thesis seeks to understand and explain the relationship between voluntary medical male circumcision and risky sexual practices with particular reference to condom use amongst men engaged in concurrent sexual partnerships. While the thesis finds evidence of risky sexual practices subsequent to circumcision, risk compensation does not seem to be particularly prevalent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An exploratory survey of the needs and adjustment to retirement of persons residing in Port Alfred
- Authors: Stephens, Brent William
- Date: 1995
- Subjects: Retirement, Places of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Port Alfred , Older people -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Port Alfred -- Social conditions , Older people -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Port Alfred , Older people -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Port Alfred -- Economic conditions , Retirees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Port Alfred
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3283 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006514 , Retirement, Places of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Port Alfred , Older people -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Port Alfred -- Social conditions , Older people -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Port Alfred , Older people -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Port Alfred -- Economic conditions , Retirees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Port Alfred
- Description: The problem that was chosen to be investigated, was that, within the white middle class South African white-collar worker there appears to be a tendency to live for the "pie in the sky" - which for most seems to be retirement to the idyllic cottage by the sea. Within the South African scenario, there seems to be a definite lack of career planning or at least planning for retirement, other than the financial emphasis. Upon reaching the "ultimate" retirement, retirees take their pension money and move to the coast, expecting pure bliss. The result of their lack of forethought is that they settle in a totally different climate, away from the support of family and friends, possibly finding their income inadequate, with the result that many fall seriously ill, and then discover a lack of geriatric care or a hospital at the time in their lives when they need it the most. The aim of the research was to investigate these issues using a specific location - Port Alfred, researching the fact that Port Alfred continues to be a retirement haven, despite appearing to lack the necessary facilities required by the elderly. The method of the research was to initially administer a pilot questionnaire to a few elderly residents at random, which was then followed up by the formal personally administered questionnaire to a sample. The sample of retired elderly residents in Port Alfred was chosen at random primarily from the various old age homes in Port Alfred. This questionnaire was administered in 1983 but due to financial and personal reasons, the results were not written up. In 1990, the research was continued with a further questionnaire being administered in 1991. The research direction was altered slightly to identify not only what resources were felt to be lacking, but also to identify how well the retired persons of Port Alfred had managed their transition to retirement. The results showed some similarity between the 1983 and the 1991 research. On the surface the retirees appeared well-adjusted and content, but when it was delved deeper, they appeared to have opted out of making any great effort to change their situation, but rather had taken the view that they had earned their rest, would make the best of what they had, and leave it to someone else to champion their cause. This meant that they relied heavily upon those in their community to meet their obvious needs. The promised hospital that they had arduously raised funds for had not materialised, and that seemed to have been the last effort that they had been prepared to make, they were now at rest. The conclusion was that, although the retirees had made the best of their situation, this definitely did not mean that their resources were adequate. Various charities and social services were at work in the community to redress the imbalance, but it was felt that these would in turn benefit by the addition of a social worker. This social worker would coordinate these services and take responsibility for the community at large, particularly addressing the need to unify the services with those to the large non-White community, in the (on-going) development of the New South Africa
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1995
- Authors: Stephens, Brent William
- Date: 1995
- Subjects: Retirement, Places of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Port Alfred , Older people -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Port Alfred -- Social conditions , Older people -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Port Alfred , Older people -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Port Alfred -- Economic conditions , Retirees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Port Alfred
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3283 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006514 , Retirement, Places of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Port Alfred , Older people -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Port Alfred -- Social conditions , Older people -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Port Alfred , Older people -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Port Alfred -- Economic conditions , Retirees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Port Alfred
- Description: The problem that was chosen to be investigated, was that, within the white middle class South African white-collar worker there appears to be a tendency to live for the "pie in the sky" - which for most seems to be retirement to the idyllic cottage by the sea. Within the South African scenario, there seems to be a definite lack of career planning or at least planning for retirement, other than the financial emphasis. Upon reaching the "ultimate" retirement, retirees take their pension money and move to the coast, expecting pure bliss. The result of their lack of forethought is that they settle in a totally different climate, away from the support of family and friends, possibly finding their income inadequate, with the result that many fall seriously ill, and then discover a lack of geriatric care or a hospital at the time in their lives when they need it the most. The aim of the research was to investigate these issues using a specific location - Port Alfred, researching the fact that Port Alfred continues to be a retirement haven, despite appearing to lack the necessary facilities required by the elderly. The method of the research was to initially administer a pilot questionnaire to a few elderly residents at random, which was then followed up by the formal personally administered questionnaire to a sample. The sample of retired elderly residents in Port Alfred was chosen at random primarily from the various old age homes in Port Alfred. This questionnaire was administered in 1983 but due to financial and personal reasons, the results were not written up. In 1990, the research was continued with a further questionnaire being administered in 1991. The research direction was altered slightly to identify not only what resources were felt to be lacking, but also to identify how well the retired persons of Port Alfred had managed their transition to retirement. The results showed some similarity between the 1983 and the 1991 research. On the surface the retirees appeared well-adjusted and content, but when it was delved deeper, they appeared to have opted out of making any great effort to change their situation, but rather had taken the view that they had earned their rest, would make the best of what they had, and leave it to someone else to champion their cause. This meant that they relied heavily upon those in their community to meet their obvious needs. The promised hospital that they had arduously raised funds for had not materialised, and that seemed to have been the last effort that they had been prepared to make, they were now at rest. The conclusion was that, although the retirees had made the best of their situation, this definitely did not mean that their resources were adequate. Various charities and social services were at work in the community to redress the imbalance, but it was felt that these would in turn benefit by the addition of a social worker. This social worker would coordinate these services and take responsibility for the community at large, particularly addressing the need to unify the services with those to the large non-White community, in the (on-going) development of the New South Africa
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1995
"Ufunda de ufe" : the story of a village psychologist in a rural, South African school setting
- Authors: Theunissen, Maureen Ezelle
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Participant observation , Rural children -- Education -- South Africa , Life skills -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:689 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004538 , Participant observation , Rural children -- Education -- South Africa , Life skills -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Description: In 2001, participatory research, incorporating various participatory rural appraisal techniques, was conducted in five, rural, primary schools in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The participatory research was aimed at identifying and addressing schools' needs in terms of lifeskills education in a changing South Africa and educational environment. This whole process has been written up as a case study and further analysed in an attempt to describe the emerging role of the psychologist, working in participation with educators, in this kind of setting. Going beyond description, the researcher reflects upon the function and nature of the role of the psychologist within the developmental participatory process. In doing so, the article addresses the need for participatory research results to be further analysed in generating theory, particularly within Psychology. The article highlights some of the strengths of qualitative research, and the primacy of the personal in that endeavour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
- Authors: Theunissen, Maureen Ezelle
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Participant observation , Rural children -- Education -- South Africa , Life skills -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:689 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004538 , Participant observation , Rural children -- Education -- South Africa , Life skills -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Description: In 2001, participatory research, incorporating various participatory rural appraisal techniques, was conducted in five, rural, primary schools in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The participatory research was aimed at identifying and addressing schools' needs in terms of lifeskills education in a changing South Africa and educational environment. This whole process has been written up as a case study and further analysed in an attempt to describe the emerging role of the psychologist, working in participation with educators, in this kind of setting. Going beyond description, the researcher reflects upon the function and nature of the role of the psychologist within the developmental participatory process. In doing so, the article addresses the need for participatory research results to be further analysed in generating theory, particularly within Psychology. The article highlights some of the strengths of qualitative research, and the primacy of the personal in that endeavour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
Understanding the contributions of the Treatment Action Campaign and Section27 to a Rights-Based Approach to HIV and AIDS in South Africa
- Authors: Dlamini, Nomalanga
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Treatment Action Campaign , SECTION27 (Braamfontein, South Africa) , AIDS (Disease) -- Prevention -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Public health laws -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Civil rights -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4690 , vital:20713
- Description: This thesis examines the link between social movements with the legal system to enforce human rights within the public health sector in regards to access to HIV and AIDS-related disease treatment. Research shows large scale incapacity for the provision of such essential medications within the public health sector; this is not merely an issue for those in the developing world. This thesis demonstrates that it is an issue that is faced by those using the public health sector services to access essential HIV and AIDS medications and it shows that certain people are unaware of their human rights to have fair and equal access to such essential medications. Although there is abundant research studies on HIV and AIDS in South Africa, there is a lack of studies that look into the impact that social movements have had in strong-arming, to a certain extent, the government in holding it accountable for infringing its constitutional promises to all citizens. This thesis is set against a backdrop where, the crisis of lack of access to essential medications in the public health sector which is closely intertwined with the collapsing health care system and it is combined with the issues of international patent policy for essential medication and developing countries like South Africa, who are trying to tackle this hurdle straight on. This thesis argues that the social injustices of rights violations integrated with the issues of international patent laws aggravate the access to essential medications in the public health sector in the country. This thesis adopts the use of a Rights-Based Approach, which is built on the foundational understanding that at the centre the focus is on human rights. In using the rights-based approach the intention is to outline ways in which to improve and further develop the ability of individuals and communities to recognize their rights. The findings show that the important factor of using a Rights- Based Approach is that it puts the pressure on the state to legitimately fulfil its obligation to its people. Thus the thesis evaluates the use of combining the legal system to enforce human rights and the role of social movements to realize the right to health for South Africans that use the public health sector to access essential HIV and AIDS antiretroviral drugs. This research paper shows that the Treatment Action Campaign and Section27 have contributed to the recent transformation of the public health sector in South Africa. They have achieved this through the implementation of rights-based education campaigns as well as HIV and AIDS education particularly geared for those that use the public health sector facilities, to attain access to essential medications; not only for HIV and AIDS but also for tuberculosis and other AIDS-related disease treatment. The thesis further highlights that the Treatment Action Campaign and Section27 have assisted in greatly improving the access to HIV and AIDS essential medications for prevention of Mother to Child Treatment Programs. The findings of the research paper outline that the main issue lies in the fact that even though essential medications for HIV and AIDS are now more available, the medical infrastructure is one of the main problems accounting for the lack of service delivery of these essential medications in the country’s public health sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Dlamini, Nomalanga
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Treatment Action Campaign , SECTION27 (Braamfontein, South Africa) , AIDS (Disease) -- Prevention -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Public health laws -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Civil rights -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4690 , vital:20713
- Description: This thesis examines the link between social movements with the legal system to enforce human rights within the public health sector in regards to access to HIV and AIDS-related disease treatment. Research shows large scale incapacity for the provision of such essential medications within the public health sector; this is not merely an issue for those in the developing world. This thesis demonstrates that it is an issue that is faced by those using the public health sector services to access essential HIV and AIDS medications and it shows that certain people are unaware of their human rights to have fair and equal access to such essential medications. Although there is abundant research studies on HIV and AIDS in South Africa, there is a lack of studies that look into the impact that social movements have had in strong-arming, to a certain extent, the government in holding it accountable for infringing its constitutional promises to all citizens. This thesis is set against a backdrop where, the crisis of lack of access to essential medications in the public health sector which is closely intertwined with the collapsing health care system and it is combined with the issues of international patent policy for essential medication and developing countries like South Africa, who are trying to tackle this hurdle straight on. This thesis argues that the social injustices of rights violations integrated with the issues of international patent laws aggravate the access to essential medications in the public health sector in the country. This thesis adopts the use of a Rights-Based Approach, which is built on the foundational understanding that at the centre the focus is on human rights. In using the rights-based approach the intention is to outline ways in which to improve and further develop the ability of individuals and communities to recognize their rights. The findings show that the important factor of using a Rights- Based Approach is that it puts the pressure on the state to legitimately fulfil its obligation to its people. Thus the thesis evaluates the use of combining the legal system to enforce human rights and the role of social movements to realize the right to health for South Africans that use the public health sector to access essential HIV and AIDS antiretroviral drugs. This research paper shows that the Treatment Action Campaign and Section27 have contributed to the recent transformation of the public health sector in South Africa. They have achieved this through the implementation of rights-based education campaigns as well as HIV and AIDS education particularly geared for those that use the public health sector facilities, to attain access to essential medications; not only for HIV and AIDS but also for tuberculosis and other AIDS-related disease treatment. The thesis further highlights that the Treatment Action Campaign and Section27 have assisted in greatly improving the access to HIV and AIDS essential medications for prevention of Mother to Child Treatment Programs. The findings of the research paper outline that the main issue lies in the fact that even though essential medications for HIV and AIDS are now more available, the medical infrastructure is one of the main problems accounting for the lack of service delivery of these essential medications in the country’s public health sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An examination of the Mobisam project and Grocott's Mail : towards mobile social accountability monitoring in Grahamstown
- Authors: Reinecke, Romi Kami
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Grocott's Mail (Grahamstown, South Africa) , Electronic discussion groups -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Citizen journalism -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Government accountability -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Social action -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Municipal services -- Citizen participation , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3541 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017782
- Description: This thesis critically examines the nature and purpose of the MobiSAM partnership, in relation to its value as a model resonating with normative theories on the role of the media in South African democratic society. The MobiSAM project introduces a mobile polling application, designed for citizens to provide real-time, user-generated data on crucial municipal service delivery such as clean water in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The project has partnered with the local community newspaper, Grocott's Mail, to broadcast this data, with the aim to facilitate citizen participation in public problem solving and support local government accountability in service delivery. Despite pervasive poverty in areas such as the Eastern Cape, mobile penetration in South Africa is near universal. The MobiSAM partnership is an ongoing effort to forge new links between social accountability monitors, new media, traditional media, citizens and local government around public issues in Grahamstown, in line with the development objectives of the post-apartheid South African state. The overall theoretical framework for this thesis is taken from Christians, Glasser, McQuail, Nordenstreng and White's Normative Theories of the Media, which provides an analysis of four roles of the media in a democratic society, that is: the monitorial, the facilitative, the radical and the collaborative roles. Within each of these roles, the stated journalistic approach is explored, that is investigative journalism, public journalism, radical journalism and development journalism. Public journalism is focused on as having the most resonance with the goals of the MobiSAM partnership. The chosen research design is a critical realist case study with the selected methods of thematic document analysis and, primarily, in-depth interviews with key project participants. The research goals were to analyse this primary data against the normative theory on the role of the media in a democratic society, and the 'real world' constraints posed by the project’s specific political and socioeconomic context. The findings conclude by offering certain recommendations and areas for further research, such as the central importance of a dedicated municipal reporter for covering complex public issues. This critical realist case study, drawing on qualitative interviews with both the accountability monitors and the media practitioners, interrogates the philosophical understandings on the role of the media in this new project, towards an empirical model for advancing substantive socio-economic change through media in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Reinecke, Romi Kami
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Grocott's Mail (Grahamstown, South Africa) , Electronic discussion groups -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Citizen journalism -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Government accountability -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Social action -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Municipal services -- Citizen participation , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3541 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017782
- Description: This thesis critically examines the nature and purpose of the MobiSAM partnership, in relation to its value as a model resonating with normative theories on the role of the media in South African democratic society. The MobiSAM project introduces a mobile polling application, designed for citizens to provide real-time, user-generated data on crucial municipal service delivery such as clean water in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The project has partnered with the local community newspaper, Grocott's Mail, to broadcast this data, with the aim to facilitate citizen participation in public problem solving and support local government accountability in service delivery. Despite pervasive poverty in areas such as the Eastern Cape, mobile penetration in South Africa is near universal. The MobiSAM partnership is an ongoing effort to forge new links between social accountability monitors, new media, traditional media, citizens and local government around public issues in Grahamstown, in line with the development objectives of the post-apartheid South African state. The overall theoretical framework for this thesis is taken from Christians, Glasser, McQuail, Nordenstreng and White's Normative Theories of the Media, which provides an analysis of four roles of the media in a democratic society, that is: the monitorial, the facilitative, the radical and the collaborative roles. Within each of these roles, the stated journalistic approach is explored, that is investigative journalism, public journalism, radical journalism and development journalism. Public journalism is focused on as having the most resonance with the goals of the MobiSAM partnership. The chosen research design is a critical realist case study with the selected methods of thematic document analysis and, primarily, in-depth interviews with key project participants. The research goals were to analyse this primary data against the normative theory on the role of the media in a democratic society, and the 'real world' constraints posed by the project’s specific political and socioeconomic context. The findings conclude by offering certain recommendations and areas for further research, such as the central importance of a dedicated municipal reporter for covering complex public issues. This critical realist case study, drawing on qualitative interviews with both the accountability monitors and the media practitioners, interrogates the philosophical understandings on the role of the media in this new project, towards an empirical model for advancing substantive socio-economic change through media in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
A participant-focused sociological analysis of Beedz, a Grahamstown skills training project for women
- Authors: Bobo, Azola Benita Dorothea
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Beedz (Makhanda, South Africa) , Feminist theory -- Developing countries , Training -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Occupational training -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Women -- South Africa -- Makhanda -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5686 , vital:20964
- Description: This research looked at a participant-focused sociological analysis of Beedz, a Grahamstown skills training project for women. Beedz is run by the River of Life Church and aims to equip women with the necessary skills to participate in the economy, either as entrepreneurs or as employees. Using third world feminist theory, this research explored the experiences of women who have participated in the Beedz programme, what they went through, and whether the programme benefited them or not. In particular, this research explored how the participants experienced Beedz as a programme for women without an exclusive focus on traditional feminist issues. This research was qualitative in nature; with in-depth, semi-structured interviews being used as a means of data collection. Data was analysed using key themes emerging from the interviews. The key findings of this research were that it is important to include women in training projects, as by including them you create spaces and enabling environments for women to empower themselves. Secondly, although Beedz does not deliberately work from the third world feminist theory, it could be argued that it fits in this framework as this programme facilitates skills training through looking at women as a whole, taking into account not only their gender, but also their class and race. Recommendations were made on how the Beedz programme may be improved, based on the information gathered from the participants from the interviews conducted during the research, with the key recommendation being that the organisers of the programme need to create a space for the participants’ voice to be heard, so that the programme can be relevant and beneficial to them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Bobo, Azola Benita Dorothea
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Beedz (Makhanda, South Africa) , Feminist theory -- Developing countries , Training -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Occupational training -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Women -- South Africa -- Makhanda -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5686 , vital:20964
- Description: This research looked at a participant-focused sociological analysis of Beedz, a Grahamstown skills training project for women. Beedz is run by the River of Life Church and aims to equip women with the necessary skills to participate in the economy, either as entrepreneurs or as employees. Using third world feminist theory, this research explored the experiences of women who have participated in the Beedz programme, what they went through, and whether the programme benefited them or not. In particular, this research explored how the participants experienced Beedz as a programme for women without an exclusive focus on traditional feminist issues. This research was qualitative in nature; with in-depth, semi-structured interviews being used as a means of data collection. Data was analysed using key themes emerging from the interviews. The key findings of this research were that it is important to include women in training projects, as by including them you create spaces and enabling environments for women to empower themselves. Secondly, although Beedz does not deliberately work from the third world feminist theory, it could be argued that it fits in this framework as this programme facilitates skills training through looking at women as a whole, taking into account not only their gender, but also their class and race. Recommendations were made on how the Beedz programme may be improved, based on the information gathered from the participants from the interviews conducted during the research, with the key recommendation being that the organisers of the programme need to create a space for the participants’ voice to be heard, so that the programme can be relevant and beneficial to them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Entrepreneurial intention among Rhodes University undergraduate students
- Authors: Bell, Jonathan Andrew
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Rhodes University -- Undergraduates , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Social cognitive theory , Intention , Attitude (Psychology) , Influence (Psychology) , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1991-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3267 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020011
- Description: The entrepreneurial intentions of university students are important factors to consider when developing entrepreneurship offerings at tertiary level institutions. This research study reports on pertinent findings from a study which set out to determine Rhodes university undergraduate students‟ entrepreneurial intentions and their pull and push factors that have brought them to the decision to become entrepreneurs. A survey, using a 43 question structured web-based instrument was used to capture the responses from undergraduate students across different departments at Rhodes University, Grahamstown. Key findings suggest that few undergraduate students intend to enter into an entrepreneurship career immediately after completion of their studies, whereas many of the respondents were more interested in doing so five years after graduation. The vast majority of students were satisfied without having formal entrepreneurial education and factors such as previous employment in entrepreneurial activities, and family influence had a statistical significant relationship with entrepreneurial intention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Bell, Jonathan Andrew
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Rhodes University -- Undergraduates , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Social cognitive theory , Intention , Attitude (Psychology) , Influence (Psychology) , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1991-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3267 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020011
- Description: The entrepreneurial intentions of university students are important factors to consider when developing entrepreneurship offerings at tertiary level institutions. This research study reports on pertinent findings from a study which set out to determine Rhodes university undergraduate students‟ entrepreneurial intentions and their pull and push factors that have brought them to the decision to become entrepreneurs. A survey, using a 43 question structured web-based instrument was used to capture the responses from undergraduate students across different departments at Rhodes University, Grahamstown. Key findings suggest that few undergraduate students intend to enter into an entrepreneurship career immediately after completion of their studies, whereas many of the respondents were more interested in doing so five years after graduation. The vast majority of students were satisfied without having formal entrepreneurial education and factors such as previous employment in entrepreneurial activities, and family influence had a statistical significant relationship with entrepreneurial intention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Miscarriage : an exploration of women's experience : a qualitative study
- Watson, Julia Margretha Garland
- Authors: Watson, Julia Margretha Garland
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Miscarriage -- Psychological aspects , Loss (Psychology) , Bereavement -- Psychological aspects , Infants -- Death -- Psychological aspects , Fetal death -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:688 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003735 , Miscarriage -- Psychological aspects , Loss (Psychology) , Bereavement -- Psychological aspects , Infants -- Death -- Psychological aspects , Fetal death -- Psychological aspects
- Description: Miscarriage can result in significant psychological distress to women. However, many women experience a cultural norm which attributes minimal meaning to the loss. This is reflected in the lack of support experienced from interaction with both medical professionals and those within the individual's social context. This qualitative study reports on the unique experiences of six South African women; their experience of other's reactions to their miscarriage; and their recommendations for better coping with the experience. Data was gathered using one semi-structured interview. Data reduction and analysis followed using a four-stage model of thematic outlines, coding, and comparisons (Marshall and Rossman 1998:152; Marck and Field 1994:9). The objective of the analysis sought to compare the themes generated by the actual data collected with those described in other studies. In this way the findings of the study are generalisable to a larger population and allows for a greater sense of representivity (Silverman 1994:160). Comparisons were made between the women's experiences, as told by them, and Bowles' identification of the Four Domains of Miscarriage Distress Symptoms (2000). The women viewed psychological support as essential in the process of coping; and acknowledgement of their loss as being the loss of a child, as a strong determinant of coming to terms with the loss. A strong need to have support from other women who had shared the experience was voiced. Recommendations for improved intervention are made. In short the core recommendations are: the provision of patient follow-up; the provision of written material; and, specialist training for those working in the area of pregnancy loss.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Watson, Julia Margretha Garland
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Miscarriage -- Psychological aspects , Loss (Psychology) , Bereavement -- Psychological aspects , Infants -- Death -- Psychological aspects , Fetal death -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:688 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003735 , Miscarriage -- Psychological aspects , Loss (Psychology) , Bereavement -- Psychological aspects , Infants -- Death -- Psychological aspects , Fetal death -- Psychological aspects
- Description: Miscarriage can result in significant psychological distress to women. However, many women experience a cultural norm which attributes minimal meaning to the loss. This is reflected in the lack of support experienced from interaction with both medical professionals and those within the individual's social context. This qualitative study reports on the unique experiences of six South African women; their experience of other's reactions to their miscarriage; and their recommendations for better coping with the experience. Data was gathered using one semi-structured interview. Data reduction and analysis followed using a four-stage model of thematic outlines, coding, and comparisons (Marshall and Rossman 1998:152; Marck and Field 1994:9). The objective of the analysis sought to compare the themes generated by the actual data collected with those described in other studies. In this way the findings of the study are generalisable to a larger population and allows for a greater sense of representivity (Silverman 1994:160). Comparisons were made between the women's experiences, as told by them, and Bowles' identification of the Four Domains of Miscarriage Distress Symptoms (2000). The women viewed psychological support as essential in the process of coping; and acknowledgement of their loss as being the loss of a child, as a strong determinant of coming to terms with the loss. A strong need to have support from other women who had shared the experience was voiced. Recommendations for improved intervention are made. In short the core recommendations are: the provision of patient follow-up; the provision of written material; and, specialist training for those working in the area of pregnancy loss.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Occupational health and safety and industrial relations in the South African construction industry : case studies of selected construction firms in Grahamstown
- Nene, Sinenhlanhla Sindisiwe
- Authors: Nene, Sinenhlanhla Sindisiwe
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Industrial safety -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Management -- Employee participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3401 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018663
- Description: The construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries in the world, with many workplace fatalities every day. The existence of legislation that governs Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is an intervention to ensure that all governments, employers and employees play their part in establishing and implementing policies that will help secure healthy and safe working environments. The study is qualitative and with the help of an interview guide, semistructured interviews were used to collect the data. The respondents were selected using purposive and snowball sampling methods. Ten managers from ten (five small, five large) construction firms, two employees from each firm, and the OHS inspector from the Department of Labour in Grahamstown were interviewed. Having explored management’s practices, communication methods, training and distribution of information, employee representation and participation, and industrial relations, several conclusions were reached. During the study it was found that there are a number of obstacles that are hampering effective OHS in the construction industry. Some of these include; management’s lack of commitment to a participatory approach in OHS decision-making, limited resources to invest adequately in OHS, and the lack of sufficient trade union involvement. In addition, we know very little about OHS in the construction industry, and the mere existence of OHS legislation does not help reduce the risks associated with construction work, especially when there is a shortage of skilled personnel to enforce the legislation and regulations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Nene, Sinenhlanhla Sindisiwe
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Industrial safety -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Management -- Employee participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3401 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018663
- Description: The construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries in the world, with many workplace fatalities every day. The existence of legislation that governs Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is an intervention to ensure that all governments, employers and employees play their part in establishing and implementing policies that will help secure healthy and safe working environments. The study is qualitative and with the help of an interview guide, semistructured interviews were used to collect the data. The respondents were selected using purposive and snowball sampling methods. Ten managers from ten (five small, five large) construction firms, two employees from each firm, and the OHS inspector from the Department of Labour in Grahamstown were interviewed. Having explored management’s practices, communication methods, training and distribution of information, employee representation and participation, and industrial relations, several conclusions were reached. During the study it was found that there are a number of obstacles that are hampering effective OHS in the construction industry. Some of these include; management’s lack of commitment to a participatory approach in OHS decision-making, limited resources to invest adequately in OHS, and the lack of sufficient trade union involvement. In addition, we know very little about OHS in the construction industry, and the mere existence of OHS legislation does not help reduce the risks associated with construction work, especially when there is a shortage of skilled personnel to enforce the legislation and regulations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The dynamics of police regulation of sexual abuse of children in South Africa: the case of Grahamstown, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Van Blerk, Natasha
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3828 , vital:20546
- Description: This thesis investigates the current legislation and police protocols set in South Africa, specifically regarding their adequacy in protecting the country’s children from sexual abuse. It focuses on relevant legislative provisions and protocols, on sexual abuse of children and on an empirical study conducted amongst a variety of officials who represent the South African legislation at different levels. Trends, developments and problems are analysed and brought forward to raise an awareness on the severity of the issue of child sexual abuse. In addition, this thesis explores how the diversity within the community of Grahamstown, South Africa, should be considered to a higher degree in the legislation. There is a clear indication of a prevalent patriarchal hierarchy within the community which, in reality, makes women and children more vulnerable to sexual abuse. The methods used in this thesis involves purposive sampling, which led to one on one interviews between the researcher and participant. Thisthesis concludes with confirmation of the hypothesis whereby the South African legislation is not adequately protecting the rights of children in regards to sexual abuse. However, to fully adapt the legislation and make it as versatile and as effective the State hopes it to be, it is necessary to understand the society’s perception on women and children and to rectify it. As difficult as this may sound, it all begins with a strong and influential government.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Van Blerk, Natasha
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3828 , vital:20546
- Description: This thesis investigates the current legislation and police protocols set in South Africa, specifically regarding their adequacy in protecting the country’s children from sexual abuse. It focuses on relevant legislative provisions and protocols, on sexual abuse of children and on an empirical study conducted amongst a variety of officials who represent the South African legislation at different levels. Trends, developments and problems are analysed and brought forward to raise an awareness on the severity of the issue of child sexual abuse. In addition, this thesis explores how the diversity within the community of Grahamstown, South Africa, should be considered to a higher degree in the legislation. There is a clear indication of a prevalent patriarchal hierarchy within the community which, in reality, makes women and children more vulnerable to sexual abuse. The methods used in this thesis involves purposive sampling, which led to one on one interviews between the researcher and participant. Thisthesis concludes with confirmation of the hypothesis whereby the South African legislation is not adequately protecting the rights of children in regards to sexual abuse. However, to fully adapt the legislation and make it as versatile and as effective the State hopes it to be, it is necessary to understand the society’s perception on women and children and to rectify it. As difficult as this may sound, it all begins with a strong and influential government.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Land redistribution and state decentralisation in South Africa
- Authors: Jaricha, Desmond Tichaona
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Land reform -- South Africa , Land tenure -- South Africa , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Decentralization in government -- South Africa , Local government -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3374 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013120
- Description: South Africa is a new democracy that has had to deal with many historical remnants of apartheid. One of the main remnants has been land dispossession and massive inequalities along racial lines of access to land for agricultural purposes. In countering this, the post-apartheid state has pursued land redistribution programmes since the end of apartheid in 1994, as part of a broader land reform project. Simultaneously, post-apartheid South Africa has been marked by significant state restructuring notably a process of state de-centralisation including the positioning of municipalities as development agents. Amongst other goals, this is designed to democratise the state given the authoritarian and exclusive character of the apartheid state, and thereby to democratise development initiatives and programmes. Land redistribution and state decentralisation in South Africa are different political processes with their own specific dynamics. They have though become interlinked and intertwined but not necessarily in a coherent and integrated manner. Within broader global developments pertaining to state decentralisation and land redistribution, the thesis examines the complex relations between these two processes in South Africa. In particular, I analyse critically the decentralised character of the land redistribution programme in South Africa. In order to concretise and illustrate key themes and points, I discuss a particular land redistribution project called Masizakhe located in Makana Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Jaricha, Desmond Tichaona
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Land reform -- South Africa , Land tenure -- South Africa , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Decentralization in government -- South Africa , Local government -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3374 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013120
- Description: South Africa is a new democracy that has had to deal with many historical remnants of apartheid. One of the main remnants has been land dispossession and massive inequalities along racial lines of access to land for agricultural purposes. In countering this, the post-apartheid state has pursued land redistribution programmes since the end of apartheid in 1994, as part of a broader land reform project. Simultaneously, post-apartheid South Africa has been marked by significant state restructuring notably a process of state de-centralisation including the positioning of municipalities as development agents. Amongst other goals, this is designed to democratise the state given the authoritarian and exclusive character of the apartheid state, and thereby to democratise development initiatives and programmes. Land redistribution and state decentralisation in South Africa are different political processes with their own specific dynamics. They have though become interlinked and intertwined but not necessarily in a coherent and integrated manner. Within broader global developments pertaining to state decentralisation and land redistribution, the thesis examines the complex relations between these two processes in South Africa. In particular, I analyse critically the decentralised character of the land redistribution programme in South Africa. In order to concretise and illustrate key themes and points, I discuss a particular land redistribution project called Masizakhe located in Makana Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
English communication in the hospitality industry: the employees' perspective
- Authors: Hobson, Josephine Mary
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- Employees -- Training of -- South Africa , English language -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Foreign speakers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:2992 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002501 , Hospitality industry -- Employees -- Training of -- South Africa , English language -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Foreign speakers
- Description: The purpose of this research project was to explore the English communicative competency of management and supervisory level employees within the South Mrican hospitality industry. The Pro lit English Written Assessment, a competency-based assessment tool, was used to establish a relatively objective measure of the English communicative competency of nineteen managers and supervisors. Thereafter thirteen of these respondents were interviewed to determine their perceptions of their English communicative competency and the impact thereof on their work situation, as well as their perceptions of their learning needs and recommendations for intervention. The researcher selected a multi-method approach to the investigation and sought both quantitative and qualitative data. The assessment revealed that the English reading and writing ability of the respondents is distinctly lower than their recorded education level and inadequate in relation to the tasks they are expected to perform at work. The interviews indicated that the respondents are not aware of their lack of English communicative competency or the implications thereof. However, the respondents expressed important insights into the factors that should be taken into account when planning an educational intervention III an organization. These included the need to incorporate English second language learning principles, to treat the learner as an individual, to involve the learner in the decision-making process, to consider the practical concerns of the learner and to ensure that the programme content is appropriate. Recommendations for human resource practices and research in the hospitality industry are presented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
- Authors: Hobson, Josephine Mary
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- Employees -- Training of -- South Africa , English language -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Foreign speakers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:2992 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002501 , Hospitality industry -- Employees -- Training of -- South Africa , English language -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Foreign speakers
- Description: The purpose of this research project was to explore the English communicative competency of management and supervisory level employees within the South Mrican hospitality industry. The Pro lit English Written Assessment, a competency-based assessment tool, was used to establish a relatively objective measure of the English communicative competency of nineteen managers and supervisors. Thereafter thirteen of these respondents were interviewed to determine their perceptions of their English communicative competency and the impact thereof on their work situation, as well as their perceptions of their learning needs and recommendations for intervention. The researcher selected a multi-method approach to the investigation and sought both quantitative and qualitative data. The assessment revealed that the English reading and writing ability of the respondents is distinctly lower than their recorded education level and inadequate in relation to the tasks they are expected to perform at work. The interviews indicated that the respondents are not aware of their lack of English communicative competency or the implications thereof. However, the respondents expressed important insights into the factors that should be taken into account when planning an educational intervention III an organization. These included the need to incorporate English second language learning principles, to treat the learner as an individual, to involve the learner in the decision-making process, to consider the practical concerns of the learner and to ensure that the programme content is appropriate. Recommendations for human resource practices and research in the hospitality industry are presented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
An existential phenomenological study of gaining insight into oneself through perceiving another person
- Authors: Hoek, Trevor Martin
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: Self Self-perception
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3113 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004594
- Description: The aim of this study was to examine the structure of the experience of gaining insight into oneself through perceiving another person. Such a one-to-one situation was selected in order to ensure a minimal level of complexity. The researcher conducted a pilot study in order to check whether people could relate such an experience in response to a long and difficult interview question. One female first year student responded from among a group of thirty to whom the question was posed. She was then interviewed. The data appeared acceptable. This was confirmed after the data analysis using the phenomenological-psychological method of textual analysis. The analysis showed that the subject, while comparing herself with the person whom she was with, discovered that she structured her life too rigidly in her attempt to meet the expectations of others. This discovery gave her the opportunity to restructure her approach to her world and to the others whom she had seen in only a narrow and abstracted way. Lengthier interviews were then conducted with a further six potential subjects. These were then transcribed. Two of those subjects, though, were found to have experienced insight through perceiving more than one other person. The data from the four remaining subjects were then analysed using the phenomenological psychological method. The researcher discovered that insight involves a clarity of perception which is achieved when the person becomes aware of clearly differentiated possibilities; these are revealed to him through his intensely reflecting on where he stands in relation to the other person whom he perceives, or in relation to alternatives revealed to him by the other. The polarities that are revealed allow the person to take up a new approach to his world, since the person discovers that his experience has revealed that he has been inauthentic in his muddled concern about others, and this gives the person a perception of truth that he was previously unaware of. These findings were dialogued with the writing of psychologists and philosophers who have written on the subject of becoming aware of oneself in relation to others.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1988
- Authors: Hoek, Trevor Martin
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: Self Self-perception
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3113 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004594
- Description: The aim of this study was to examine the structure of the experience of gaining insight into oneself through perceiving another person. Such a one-to-one situation was selected in order to ensure a minimal level of complexity. The researcher conducted a pilot study in order to check whether people could relate such an experience in response to a long and difficult interview question. One female first year student responded from among a group of thirty to whom the question was posed. She was then interviewed. The data appeared acceptable. This was confirmed after the data analysis using the phenomenological-psychological method of textual analysis. The analysis showed that the subject, while comparing herself with the person whom she was with, discovered that she structured her life too rigidly in her attempt to meet the expectations of others. This discovery gave her the opportunity to restructure her approach to her world and to the others whom she had seen in only a narrow and abstracted way. Lengthier interviews were then conducted with a further six potential subjects. These were then transcribed. Two of those subjects, though, were found to have experienced insight through perceiving more than one other person. The data from the four remaining subjects were then analysed using the phenomenological psychological method. The researcher discovered that insight involves a clarity of perception which is achieved when the person becomes aware of clearly differentiated possibilities; these are revealed to him through his intensely reflecting on where he stands in relation to the other person whom he perceives, or in relation to alternatives revealed to him by the other. The polarities that are revealed allow the person to take up a new approach to his world, since the person discovers that his experience has revealed that he has been inauthentic in his muddled concern about others, and this gives the person a perception of truth that he was previously unaware of. These findings were dialogued with the writing of psychologists and philosophers who have written on the subject of becoming aware of oneself in relation to others.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1988
A platform for women’s experiences? a case of the hip hop scene in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Kabwato, Sasha Nyasha
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Hip-hop -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Popular culture -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Rap musicians -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Musicians, Black -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Women musicians, Black -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Women, Black -- South Africa -- Makhanda -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96503 , vital:31287
- Description: The main aim of this research is to examine the hip hop scene in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape and whether hip hop can serve as a significant platform to discuss women’s lived experiences. This study also places focus on how female rappers construct their rap personas, as well as how they are perceived by their male counterparts. In order to understand the multifaceted viewpoints, it was necessary to interview both male and female hip hop artists. Eight interviews were conducted with eight young black rappers who are actively involved in the Grahamstown hip hop scene. It was found that hip hop, like any other art form, is a significant platform for women to express themselves, however gender constraints limit who is willing to listen to and promote their music. Male rappers advocate for women to talk about their stories, yet are more unlikely to listen because it does not relate to their struggles. In addition, there seem to be four specific tropes that female rappers choose to construct their identities from. Female rappers tend to create their personas around: Queen Mother, Fly Sista, Bitch with Attitude, and Lesbian. However, these categories are fluid and it was found that women navigate these categories depending on their audience and message they want to convey at a particular moment. Lastly, there is a split between Grahamstown West (Rhodes University) and Grahamstown East (township). University students are unlikely to perform in the township, and township residents rarely perform at organised events in Grahamstown West. In addition, Rhodes University students are more likely to feature on the university run radio station, rather than Radio Grahamstown, the local community radio.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Kabwato, Sasha Nyasha
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Hip-hop -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Popular culture -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Rap musicians -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Musicians, Black -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Women musicians, Black -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Women, Black -- South Africa -- Makhanda -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96503 , vital:31287
- Description: The main aim of this research is to examine the hip hop scene in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape and whether hip hop can serve as a significant platform to discuss women’s lived experiences. This study also places focus on how female rappers construct their rap personas, as well as how they are perceived by their male counterparts. In order to understand the multifaceted viewpoints, it was necessary to interview both male and female hip hop artists. Eight interviews were conducted with eight young black rappers who are actively involved in the Grahamstown hip hop scene. It was found that hip hop, like any other art form, is a significant platform for women to express themselves, however gender constraints limit who is willing to listen to and promote their music. Male rappers advocate for women to talk about their stories, yet are more unlikely to listen because it does not relate to their struggles. In addition, there seem to be four specific tropes that female rappers choose to construct their identities from. Female rappers tend to create their personas around: Queen Mother, Fly Sista, Bitch with Attitude, and Lesbian. However, these categories are fluid and it was found that women navigate these categories depending on their audience and message they want to convey at a particular moment. Lastly, there is a split between Grahamstown West (Rhodes University) and Grahamstown East (township). University students are unlikely to perform in the township, and township residents rarely perform at organised events in Grahamstown West. In addition, Rhodes University students are more likely to feature on the university run radio station, rather than Radio Grahamstown, the local community radio.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019