Experiences of kinship foster parents
- Authors: Swanepoel, Judith Magrietha
- Date: 2012-03-01
- Subjects: Kinship care -- South Africa , Foster children -- South Africa , Foster parents -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:706 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006517 , Kinship care -- South Africa , Foster children -- South Africa , Foster parents -- South Africa
- Description: Kinship foster care as a field of study in social work has been neglected in South Africa. The difficulties currently experienced in obtaining unrelated foster parents, warrant a closer look at kinship foster care. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the distressing and joyful experiences of kinship foster parents in fostering a relative's child. Their role as kinship foster parents, and how it relates to their role as a relative of the child, was explored. The study further explored the impact which kinship foster care may have on the kinship parents' relationship with their extended family. A literature study was undertaken during which it was evident that kinship foster care is becoming increasingly popular as a placement option for children needing out-of-home care. An interview schedule was constructed and administered to the entire population, of one welfare organisatiOI:t, consisting of seventeen kinship foster parents. Twelve kinship foster parents participated in the study. This study therefore provides a limited picture on kinship foster care. The overall findings in this study showed that the majority of children in kinship care are cared for by the maternal families. When the respondents experience problems in obtaining the foster care grant, it could influence their relationship with the social workers. It seemed as if foster parents are under the impression that it is the task of social workers to see to the payments of these grants. From the sample, it seemed as if kinship foster parents are mostly sympathetic towards problems experienced by social workers which hinder them in their service delivery, and are willing to contact them if they experience any problems. It seemed as if most kinship foster parents enjoy fostering the child and receive emotional and financial support from their friends and family. Kinship foster parents' elationships with their family members (the parent of the child) could be influenced by that family member's involvement with a partner. The respondents were of the opinion that the relationship tends to be better if they accepted the partner of the parent as suitable
- Full Text:
- Authors: Swanepoel, Judith Magrietha
- Date: 2012-03-01
- Subjects: Kinship care -- South Africa , Foster children -- South Africa , Foster parents -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:706 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006517 , Kinship care -- South Africa , Foster children -- South Africa , Foster parents -- South Africa
- Description: Kinship foster care as a field of study in social work has been neglected in South Africa. The difficulties currently experienced in obtaining unrelated foster parents, warrant a closer look at kinship foster care. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the distressing and joyful experiences of kinship foster parents in fostering a relative's child. Their role as kinship foster parents, and how it relates to their role as a relative of the child, was explored. The study further explored the impact which kinship foster care may have on the kinship parents' relationship with their extended family. A literature study was undertaken during which it was evident that kinship foster care is becoming increasingly popular as a placement option for children needing out-of-home care. An interview schedule was constructed and administered to the entire population, of one welfare organisatiOI:t, consisting of seventeen kinship foster parents. Twelve kinship foster parents participated in the study. This study therefore provides a limited picture on kinship foster care. The overall findings in this study showed that the majority of children in kinship care are cared for by the maternal families. When the respondents experience problems in obtaining the foster care grant, it could influence their relationship with the social workers. It seemed as if foster parents are under the impression that it is the task of social workers to see to the payments of these grants. From the sample, it seemed as if kinship foster parents are mostly sympathetic towards problems experienced by social workers which hinder them in their service delivery, and are willing to contact them if they experience any problems. It seemed as if most kinship foster parents enjoy fostering the child and receive emotional and financial support from their friends and family. Kinship foster parents' elationships with their family members (the parent of the child) could be influenced by that family member's involvement with a partner. The respondents were of the opinion that the relationship tends to be better if they accepted the partner of the parent as suitable
- Full Text:
A qualitative exploration of the experience of Black women in violent relationships
- Authors: Mesatywa, Nontando Jennifer
- Date: 2011-11-16
- Subjects: Abused women -- South Africa , Abused wives -- South Africa , Family violence -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:701 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006458 , Abused women -- South Africa , Abused wives -- South Africa , Family violence -- Research -- South Africa
- Description: This study is a qualitative exploration of black women experiences in violent relationships. The study was conducted at Masimanyane Women Support Centre in East London. As a qualitative exploratory study, in-depth interviews were conducted and a sample of ten abused women was utilized. A study of related literature has been made to focus on the existing literature concerning abuse on black women. Various theories have been explored, various feminist views were discussed and the existing legal system, nationally and internationally was looked into. The findings suggest that black women are abused by their partners. Alcohol abuse, failing to support the children and extra marital relationships have been cited as some of the reasons. Women in abusive relationships in this study sustained physical as well as emotional abuse. The professional networks assisted these women to some extent. However, there is an indication of a dire need for training, interdisciplinary approach and a legal system that prohibits further abuse by male partners. Various recommendations have been postulated. The researcher indicated that there is a need for empowering programs for the abused, rehabilitative program for the abuser, and an effective legal system to prevent further abuse on women.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mesatywa, Nontando Jennifer
- Date: 2011-11-16
- Subjects: Abused women -- South Africa , Abused wives -- South Africa , Family violence -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:701 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006458 , Abused women -- South Africa , Abused wives -- South Africa , Family violence -- Research -- South Africa
- Description: This study is a qualitative exploration of black women experiences in violent relationships. The study was conducted at Masimanyane Women Support Centre in East London. As a qualitative exploratory study, in-depth interviews were conducted and a sample of ten abused women was utilized. A study of related literature has been made to focus on the existing literature concerning abuse on black women. Various theories have been explored, various feminist views were discussed and the existing legal system, nationally and internationally was looked into. The findings suggest that black women are abused by their partners. Alcohol abuse, failing to support the children and extra marital relationships have been cited as some of the reasons. Women in abusive relationships in this study sustained physical as well as emotional abuse. The professional networks assisted these women to some extent. However, there is an indication of a dire need for training, interdisciplinary approach and a legal system that prohibits further abuse by male partners. Various recommendations have been postulated. The researcher indicated that there is a need for empowering programs for the abused, rehabilitative program for the abuser, and an effective legal system to prevent further abuse on women.
- Full Text:
The factors predisposing social workers to burnout in the social services organizations of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Ramphele, Thamaga Zacharia
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Burn out (Psychology) , Social workers -- Psychology , Job stress , Social service -- Research , Social workers -- Job stress -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:6059 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006667 , Burn out (Psychology) , Social workers -- Psychology , Job stress , Social service -- Research , Social workers -- Job stress -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This work was based on an investigation of the subject of burnout, as observed by the researcher among social workers that worked for various social services organizations - both Government Departments and Non-Governmental Organizations - based in the Eastern Cape Province. The study of burnout was conducted with the aim to obtain information from the respondents about their conditions at work, and how those conditions contributed, as alleged, to burnout experienced by them. A qualitative research method was used as an approach that the researcher found best in that it allowed for an in-depth probe into the circumstances of the respondents (including the attitudes and emotions of the respondents), to give a broad picture of the situation as experienced by the respondents at work. A qualitative method was handled through the exploratory research principle of sampling and gathering of data, as the researcher felt it a sufficiently appropriate route to help yield the required outcomes of the study. The researcher's motivation to pursue the research was prompted by several indicators which included an article in the Daily Dispatch of 26 August 2003 that wrote 'Social workers quit in droves' and some personal contact with graduated students of social work, recently employed as social workers in various settings. Interesting dynamics about social work practice and its frustrations surfaced, and out of that premise, the researcher felt that it was an opportune moment to carry out an investigation to discover the facts about burnout as experienced by social workers. The findings on the research would be published, and the researcher intended to inform the social work community about the outcomes of research, hoping that the information would become useful to them in curtailing or preventing future encounters of burnout as experienced by them at the work place. In other words, recommendations for solutions would be provided based on the findings as an outcome of that investigation. To allow for the success of the research process, the researcher planned to draw from several resource centers and other researchers' data, any valuable piece of information, record, or existing data that could assist in evaluating information that became available during data collection. Such information was seen as very important since it helped in making the data analysis process easier and more than enough information could thus be obtained. Finally the researcher had found the study quite fascinating in that it addressed human concerns in the form of social work issues at work, which the researcher personally considered important and shared as one of the issues affecting social work professionals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Ramphele, Thamaga Zacharia
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Burn out (Psychology) , Social workers -- Psychology , Job stress , Social service -- Research , Social workers -- Job stress -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:6059 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006667 , Burn out (Psychology) , Social workers -- Psychology , Job stress , Social service -- Research , Social workers -- Job stress -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This work was based on an investigation of the subject of burnout, as observed by the researcher among social workers that worked for various social services organizations - both Government Departments and Non-Governmental Organizations - based in the Eastern Cape Province. The study of burnout was conducted with the aim to obtain information from the respondents about their conditions at work, and how those conditions contributed, as alleged, to burnout experienced by them. A qualitative research method was used as an approach that the researcher found best in that it allowed for an in-depth probe into the circumstances of the respondents (including the attitudes and emotions of the respondents), to give a broad picture of the situation as experienced by the respondents at work. A qualitative method was handled through the exploratory research principle of sampling and gathering of data, as the researcher felt it a sufficiently appropriate route to help yield the required outcomes of the study. The researcher's motivation to pursue the research was prompted by several indicators which included an article in the Daily Dispatch of 26 August 2003 that wrote 'Social workers quit in droves' and some personal contact with graduated students of social work, recently employed as social workers in various settings. Interesting dynamics about social work practice and its frustrations surfaced, and out of that premise, the researcher felt that it was an opportune moment to carry out an investigation to discover the facts about burnout as experienced by social workers. The findings on the research would be published, and the researcher intended to inform the social work community about the outcomes of research, hoping that the information would become useful to them in curtailing or preventing future encounters of burnout as experienced by them at the work place. In other words, recommendations for solutions would be provided based on the findings as an outcome of that investigation. To allow for the success of the research process, the researcher planned to draw from several resource centers and other researchers' data, any valuable piece of information, record, or existing data that could assist in evaluating information that became available during data collection. Such information was seen as very important since it helped in making the data analysis process easier and more than enough information could thus be obtained. Finally the researcher had found the study quite fascinating in that it addressed human concerns in the form of social work issues at work, which the researcher personally considered important and shared as one of the issues affecting social work professionals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The use of social work services in criminal matters : an exploratory study of East London attorneys
- Authors: McCoy, Lee
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Social workers -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- South Africa -- East London Social service -- South Africa -- East London Lawyers -- South Africa -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:712 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007587
- Description: This study explored the use of social work services by East London attorneys in criminal law matters. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and the data was saturated after 10 such interviews. In exploring the use of social work services, the study also considered the challenges and constraints experienced by lawyers in their use of expert witnesses from the Humanities generally; discussed the expectations lawyers have of expert witnesses and the presentencing reports they write and described the perceived impact of social work services on the presentation of cases in criminal matters. The focus on social work was aimed at exploring ways of increasing the use of social work as the profession of choice when attorneys call on expert witnesses. The literature revIew focussed on the individualisation of sentences, the general principles of punishment, finding an appropriate sentence, the so-called Triad of Zinn, the role of the social worker in criminal justice, the role of the legal social worker, the report, courtroom skills and the relationship between social work values and the law. Using purposive sampling of all legal firms in East London doing criminal work, ten attorneys were asked to participate in the study. A semi-structured interview based on a schedule of questions was used. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. The transcripts were analysed thematically. After ten interviews no new data was being generated and the topic was considered saturated. Further research is needed to build on the themes that emerged. The study argues that there is a place for social work services in criminal matters. It also, however, revealed that some of the respondents had had negative experiences when dealing with social workers. There were also positive responses and a commitment to establishing a more co-operative relationship between law and social work. Based on the research findings, the most important recommendation was to develop communication between the two professions and to provide inter-disciplinary training so as to promote an understanding of the roles and expectations of all involved in the criminal law process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: McCoy, Lee
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Social workers -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- South Africa -- East London Social service -- South Africa -- East London Lawyers -- South Africa -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:712 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007587
- Description: This study explored the use of social work services by East London attorneys in criminal law matters. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and the data was saturated after 10 such interviews. In exploring the use of social work services, the study also considered the challenges and constraints experienced by lawyers in their use of expert witnesses from the Humanities generally; discussed the expectations lawyers have of expert witnesses and the presentencing reports they write and described the perceived impact of social work services on the presentation of cases in criminal matters. The focus on social work was aimed at exploring ways of increasing the use of social work as the profession of choice when attorneys call on expert witnesses. The literature revIew focussed on the individualisation of sentences, the general principles of punishment, finding an appropriate sentence, the so-called Triad of Zinn, the role of the social worker in criminal justice, the role of the legal social worker, the report, courtroom skills and the relationship between social work values and the law. Using purposive sampling of all legal firms in East London doing criminal work, ten attorneys were asked to participate in the study. A semi-structured interview based on a schedule of questions was used. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. The transcripts were analysed thematically. After ten interviews no new data was being generated and the topic was considered saturated. Further research is needed to build on the themes that emerged. The study argues that there is a place for social work services in criminal matters. It also, however, revealed that some of the respondents had had negative experiences when dealing with social workers. There were also positive responses and a commitment to establishing a more co-operative relationship between law and social work. Based on the research findings, the most important recommendation was to develop communication between the two professions and to provide inter-disciplinary training so as to promote an understanding of the roles and expectations of all involved in the criminal law process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
Women in paid domestic work and their children : an exploratory study
- Authors: Maqungu, Nomzamo Florence
- Date: 2002 , 2013-05-16
- Subjects: Household employees -- South Africa , Women, Black -- Employment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:711 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007476 , Household employees -- South Africa , Women, Black -- Employment -- South Africa
- Description: This study explores the views and experiences of domestic workers with regard to service conditions of their occupation, the arrangements they make for the care of their own children and the frequency of contact they make with their children. Data was obtained through use of pre - coded self administered questionnaires which were employed to 50 domestic women who are working in East London and its suburbs and have children under the age of 16 years. Semi-structured interviews were tape recorded and transcribed and the analysis process looked at general trends where qualitative data was obtained. Quantitative data was tabulated in frequency tables and interpreted by means of graphs. The study is pioneering efforts in the Eastern Cape and South Africa in general as well as setting a way forward for further exploration of this subject. It is hoped that the study will make a worthwhile contribution and bring upfront valuable information that could be used when addressing issues of domestic workers. The study also indirectly challenges those professions and disciplines who have been advocating on behalf of domestic workers to mobilize these workers towards taking part in the uplifting of their standards and to fInish up the good work they had already started until their aims have been achieved. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
- Authors: Maqungu, Nomzamo Florence
- Date: 2002 , 2013-05-16
- Subjects: Household employees -- South Africa , Women, Black -- Employment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:711 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007476 , Household employees -- South Africa , Women, Black -- Employment -- South Africa
- Description: This study explores the views and experiences of domestic workers with regard to service conditions of their occupation, the arrangements they make for the care of their own children and the frequency of contact they make with their children. Data was obtained through use of pre - coded self administered questionnaires which were employed to 50 domestic women who are working in East London and its suburbs and have children under the age of 16 years. Semi-structured interviews were tape recorded and transcribed and the analysis process looked at general trends where qualitative data was obtained. Quantitative data was tabulated in frequency tables and interpreted by means of graphs. The study is pioneering efforts in the Eastern Cape and South Africa in general as well as setting a way forward for further exploration of this subject. It is hoped that the study will make a worthwhile contribution and bring upfront valuable information that could be used when addressing issues of domestic workers. The study also indirectly challenges those professions and disciplines who have been advocating on behalf of domestic workers to mobilize these workers towards taking part in the uplifting of their standards and to fInish up the good work they had already started until their aims have been achieved. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
A qualitative study of intimate femicide : the perpetrator's perspective
- Authors: Macdougall, Lorraine
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Family violence -- South Africa , Violence -- Prevention -- Study and teaching , Family violence -- Prevention , Family violence -- Treatment , Criminals -- Counseling of , Murder -- South Africa , Murderers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:700 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006451 , Family violence -- South Africa , Violence -- Prevention -- Study and teaching , Family violence -- Prevention , Family violence -- Treatment , Criminals -- Counseling of , Murder -- South Africa , Murderers -- South Africa
- Description: This research study focused on five perpetrators’ experience and understanding of intimate femicide with the hope to develop insight into their experience and view of the crime. A secondary objective of the study was to assess the suitability of a community-based sentence for the crime committed. This study is believed to be a valuable contribution to the limited literature and research currently available on intimate femicide in South Africa. It appears to be the only South African study which focuses on the perpetrator’s experience and understanding of the crime. A major finding of this study is the perpetrator’s inability or unwillingness to take responsibility for the crime he committed and the projection of blame for the crime onto the victim. The perpetrators justified and/or rationalized the crime and appeared not to feel any remorse for the death of their intimate partner. The perpetrators were also unable to acknowledge or identify the negative effects of the crime on their children. Regarding the suitability of correctional supervision as a sentence option for perpetrators of intimate femicide this study questions the punitive and rehabilitative aspects of correctional supervision, as their was a lack of compliance with the sentence conditions (house arrest, community service, monitoring). Counselling appeared to only be offered on request or not at all. There are no anger management programmes offered or any reconstructive services for the child survivors of intimate femicide. This study ends with recommendations for counselling and groupwork programmes in the prevention and treatment of intimate femicide, strategies for the Criminal Jusice System and Department of Correctional Services, and with suggestions of areas for further research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Macdougall, Lorraine
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Family violence -- South Africa , Violence -- Prevention -- Study and teaching , Family violence -- Prevention , Family violence -- Treatment , Criminals -- Counseling of , Murder -- South Africa , Murderers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:700 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006451 , Family violence -- South Africa , Violence -- Prevention -- Study and teaching , Family violence -- Prevention , Family violence -- Treatment , Criminals -- Counseling of , Murder -- South Africa , Murderers -- South Africa
- Description: This research study focused on five perpetrators’ experience and understanding of intimate femicide with the hope to develop insight into their experience and view of the crime. A secondary objective of the study was to assess the suitability of a community-based sentence for the crime committed. This study is believed to be a valuable contribution to the limited literature and research currently available on intimate femicide in South Africa. It appears to be the only South African study which focuses on the perpetrator’s experience and understanding of the crime. A major finding of this study is the perpetrator’s inability or unwillingness to take responsibility for the crime he committed and the projection of blame for the crime onto the victim. The perpetrators justified and/or rationalized the crime and appeared not to feel any remorse for the death of their intimate partner. The perpetrators were also unable to acknowledge or identify the negative effects of the crime on their children. Regarding the suitability of correctional supervision as a sentence option for perpetrators of intimate femicide this study questions the punitive and rehabilitative aspects of correctional supervision, as their was a lack of compliance with the sentence conditions (house arrest, community service, monitoring). Counselling appeared to only be offered on request or not at all. There are no anger management programmes offered or any reconstructive services for the child survivors of intimate femicide. This study ends with recommendations for counselling and groupwork programmes in the prevention and treatment of intimate femicide, strategies for the Criminal Jusice System and Department of Correctional Services, and with suggestions of areas for further research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Ambivalence and paradox : the battered woman's interactions with the law and other helping resources
- Authors: Labe, Dana
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Family violence -- Law and legislation , Abused women , Wife abuse , Women -- Crimes against , Women -- Counseling of , Family violence -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:699 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006424 , Family violence -- Law and legislation , Abused women , Wife abuse , Women -- Crimes against , Women -- Counseling of , Family violence -- Prevention
- Description: This thesis explores how the battered woman attachment to her abusive partner impacts on her interactions with the legal system and non-legal resources. This qualitative research project is based on in-depth interviews conducted with seven abused women who procured interdicts in terms of the Prevention of Family Violence Act 133 of 1993 to restrain their husbands from assaulting them. The research reviews the nature of abuse suffered by the participants, their psychological attachments to their husbands, and their patterns of help-seeking in relation to the law and non-legal resources. Two main theoretical frameworks, psychoanalysis and feminism inform this study. The study found that the participants retained unrealistic hopes that their husbands would reform and become loving, caring partners, and that they treated their husbands with care and sympathy despite their husbands’ often brutal behaviour towards them. The findings suggest that the women’s behaviour towards their husbands was the product of two reality distorting psychological defences, splitting and the moral defence which they used to preserve their attachments to their abusive partners. These defences intersected with rigid patriarchal prescriptions of femininity which dictate that women should be stoically caring towards their husbands, and should hold relationships together no matter what the cost to themselves. The participants interactions with the legal system and with non-legal sources of help were structured by their reliance on splitting and the moral defence, and by the dictates of patriarchal ideology. Whilst it is undoubtedly true that at one level the participants sought help to get protection from abuse, the study shows that their help-seeking was motivated by their conflicting desires to punish and reform their husbands. The participants sought help in ways which enabled them to strike a compromise between expressing their anger at their husbands, whilst simultaneously preserving their psychological attachments to them. The study concludes that the women’s interactions with the law and with other helping resource reflect their attempts to preserve their paradoxical attachments to their husbands, and to stabilise their own fragile sense of self and gender identity
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Ambivalence and paradox : the battered woman's interactions with the law and other helping resources
- Authors: Labe, Dana
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Family violence -- Law and legislation , Abused women , Wife abuse , Women -- Crimes against , Women -- Counseling of , Family violence -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:699 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006424 , Family violence -- Law and legislation , Abused women , Wife abuse , Women -- Crimes against , Women -- Counseling of , Family violence -- Prevention
- Description: This thesis explores how the battered woman attachment to her abusive partner impacts on her interactions with the legal system and non-legal resources. This qualitative research project is based on in-depth interviews conducted with seven abused women who procured interdicts in terms of the Prevention of Family Violence Act 133 of 1993 to restrain their husbands from assaulting them. The research reviews the nature of abuse suffered by the participants, their psychological attachments to their husbands, and their patterns of help-seeking in relation to the law and non-legal resources. Two main theoretical frameworks, psychoanalysis and feminism inform this study. The study found that the participants retained unrealistic hopes that their husbands would reform and become loving, caring partners, and that they treated their husbands with care and sympathy despite their husbands’ often brutal behaviour towards them. The findings suggest that the women’s behaviour towards their husbands was the product of two reality distorting psychological defences, splitting and the moral defence which they used to preserve their attachments to their abusive partners. These defences intersected with rigid patriarchal prescriptions of femininity which dictate that women should be stoically caring towards their husbands, and should hold relationships together no matter what the cost to themselves. The participants interactions with the legal system and with non-legal sources of help were structured by their reliance on splitting and the moral defence, and by the dictates of patriarchal ideology. Whilst it is undoubtedly true that at one level the participants sought help to get protection from abuse, the study shows that their help-seeking was motivated by their conflicting desires to punish and reform their husbands. The participants sought help in ways which enabled them to strike a compromise between expressing their anger at their husbands, whilst simultaneously preserving their psychological attachments to them. The study concludes that the women’s interactions with the law and with other helping resource reflect their attempts to preserve their paradoxical attachments to their husbands, and to stabilise their own fragile sense of self and gender identity
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
An exploratory study of the experiences of black teenage mothers
- Authors: Mpetshwa, Nomonde
- Date: 2001 , 2012-06-20
- Subjects: Teenage pregnancy , Teenage pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Black teenage mothers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:704 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006470 , Teenage pregnancy , Teenage pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Black teenage mothers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: An exploratory descriptive design was used to explore the experiences of a sample of black teenage mothers of Libode, Ngqeleni and Port St Johns. A St Barnabas Hospital birth record register was used to select seven Xhosa speaking black teenage mothers, with children under a year old who have kept their children and are staying with their extended families. Qualitative interview was used to collect data from the abovementioned respondents. The data one want to use may not feasibly be available in any other form, so that asking people for their accounts, talking and listening to them, may be the only way to get at what you are interested in (Mason 1998:39). Qualitative interview was therefore used to collect data from the abovementioned respondents. Qualitative interview according to Mason (1998:38) involve one to one interaction as in this study, or a larger group, and it carries more advantages in data collection compared to other research tools. Some interesting information, which drew the researcher's attention, was gathered. Information such as the reaction by family members, community and its structures, and peers including teenage fathers, made the research more challenging. The anger showed by brothers of one of respondents raised the researcher's curiosity. Another interesting piece of information that was gathered was the negative reaction by the church. The researcher had no idea that the church can negatively involve itself in community affairs, but one of the respondents reported to have been encouraged by one of the church members to go on with her studies despite her pregnancy. The same applied to some schools, where pregnant teenagers were not allowed to continue schooling, while in other schools the same situation was allowed. The major findings were that, respondents have forfeited some of their favorite hobbies such as extra mural school activities, teenage activities and their lives have been negatively affected by their teenage motherhood in areas such as education, family relations, peer relations including their boyfriends and community. Again lack of support by people close to these young mothers including different professionals has also been identified. It has also transpired during this study that, teenagers can indeed be good mothers, but socioeconomic stress and lack of social support often prevent them from giving their babies a reasonable start in life. Amongst the recommendations made undertaking a bigger study has been suggested
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Mpetshwa, Nomonde
- Date: 2001 , 2012-06-20
- Subjects: Teenage pregnancy , Teenage pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Black teenage mothers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:704 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006470 , Teenage pregnancy , Teenage pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Black teenage mothers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: An exploratory descriptive design was used to explore the experiences of a sample of black teenage mothers of Libode, Ngqeleni and Port St Johns. A St Barnabas Hospital birth record register was used to select seven Xhosa speaking black teenage mothers, with children under a year old who have kept their children and are staying with their extended families. Qualitative interview was used to collect data from the abovementioned respondents. The data one want to use may not feasibly be available in any other form, so that asking people for their accounts, talking and listening to them, may be the only way to get at what you are interested in (Mason 1998:39). Qualitative interview was therefore used to collect data from the abovementioned respondents. Qualitative interview according to Mason (1998:38) involve one to one interaction as in this study, or a larger group, and it carries more advantages in data collection compared to other research tools. Some interesting information, which drew the researcher's attention, was gathered. Information such as the reaction by family members, community and its structures, and peers including teenage fathers, made the research more challenging. The anger showed by brothers of one of respondents raised the researcher's curiosity. Another interesting piece of information that was gathered was the negative reaction by the church. The researcher had no idea that the church can negatively involve itself in community affairs, but one of the respondents reported to have been encouraged by one of the church members to go on with her studies despite her pregnancy. The same applied to some schools, where pregnant teenagers were not allowed to continue schooling, while in other schools the same situation was allowed. The major findings were that, respondents have forfeited some of their favorite hobbies such as extra mural school activities, teenage activities and their lives have been negatively affected by their teenage motherhood in areas such as education, family relations, peer relations including their boyfriends and community. Again lack of support by people close to these young mothers including different professionals has also been identified. It has also transpired during this study that, teenagers can indeed be good mothers, but socioeconomic stress and lack of social support often prevent them from giving their babies a reasonable start in life. Amongst the recommendations made undertaking a bigger study has been suggested
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Challenges facing probation officers working with young persons in conflict with the law
- Authors: Volsak, Nobubele
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Probation officers Probation officers -- Attitudes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Juvenile delinquents Probation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:710 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006534
- Description: This study aimed at focusing on the challenges facing probation officers working with young persons in conflict with the law, in the Eastern region, which forms part of the Eastern Cape Province. The main purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of probation officers in terms of the legislation that they are using when making decisions pertaining to young persons and the types of programmes that they offer to young persons for diversion and prevention purposes. The researcher also wanted to generate a greater understanding of the resources which probation officers have and need in order to run their programmes successfully to young persons, as well as to explore their feelings about working with young persons. The researcher did some literature review in relation to this field, where it became evident that probation services in respect of young persons in conflict with the law, is a relatively new field of specialisation in South Africa. This field started around 1995 as a result of the Inter - Ministerial Committee (IMC) on young people at risk, which was set up to respond and manage the crisis of more than one thousand children who were released from prisons and police cells. The IMC then, identified probation officers as leading role players in dealing with young persons in conflict with the law. An exploratory (non - experimental) design was used to carry out the research. A qualitative research method was also used as it attempts to describe and explain social reality from the points of view of the participants. This is because the researcher was interested to find out the experiences of probation officers in relation to their work with young persons. A non - probability purposive sample of all (11) probation officers was used. A semi - structured interview schedule with both closed and open - ended questions was used to collect data. All the information gathered from those personal interviews, was analysed by hand because the researcher wanted to interpret and produce social explanations. The findings of this small - scale study have revealed that there are a number of challenges facing probation officers. For example presently there is no comprehensive legislation for the management of young persons caught up in the criminal justice system. Instead, limited provisions are spread throughout a number of separate statutes, which make it difficult for probation officers to apply them. This study has also revealed that there is a shortage of human and material resources, which somehow impact negatively on how probation officers render services to their clientele. All probation officers in this study have positive feelings and attitudes about their work despite the fact that there are some challenges facing them that need to be addressed. Specific recommendations have been made based on the findings of this study, which could contribute to the development of probation services in respect of young persons in conf lict with the law
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Volsak, Nobubele
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Probation officers Probation officers -- Attitudes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Juvenile delinquents Probation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:710 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006534
- Description: This study aimed at focusing on the challenges facing probation officers working with young persons in conflict with the law, in the Eastern region, which forms part of the Eastern Cape Province. The main purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of probation officers in terms of the legislation that they are using when making decisions pertaining to young persons and the types of programmes that they offer to young persons for diversion and prevention purposes. The researcher also wanted to generate a greater understanding of the resources which probation officers have and need in order to run their programmes successfully to young persons, as well as to explore their feelings about working with young persons. The researcher did some literature review in relation to this field, where it became evident that probation services in respect of young persons in conflict with the law, is a relatively new field of specialisation in South Africa. This field started around 1995 as a result of the Inter - Ministerial Committee (IMC) on young people at risk, which was set up to respond and manage the crisis of more than one thousand children who were released from prisons and police cells. The IMC then, identified probation officers as leading role players in dealing with young persons in conflict with the law. An exploratory (non - experimental) design was used to carry out the research. A qualitative research method was also used as it attempts to describe and explain social reality from the points of view of the participants. This is because the researcher was interested to find out the experiences of probation officers in relation to their work with young persons. A non - probability purposive sample of all (11) probation officers was used. A semi - structured interview schedule with both closed and open - ended questions was used to collect data. All the information gathered from those personal interviews, was analysed by hand because the researcher wanted to interpret and produce social explanations. The findings of this small - scale study have revealed that there are a number of challenges facing probation officers. For example presently there is no comprehensive legislation for the management of young persons caught up in the criminal justice system. Instead, limited provisions are spread throughout a number of separate statutes, which make it difficult for probation officers to apply them. This study has also revealed that there is a shortage of human and material resources, which somehow impact negatively on how probation officers render services to their clientele. All probation officers in this study have positive feelings and attitudes about their work despite the fact that there are some challenges facing them that need to be addressed. Specific recommendations have been made based on the findings of this study, which could contribute to the development of probation services in respect of young persons in conf lict with the law
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Exploring job satisfaction amongst government social workers in East London
- Authors: Sela, Michelle
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Social workers -- Supervision of , Social workers -- Professional ethics , Social workers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Attitudes , Social service -- Vocational guidance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:705 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006499 , Social workers -- Supervision of , Social workers -- Professional ethics , Social workers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Attitudes , Social service -- Vocational guidance
- Description: During this research an attempt was made to gain an understanding of job satisfaction amongst government social workers. To achieve this, twenty social workers employed at the Department of Welfare in East London and Mdantsane were interviewed. South African literature on this topic is limited and it is believed that this study will present a valuable basis to pursue in further research. Literature that was consulted was found to be supportive of the theoretical notion that social work has long been recognised as being a stressful profession and that the nature of social work practice itself can be potentially stressful. The study found that there are many stressors and dissatisfactions which government social workers are currently experiencing. Some of the social workers have indicated a desire to leave the profession as a result of the dissatisfactions. The study findings suggest a need for combining oganisational with individual oriented initiatives to decrease the many stressors the social workers are experiencing. The thesis ends with recommendations of various strategies for addressing the concerns of the social workers in order to increase their job satisfaction
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Sela, Michelle
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Social workers -- Supervision of , Social workers -- Professional ethics , Social workers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Attitudes , Social service -- Vocational guidance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:705 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006499 , Social workers -- Supervision of , Social workers -- Professional ethics , Social workers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Attitudes , Social service -- Vocational guidance
- Description: During this research an attempt was made to gain an understanding of job satisfaction amongst government social workers. To achieve this, twenty social workers employed at the Department of Welfare in East London and Mdantsane were interviewed. South African literature on this topic is limited and it is believed that this study will present a valuable basis to pursue in further research. Literature that was consulted was found to be supportive of the theoretical notion that social work has long been recognised as being a stressful profession and that the nature of social work practice itself can be potentially stressful. The study found that there are many stressors and dissatisfactions which government social workers are currently experiencing. Some of the social workers have indicated a desire to leave the profession as a result of the dissatisfactions. The study findings suggest a need for combining oganisational with individual oriented initiatives to decrease the many stressors the social workers are experiencing. The thesis ends with recommendations of various strategies for addressing the concerns of the social workers in order to increase their job satisfaction
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
The experiences of couples in relationships characterized by alcohol dependency
- Authors: Mgilane, Nomgcobo Eunice
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Alcoholism -- South Africa Alcoholics -- Family relationships Alcoholics' spouses -- South Africa Alcoholics -- South Africa -- Conduct of life
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:702 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006461
- Description: The study focused on the expenences of Xhosa-speaking couples in relationships characterized by alcohol dependency. The goal was to generate greater understanding of the descriptions of relationship issues faced by alcohol dependent respondents and their partners. Specifically, the study focused on exploring how the alcohol dependent respondents relate to their partners, their behaviour at home when drinking prior to their admission for rehabilitation, the experiences of their partners in living with alcohol dependent partners and how they coped with the situation. In order to meet this goal, literature and empirical studies were conducted. The literature study focuses on the alcohol dependent individual's behaviour, his emotions, relapse, the family's coping strategies, alcohol and marital problems and the role of the social worker as part of the rehabilitation team. During the empirical research phase, a non-probability purposive sampling procedure was adopted. Fifteen alcohol dependent clients who were admitted for treatment and rehabilitation at Thembelitsha Rehabilitation Centre (TRC) were selected. These clients were admitted to TRC during the period starting from January 1997 to June 1999 and were discharged to their homes during the research study. To collect data, interviews were conducted separately to a total of thirty respondents. Two interview schedules were used, one for the alcohol dependent respondents (Appendix A) and the other for their partners (Appendix B). This study revealed a remarkable consistency in the descriptions of relationship issues faced by alcohol dependent respondents and their partners. These are abusive behaviours by alcohol dependent respondents. The partners were reluctant and feared challenging the behaviour. The way in which partners responded to drinking and the reactions of alcohol dependent respondents are indicative of the difficult issues faced by the couples. The study also revealed that couples experience communication, financial and sexual relationship problems. The study concludes with recommendations based on the research findings
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Mgilane, Nomgcobo Eunice
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Alcoholism -- South Africa Alcoholics -- Family relationships Alcoholics' spouses -- South Africa Alcoholics -- South Africa -- Conduct of life
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:702 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006461
- Description: The study focused on the expenences of Xhosa-speaking couples in relationships characterized by alcohol dependency. The goal was to generate greater understanding of the descriptions of relationship issues faced by alcohol dependent respondents and their partners. Specifically, the study focused on exploring how the alcohol dependent respondents relate to their partners, their behaviour at home when drinking prior to their admission for rehabilitation, the experiences of their partners in living with alcohol dependent partners and how they coped with the situation. In order to meet this goal, literature and empirical studies were conducted. The literature study focuses on the alcohol dependent individual's behaviour, his emotions, relapse, the family's coping strategies, alcohol and marital problems and the role of the social worker as part of the rehabilitation team. During the empirical research phase, a non-probability purposive sampling procedure was adopted. Fifteen alcohol dependent clients who were admitted for treatment and rehabilitation at Thembelitsha Rehabilitation Centre (TRC) were selected. These clients were admitted to TRC during the period starting from January 1997 to June 1999 and were discharged to their homes during the research study. To collect data, interviews were conducted separately to a total of thirty respondents. Two interview schedules were used, one for the alcohol dependent respondents (Appendix A) and the other for their partners (Appendix B). This study revealed a remarkable consistency in the descriptions of relationship issues faced by alcohol dependent respondents and their partners. These are abusive behaviours by alcohol dependent respondents. The partners were reluctant and feared challenging the behaviour. The way in which partners responded to drinking and the reactions of alcohol dependent respondents are indicative of the difficult issues faced by the couples. The study also revealed that couples experience communication, financial and sexual relationship problems. The study concludes with recommendations based on the research findings
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
The need for formal training in social work supervision
- Authors: Moss, Antoinette Rosemary
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Social workers -- Supervision of , Social workers -- Training of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:703 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006466 , Social workers -- Supervision of , Social workers -- Training of
- Description: The research is based on the need for formal training in social work supervision with the emphasis on the experiences and feelings associated with the role change from supervisee to supervisor. Practice has shown that the transition from supervisee to supervisor takes place with very little, if any, formal training. It is assumed that any experienced social worker could give supervision as if this is merely an extension of your field work activities – which include casework, group work and community work. Whilst doing supervision cognisance was taken of the fact that the task of the supervisor was to help the supervisee gain access to a more advantageous position from which to consider or view their work. A supervisor had a crucial role in professional development. The opinion is upheld that there has to be a working alliance to attain this development. This working alliance can be taken further when viewed by the fact that the supervisor also has to establish communication networks that enable the supervisor to work both at a managerial level while maintaining positive relationships with his or her supervisees – a process which is fraught with complications. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fourteen social work supervisors and a focus group was conducted with five social work supervisors from the Department of Welfare and Private Welfare Organizations. These interviews were conducted to obtain their perspectives on the need for training in social work supervision and how training could help them in their supervision role which ultimately could result in a more efficient service that is rendered to the client. The data analysis was conducted at the same time as the data collection. The researcher had a clear plan for the data management. The researcher utilized reasoning strategies, identified themes, categories and subcategories. It was borne in mind that there was no one way of performing data analysis. The researcher was open and flexible. Final conclusions of the data analysis was grounded in the data obtained. The key issue in ensuring the trustworthiness was the verification of the results of the data analysis. The research study suggests that there is a genuine need for formal training in social work supervision. With training the supervisors can develop competencies, knowledge and professional attitudes, they can be helpful to neophytes and to each other. With training they can avoid some of the pitfalls in supervision and become more efficient and competent
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Moss, Antoinette Rosemary
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Social workers -- Supervision of , Social workers -- Training of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:703 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006466 , Social workers -- Supervision of , Social workers -- Training of
- Description: The research is based on the need for formal training in social work supervision with the emphasis on the experiences and feelings associated with the role change from supervisee to supervisor. Practice has shown that the transition from supervisee to supervisor takes place with very little, if any, formal training. It is assumed that any experienced social worker could give supervision as if this is merely an extension of your field work activities – which include casework, group work and community work. Whilst doing supervision cognisance was taken of the fact that the task of the supervisor was to help the supervisee gain access to a more advantageous position from which to consider or view their work. A supervisor had a crucial role in professional development. The opinion is upheld that there has to be a working alliance to attain this development. This working alliance can be taken further when viewed by the fact that the supervisor also has to establish communication networks that enable the supervisor to work both at a managerial level while maintaining positive relationships with his or her supervisees – a process which is fraught with complications. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fourteen social work supervisors and a focus group was conducted with five social work supervisors from the Department of Welfare and Private Welfare Organizations. These interviews were conducted to obtain their perspectives on the need for training in social work supervision and how training could help them in their supervision role which ultimately could result in a more efficient service that is rendered to the client. The data analysis was conducted at the same time as the data collection. The researcher had a clear plan for the data management. The researcher utilized reasoning strategies, identified themes, categories and subcategories. It was borne in mind that there was no one way of performing data analysis. The researcher was open and flexible. Final conclusions of the data analysis was grounded in the data obtained. The key issue in ensuring the trustworthiness was the verification of the results of the data analysis. The research study suggests that there is a genuine need for formal training in social work supervision. With training the supervisors can develop competencies, knowledge and professional attitudes, they can be helpful to neophytes and to each other. With training they can avoid some of the pitfalls in supervision and become more efficient and competent
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Criteria social workers employ in making child custody recommendations
- Authors: Froneman, Anna Petronella
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Custody of children -- South Africa Social work with children -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:696 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006414
- Description: During this study, an attempt was made to investigate the process employed by social workers in conducting child custody evaluations and making decisions related to the process, as well as to provide insight into which criteria are currently being used. The goal was to explore the perceived usefulness of these criteria from the perspective of social work, and to assess the adequacy of the requirements of the custody report in reflecting the above process and decision-making. In order to meet this goal, literature and empirical studies were conducted. The literature study focuses on the history of child custody matters, custody decision-making and legislation, types of custody arrangements, criteria social workers employ in making child custody recommendations, evaluator bias and custody evaluation reports. During the empirical research phase, a non-probability purposive sampling procedure was adopted. Five family counsellors from the office of the family advocate serving the Eastern Cape were selected. After an interview schedule was compiled to cover certain topics and their sequence, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the family counsellors. In order to compare the criteria stated in the interviews with the criteria applied in the custody reports, three cases from each family counsellor were selected and the final custody report and recommendation were studied. This study has revealed the following: some of the family counsellors experience proqlems with the process of custody evaluations; certain aspects regarding the process are not in line with some ofthe literature; some of the criteria used by the family counsellors are not evident in the custody reports and are not discussed in detail; a lack of training exists for the family counsellors; and the family counsellors experience some form of bias. Finally, based on the research findings, recommendations were made regarding the process of custody evaluation, the criteria social workers employ when conducting child custody evaluations, training and bias of family counsellors, the role of the family advocate and possible future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Froneman, Anna Petronella
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Custody of children -- South Africa Social work with children -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:696 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006414
- Description: During this study, an attempt was made to investigate the process employed by social workers in conducting child custody evaluations and making decisions related to the process, as well as to provide insight into which criteria are currently being used. The goal was to explore the perceived usefulness of these criteria from the perspective of social work, and to assess the adequacy of the requirements of the custody report in reflecting the above process and decision-making. In order to meet this goal, literature and empirical studies were conducted. The literature study focuses on the history of child custody matters, custody decision-making and legislation, types of custody arrangements, criteria social workers employ in making child custody recommendations, evaluator bias and custody evaluation reports. During the empirical research phase, a non-probability purposive sampling procedure was adopted. Five family counsellors from the office of the family advocate serving the Eastern Cape were selected. After an interview schedule was compiled to cover certain topics and their sequence, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the family counsellors. In order to compare the criteria stated in the interviews with the criteria applied in the custody reports, three cases from each family counsellor were selected and the final custody report and recommendation were studied. This study has revealed the following: some of the family counsellors experience proqlems with the process of custody evaluations; certain aspects regarding the process are not in line with some ofthe literature; some of the criteria used by the family counsellors are not evident in the custody reports and are not discussed in detail; a lack of training exists for the family counsellors; and the family counsellors experience some form of bias. Finally, based on the research findings, recommendations were made regarding the process of custody evaluation, the criteria social workers employ when conducting child custody evaluations, training and bias of family counsellors, the role of the family advocate and possible future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
Exploring the needs and experiences of the social worker as an intermediary
- Authors: Jarman, Renette
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Social workers , Mediation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:698 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006419 , Social workers , Mediation
- Description: During this research an attempt was made to gain an understanding of the experiences and needs of the social workers acting as intermediaries for the sexually abused children in the criminal court during the trials of perpetrators. To achieve this, ten social workers that have performed the role of intermediary were interviewed. Research as well as literature on this topic is limited and it is believed that this study will present a valuable basis to pursue in further research as well as assist social workers already rendering intermediary services. Literature that was available was found to be critical of the adversarial system and the negative elements associated with the system, especially for the child witness. The study found that there are many problems associated with the intermediary system. The most important issue is the delay between the decision to prosecute and the trial as this impacts negatively on the child witness. In addition social workers acting as intermediaries are inadequately trained and are not supervised in this role. As a result very few are willing to continue with the procedure. Nevertheless the intermediary system is adjudged better than the adversarial system, especially as the child witness no longer has to face the alleged perpetrator in an open court. The thesis ends with recommendations for addressing the concerns of intermediaries in order to strengthen the system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Jarman, Renette
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Social workers , Mediation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:698 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006419 , Social workers , Mediation
- Description: During this research an attempt was made to gain an understanding of the experiences and needs of the social workers acting as intermediaries for the sexually abused children in the criminal court during the trials of perpetrators. To achieve this, ten social workers that have performed the role of intermediary were interviewed. Research as well as literature on this topic is limited and it is believed that this study will present a valuable basis to pursue in further research as well as assist social workers already rendering intermediary services. Literature that was available was found to be critical of the adversarial system and the negative elements associated with the system, especially for the child witness. The study found that there are many problems associated with the intermediary system. The most important issue is the delay between the decision to prosecute and the trial as this impacts negatively on the child witness. In addition social workers acting as intermediaries are inadequately trained and are not supervised in this role. As a result very few are willing to continue with the procedure. Nevertheless the intermediary system is adjudged better than the adversarial system, especially as the child witness no longer has to face the alleged perpetrator in an open court. The thesis ends with recommendations for addressing the concerns of intermediaries in order to strengthen the system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
Perspectives on inter-professional collaboration : mediation
- Authors: Tatchell, Dolores
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Divorce mediation -- South Africa , Custody of children-- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:707 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006519 , Divorce mediation -- South Africa , Custody of children-- South Africa
- Description: This research is based on the continuous search for alternatives in dealing with custody and access of minor children in divorcing families. In spite of the Mediation in Certain Divorce Matters Act, 1987, providing for mediation, it did not lead to the widespread implementation of mediation as an alternative form of dispute resolution in divorce matters. The family advocate as provided for in the Act, serves to protect the interest of minor children in disputes. However, custody evaluation is still used to determine the custody of minor children. Custody evaluation comprises an in depth study and assessment of the structure and functioning of the family made by a social worker and written up in the form of an evaluative report which is then submitted to the family advocate. It occurred to the researcher that there had to be better ways of dealing with custody disputes and consequently the damage done by the parents who fight over their children without any regard for the children’s feelings. It was considered an option to find out from the professionals directly involved with divorce and custody disputes why they have not considered alternatives, such as mediation, to resolve the disputes arising out of a divorce. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five social workers and five attorneys to gain their perspectives on mediation, how the two professions could cooperate to assist divorcing couples and how inter-professional collaboration could be used to promote the use of mediation in East London. The family advocate was identified as a key role player. The possibility of mandatory mediation was raised with recommendations that it be considered. The co-mediation model was raised to enhance inter-professional collaboration. Social workers see their role as mediating custody issues where the attorneys see their role as mediating division of property and assets. Both professions recognize that they have their own unique contribution to make. Both social workers and attorneys have been found to be willing to collaborate with each other to make a mediation service available to divorcing couples
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Tatchell, Dolores
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Divorce mediation -- South Africa , Custody of children-- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:707 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006519 , Divorce mediation -- South Africa , Custody of children-- South Africa
- Description: This research is based on the continuous search for alternatives in dealing with custody and access of minor children in divorcing families. In spite of the Mediation in Certain Divorce Matters Act, 1987, providing for mediation, it did not lead to the widespread implementation of mediation as an alternative form of dispute resolution in divorce matters. The family advocate as provided for in the Act, serves to protect the interest of minor children in disputes. However, custody evaluation is still used to determine the custody of minor children. Custody evaluation comprises an in depth study and assessment of the structure and functioning of the family made by a social worker and written up in the form of an evaluative report which is then submitted to the family advocate. It occurred to the researcher that there had to be better ways of dealing with custody disputes and consequently the damage done by the parents who fight over their children without any regard for the children’s feelings. It was considered an option to find out from the professionals directly involved with divorce and custody disputes why they have not considered alternatives, such as mediation, to resolve the disputes arising out of a divorce. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five social workers and five attorneys to gain their perspectives on mediation, how the two professions could cooperate to assist divorcing couples and how inter-professional collaboration could be used to promote the use of mediation in East London. The family advocate was identified as a key role player. The possibility of mandatory mediation was raised with recommendations that it be considered. The co-mediation model was raised to enhance inter-professional collaboration. Social workers see their role as mediating custody issues where the attorneys see their role as mediating division of property and assets. Both professions recognize that they have their own unique contribution to make. Both social workers and attorneys have been found to be willing to collaborate with each other to make a mediation service available to divorcing couples
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
Social workers perceptions on unionisation and collective bargaining : an exploratory study of the central region of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Dyakala, Tumeka
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Social workers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Attitudes , Labor unions -- South Africa , Collective bargaining -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:695 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006405 , Social workers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Attitudes , Labor unions -- South Africa , Collective bargaining -- South Africa
- Description: This study explores primarily the views of social workers in the Central region of the Eastern Cape on unionisation and collective bargaining, and at a secondary level the views of their employers and of the trade unions organising social workers, regarding social workers' involvement and non-involvement in these processes. It examines the paradox of compatibility of professionalism and unionism. There are two schools of thought regarding compatibility of professionalism and unionisation one views these concepts as antagonistic whilst the other views these concepts as complementary. Some social workers have been reluctant to participate in trade unions in the past until recently. Reasons advanced for their recent accelerated involvement in trade unions are explored in this study. Social workers views on the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 as the source of the legal framework, within which trade unions and employers interact, through the process of collective bargaining are explored. Proposed alternative mechanisms to these processes as perceived by social workers are closely examined. Semi-structured, self administered questionnaires were distributed to social workers whilst semi-structured interviews were conducted with employer representatives and trade union officials. This helped the researcher to have a broader view of the situation. Findings point to a scenario of disunity of both employers and employees in the social work profession. The study is a pioneering effort in the Central region and sets a way forward for further exploration of this subject. It is hoped that this study will make a worthwhile contribution to the social work profession's industrial relations field
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Dyakala, Tumeka
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Social workers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Attitudes , Labor unions -- South Africa , Collective bargaining -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:695 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006405 , Social workers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Attitudes , Labor unions -- South Africa , Collective bargaining -- South Africa
- Description: This study explores primarily the views of social workers in the Central region of the Eastern Cape on unionisation and collective bargaining, and at a secondary level the views of their employers and of the trade unions organising social workers, regarding social workers' involvement and non-involvement in these processes. It examines the paradox of compatibility of professionalism and unionism. There are two schools of thought regarding compatibility of professionalism and unionisation one views these concepts as antagonistic whilst the other views these concepts as complementary. Some social workers have been reluctant to participate in trade unions in the past until recently. Reasons advanced for their recent accelerated involvement in trade unions are explored in this study. Social workers views on the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 as the source of the legal framework, within which trade unions and employers interact, through the process of collective bargaining are explored. Proposed alternative mechanisms to these processes as perceived by social workers are closely examined. Semi-structured, self administered questionnaires were distributed to social workers whilst semi-structured interviews were conducted with employer representatives and trade union officials. This helped the researcher to have a broader view of the situation. Findings point to a scenario of disunity of both employers and employees in the social work profession. The study is a pioneering effort in the Central region and sets a way forward for further exploration of this subject. It is hoped that this study will make a worthwhile contribution to the social work profession's industrial relations field
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
An exploration of the factors which promote and impede correctional supervision effectiveness with regard to the juvenile or youth offenders
- Authors: Van Zyl, Claudette
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Juvenile corrections , Juvenile delinquency , Juvenile delinquents. , Social work with juvenile delinquents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:709 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006529 , Juvenile corrections , Juvenile delinquency , Juvenile delinquents. , Social work with juvenile delinquents
- Description: Youth Crime is increasing at an alarming rate and imprisonment as the only measure of punishment has become a contentious issue for the South African Correctional Services. National and international awareness has been raised about young people at risk in the 1992 campaign" Justice for the children: No child should be caged". In the words of Ruth Morris: " Prisons are not the greatest. They breed bitterness and crime, destroy people who work and live in them and its not nice to cage your fellow human beings. Prisons cost more than the best university education, while giving appalling results". (1993 (1) SA 476). The question that needs to be asked is whether imprisonment really does effect the punitive motives of deterrence, retribution, protecting the community and rehabilitation of the offender. The introduction of correctional supervision as a sentencing option has ushered in a new phase in our criminal justice system. The South African Model of correctional supervision is described as a community-based sentence that is served within the community and the probationer is subject to stringent conditions such as house arrest, community service, monitoring and the attendance of treatment programmes. The study aimed to: * identify the variables that appear to be operating in determining the successful and or unsuccessful correctional supervision sentences with young offenders; (the terms effectiveness and successful are used interchangeably). * contribute to a better understanding of working with young offenders in the community and to make positive recommendations concerning their rehabilitation. The design applied in this study was the exploratory-descriptive design. It was exploratory since the field of correctional supervision at this stage is not well developed and descriptive because the researcher described features of this phenomenon. This was combined with an empirical investigation that explored the youths experience on correctional supervision. Another component of the empirical investigation consisted of how the parents or significant other as well as the supervision committee perceived the respondents adjustment on correctional supervision. The findings of the empirical investigation clearly showed that although the respondents found house arrest extremely difficult to comply with, their overall functioning and adjustment in the community was positive. Factors that emerged from the study that can promote a successful correctional supervision sentence were factors such as positive support systems that can instill discipline, no involvement in gangsterism, no family pathologies such as alcoholism, family violence and financial problems. Factors such as negative attitude of staff members, familial problems, stringent house arrest conditions, financial problems impeded the youths functioning on correctional supervision. The correctional social worker together with the multi-disciplinary team both have a cardinal role to play in the treatment of the young offender. The various professions with their expertise have a major role to play in the treatment programmes geared to assist the young offender to reintegrate and function positively in the community
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Van Zyl, Claudette
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Juvenile corrections , Juvenile delinquency , Juvenile delinquents. , Social work with juvenile delinquents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:709 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006529 , Juvenile corrections , Juvenile delinquency , Juvenile delinquents. , Social work with juvenile delinquents
- Description: Youth Crime is increasing at an alarming rate and imprisonment as the only measure of punishment has become a contentious issue for the South African Correctional Services. National and international awareness has been raised about young people at risk in the 1992 campaign" Justice for the children: No child should be caged". In the words of Ruth Morris: " Prisons are not the greatest. They breed bitterness and crime, destroy people who work and live in them and its not nice to cage your fellow human beings. Prisons cost more than the best university education, while giving appalling results". (1993 (1) SA 476). The question that needs to be asked is whether imprisonment really does effect the punitive motives of deterrence, retribution, protecting the community and rehabilitation of the offender. The introduction of correctional supervision as a sentencing option has ushered in a new phase in our criminal justice system. The South African Model of correctional supervision is described as a community-based sentence that is served within the community and the probationer is subject to stringent conditions such as house arrest, community service, monitoring and the attendance of treatment programmes. The study aimed to: * identify the variables that appear to be operating in determining the successful and or unsuccessful correctional supervision sentences with young offenders; (the terms effectiveness and successful are used interchangeably). * contribute to a better understanding of working with young offenders in the community and to make positive recommendations concerning their rehabilitation. The design applied in this study was the exploratory-descriptive design. It was exploratory since the field of correctional supervision at this stage is not well developed and descriptive because the researcher described features of this phenomenon. This was combined with an empirical investigation that explored the youths experience on correctional supervision. Another component of the empirical investigation consisted of how the parents or significant other as well as the supervision committee perceived the respondents adjustment on correctional supervision. The findings of the empirical investigation clearly showed that although the respondents found house arrest extremely difficult to comply with, their overall functioning and adjustment in the community was positive. Factors that emerged from the study that can promote a successful correctional supervision sentence were factors such as positive support systems that can instill discipline, no involvement in gangsterism, no family pathologies such as alcoholism, family violence and financial problems. Factors such as negative attitude of staff members, familial problems, stringent house arrest conditions, financial problems impeded the youths functioning on correctional supervision. The correctional social worker together with the multi-disciplinary team both have a cardinal role to play in the treatment of the young offender. The various professions with their expertise have a major role to play in the treatment programmes geared to assist the young offender to reintegrate and function positively in the community
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
An investigation into the implementation of group work, as a method of social work intervention, in health settings in South Africa
- Authors: Caires, Juliet Margarita
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Social group work , Community health services -- South Africa , Medical care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:691 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006373 , Social group work , Community health services -- South Africa , Medical care -- South Africa
- Description: This research aims to discover whether social workers employed in health settings in South Africa use group work as a method of intervention with patients. It attempts to explore in which hospitals (or particular patient populations) group work is considered possible, and to discover to what extent social workers in health settings consider group work to be beneficial to patients. It also attempts to discover some of the potential difficulties experienced in initiating group work in medical settings. An effort is also made to establish, from social workers active and experienced in the field of medical social work,what place group work might have in the broader context of health services in the future. Data was obtained through the use of mailed questionnaires, which were sent to 186 health settings, across South Africa. These settings were chosen according to the following priorities: i) those known to have social workers ii) services offered (e.g. oncology, psychotherapy) iii) size of the setting iv) geographical location (both urban and rural in all nine provinces). The sample included general public and private hospitals, psychiatric hospitals (both public and private), mining hospitals and other health settings such as old age homes and facilities for the mentally retarded and for alcohol and drug rehabilitation (accompanied by a medical facility). Responses were received from 90 health settings, with 64 of these being completed questionnaires. The majority of responses came from public hospitals, and the least from the mining hospital category. Findings of this study indicate that group work is used by 50% of the health settings in South Africa. Groups are most often therapeutic or educational in nature, are run on average once a week for an hour, and are usually of open membership. Group work is not used in some health settings, most commonly due to insufficient time (on the part of the social worker). From the findings, it seems that many more social workers would like to run groups for patients than they do presently. The benefits of group work are acknowledged by the majority of this study's sample of social workers, and if solutions could be found to problems such as heavy caseloads and insufficient time, more social workers would choose to use group work than are doing so currently. Group work is considered to be a feasible method, both in the hospitals and at primary health care level. With South Africa's growing emphasis on primary health care, and the proposed inclusion (by the Department of Health) of social work services at this level, it is important that social workers find a way in which to meet the needs of patients at both levels. With group work, this may be possible.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Caires, Juliet Margarita
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Social group work , Community health services -- South Africa , Medical care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:691 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006373 , Social group work , Community health services -- South Africa , Medical care -- South Africa
- Description: This research aims to discover whether social workers employed in health settings in South Africa use group work as a method of intervention with patients. It attempts to explore in which hospitals (or particular patient populations) group work is considered possible, and to discover to what extent social workers in health settings consider group work to be beneficial to patients. It also attempts to discover some of the potential difficulties experienced in initiating group work in medical settings. An effort is also made to establish, from social workers active and experienced in the field of medical social work,what place group work might have in the broader context of health services in the future. Data was obtained through the use of mailed questionnaires, which were sent to 186 health settings, across South Africa. These settings were chosen according to the following priorities: i) those known to have social workers ii) services offered (e.g. oncology, psychotherapy) iii) size of the setting iv) geographical location (both urban and rural in all nine provinces). The sample included general public and private hospitals, psychiatric hospitals (both public and private), mining hospitals and other health settings such as old age homes and facilities for the mentally retarded and for alcohol and drug rehabilitation (accompanied by a medical facility). Responses were received from 90 health settings, with 64 of these being completed questionnaires. The majority of responses came from public hospitals, and the least from the mining hospital category. Findings of this study indicate that group work is used by 50% of the health settings in South Africa. Groups are most often therapeutic or educational in nature, are run on average once a week for an hour, and are usually of open membership. Group work is not used in some health settings, most commonly due to insufficient time (on the part of the social worker). From the findings, it seems that many more social workers would like to run groups for patients than they do presently. The benefits of group work are acknowledged by the majority of this study's sample of social workers, and if solutions could be found to problems such as heavy caseloads and insufficient time, more social workers would choose to use group work than are doing so currently. Group work is considered to be a feasible method, both in the hospitals and at primary health care level. With South Africa's growing emphasis on primary health care, and the proposed inclusion (by the Department of Health) of social work services at this level, it is important that social workers find a way in which to meet the needs of patients at both levels. With group work, this may be possible.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
Barrier-free tourism in the natural environment for people with physical disabilities with specific reference to Eastern Cape facilities
- Authors: Chapman, Sally Lynn
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: People with disabilities -- Travel -- South Africa , People with disabilities -- Services for -- South Africa , Game reserves -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Trails -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:693 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006384 , People with disabilities -- Travel -- South Africa , People with disabilities -- Services for -- South Africa , Game reserves -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Trails -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Social workers are becoming increasingly involved in community projects, thus allowing them to reach more people. One of these areas involves the sensitising of society in the removal of barriers which prevent people with disabilities from living balanced and integrated lives. One aspect requiring particular attention is the natural environment which, until recently, has been neglected. In order to increase the knowledge of the researcher in the field of environmental accessibility, twenty six people with physical disabilities were interviewed to ascertain which factors they saw as important and relevant when assessing the natural environment. Their ideas were incorporated into practical assessments of a game reserve and a possible hiking trail for people with disabilities. As it is of vital importance to include the consumers in studies of this nature, selected people with varying abilities and disabilities assisted in these "hands on" studies. Qualitative interviews were also conducted on the owners of facilities who were in the process of making their facilities accessible. This allowed the researcher and selected people with disabilities to evaluate positive and negative experiences, thus adding to their knowledge base and building capacity for people with disabilities
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
- Authors: Chapman, Sally Lynn
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: People with disabilities -- Travel -- South Africa , People with disabilities -- Services for -- South Africa , Game reserves -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Trails -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:693 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006384 , People with disabilities -- Travel -- South Africa , People with disabilities -- Services for -- South Africa , Game reserves -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Trails -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Social workers are becoming increasingly involved in community projects, thus allowing them to reach more people. One of these areas involves the sensitising of society in the removal of barriers which prevent people with disabilities from living balanced and integrated lives. One aspect requiring particular attention is the natural environment which, until recently, has been neglected. In order to increase the knowledge of the researcher in the field of environmental accessibility, twenty six people with physical disabilities were interviewed to ascertain which factors they saw as important and relevant when assessing the natural environment. Their ideas were incorporated into practical assessments of a game reserve and a possible hiking trail for people with disabilities. As it is of vital importance to include the consumers in studies of this nature, selected people with varying abilities and disabilities assisted in these "hands on" studies. Qualitative interviews were also conducted on the owners of facilities who were in the process of making their facilities accessible. This allowed the researcher and selected people with disabilities to evaluate positive and negative experiences, thus adding to their knowledge base and building capacity for people with disabilities
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
Women's experience of abortion : a qualitative study
- Authors: Taylor, Gaye Lesley
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: Abortion , Abortion -- South Africa , Women -- Counseling of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:708 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006522 , Abortion , Abortion -- South Africa , Women -- Counseling of
- Description: Abortion is an emotive topic that always raises strong feelings. The purpose of this study, however, is not to focus on the religious, political or moral questions surrounding abortion. Abortion is a reality and in South Africa, where it has only recently become legal, there is a need to have an understanding of the effects on women in order to provide counselling services. There is also a need to provide services for the many women who have had illegal terminations in the past. This study reviewed the most recent literature on the subject and the researcher takes the view that although the scientific literature states there is little long term psychological effect of abortion, the non-positivist literature which records women's experiences tells another story. Some of the problems with the scientific literature is that psychological effects are not defined and there may be political motivation for the study, ie. an attempt is made to prove that the health costs are not high for abortion because there is little long term effect. The researcher, however, feels this does a disservice to women who have had abortions because there is a failure to provide counselling services. Some members of the feminist movement also deserve criticism because in their haste to give women their rights they fail to allow a woman to thoroughly explore her options beforehand and to provide support services afterwards. The researcher, however, also identified a new theme in the literature which has been called a maturing of the feminist viewpoint that along with the right to abortion, women also have a right to the mixed feelings that go with making, what is for many, a very painful decision. There is a recognition that abortion is about loss and thus there is a corresponding need to acknowledge women's need to mourn and to provide services. The study does not include the experience of women who seek abortions for reasons of poverty. It also excludes the experience of women who have abortions as a result of rape, incest or harm to the foetus. It is a qualitative study and a non-probability sampling technique which comprised snowball and purposive methods was used to identify respondents. In-depth semi-structured interviews using a broad theme of questions were conducted with five respondents. The women were asked to tell the stories of their abortions: their and their partner's feelings before and after, how they decided and the actual experience. They were also asked to identify counselling requirements, what they found helpful and what would have helped. The literature and the findings support the researcher's view that women who find themselves with an unexpected pregnancy need an opportunity to objectively consider all their options, namely keeping the baby, adoption or abortion, and to have an objective counsellor assist them in vigorously considering these. If they decide on a termination they need to be given as much information as possible about the procedure and about how they are likely to feel. Afterwards counselling should be made available and women should be encouraged to use the service. They need to be assisted to explore all ways of coming to terms with it such as through dream work, dialogueing with the unborn child through a letter and for those with religious beliefs seeking absolution from the church. There is a great need for a Christian and other religious ministry in this regard. Self-help therapies such as support groups can also be helpful
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
- Authors: Taylor, Gaye Lesley
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: Abortion , Abortion -- South Africa , Women -- Counseling of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:708 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006522 , Abortion , Abortion -- South Africa , Women -- Counseling of
- Description: Abortion is an emotive topic that always raises strong feelings. The purpose of this study, however, is not to focus on the religious, political or moral questions surrounding abortion. Abortion is a reality and in South Africa, where it has only recently become legal, there is a need to have an understanding of the effects on women in order to provide counselling services. There is also a need to provide services for the many women who have had illegal terminations in the past. This study reviewed the most recent literature on the subject and the researcher takes the view that although the scientific literature states there is little long term psychological effect of abortion, the non-positivist literature which records women's experiences tells another story. Some of the problems with the scientific literature is that psychological effects are not defined and there may be political motivation for the study, ie. an attempt is made to prove that the health costs are not high for abortion because there is little long term effect. The researcher, however, feels this does a disservice to women who have had abortions because there is a failure to provide counselling services. Some members of the feminist movement also deserve criticism because in their haste to give women their rights they fail to allow a woman to thoroughly explore her options beforehand and to provide support services afterwards. The researcher, however, also identified a new theme in the literature which has been called a maturing of the feminist viewpoint that along with the right to abortion, women also have a right to the mixed feelings that go with making, what is for many, a very painful decision. There is a recognition that abortion is about loss and thus there is a corresponding need to acknowledge women's need to mourn and to provide services. The study does not include the experience of women who seek abortions for reasons of poverty. It also excludes the experience of women who have abortions as a result of rape, incest or harm to the foetus. It is a qualitative study and a non-probability sampling technique which comprised snowball and purposive methods was used to identify respondents. In-depth semi-structured interviews using a broad theme of questions were conducted with five respondents. The women were asked to tell the stories of their abortions: their and their partner's feelings before and after, how they decided and the actual experience. They were also asked to identify counselling requirements, what they found helpful and what would have helped. The literature and the findings support the researcher's view that women who find themselves with an unexpected pregnancy need an opportunity to objectively consider all their options, namely keeping the baby, adoption or abortion, and to have an objective counsellor assist them in vigorously considering these. If they decide on a termination they need to be given as much information as possible about the procedure and about how they are likely to feel. Afterwards counselling should be made available and women should be encouraged to use the service. They need to be assisted to explore all ways of coming to terms with it such as through dream work, dialogueing with the unborn child through a letter and for those with religious beliefs seeking absolution from the church. There is a great need for a Christian and other religious ministry in this regard. Self-help therapies such as support groups can also be helpful
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998