Staff perceptions of workplace bullying in a South African higher education institution
- Authors: Adesemowo, Bosede Olaitan
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Bullying in the workplace , Harassment Work environment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23404 , vital:30539
- Description: During the past decade bullying has received growing attention in organizational research. Workplace bullying is a complex phenomenon with a variety of situational, dispositional and systemic influences and it has been defined as “status-blind interpersonal hostility that is deliberate, repeated and sufficiently severe as to harm the targeted person's health or economic status” (Namie, 2003:3). A literature overview revealed the destructive consequences of bullying, such as trauma, suicide, depression, anxiety, stress, lowered self-esteem, anger and a lessening of productivity for both the individuals and the organizations concerned. This study presents the perceptions of staff members, in the form of recognized trade union representatives, of workplace bullying at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The theoretical framework that informed the study comprised the dispositional and the ecological model that emphasised Ubuntu and the cultural values of the University. The research approach was carried out through qualitative and exploratory methods. Through primary and secondary data collection, a purposive sample of semi-structured interviews was collected in the context of the aim and the objectives of the study. It analysed the importance of an anti-bullying policy, management styles, power imbalances, the impact of bullying on staff and institution health and explored the existing supportive systems that deal with grievances procedures. This study concludes with concrete evidence that workplace bullying existed in Nelson Mandela University and there were no policies to effect control over perpetrators’ acts. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations are made regarding a strategy on how management can effectively address bullying complaints without prejudice and discrimination, such as an anti-bullying policy, and creating continuous awareness of the phenomenon.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Adesemowo, Bosede Olaitan
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Bullying in the workplace , Harassment Work environment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23404 , vital:30539
- Description: During the past decade bullying has received growing attention in organizational research. Workplace bullying is a complex phenomenon with a variety of situational, dispositional and systemic influences and it has been defined as “status-blind interpersonal hostility that is deliberate, repeated and sufficiently severe as to harm the targeted person's health or economic status” (Namie, 2003:3). A literature overview revealed the destructive consequences of bullying, such as trauma, suicide, depression, anxiety, stress, lowered self-esteem, anger and a lessening of productivity for both the individuals and the organizations concerned. This study presents the perceptions of staff members, in the form of recognized trade union representatives, of workplace bullying at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The theoretical framework that informed the study comprised the dispositional and the ecological model that emphasised Ubuntu and the cultural values of the University. The research approach was carried out through qualitative and exploratory methods. Through primary and secondary data collection, a purposive sample of semi-structured interviews was collected in the context of the aim and the objectives of the study. It analysed the importance of an anti-bullying policy, management styles, power imbalances, the impact of bullying on staff and institution health and explored the existing supportive systems that deal with grievances procedures. This study concludes with concrete evidence that workplace bullying existed in Nelson Mandela University and there were no policies to effect control over perpetrators’ acts. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations are made regarding a strategy on how management can effectively address bullying complaints without prejudice and discrimination, such as an anti-bullying policy, and creating continuous awareness of the phenomenon.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Conflict analysis with a focus on community polarisation: a case study of a wind energy project in Switzerland
- Authors: Bachmann, Melanie
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Conflict management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42428 , vital:36654
- Description: Switzerland, like many other countries, wants to expand the production and usage of renewable energies, including wind energy. However, wind energy causes much conflict due to the emissions and possible impacts on the people, nature and landscape. In the canton of Glarus a wind energy project called LinthWind is currently projected. This has resulted in a public dispute involving several parties and members of the community. In opposition to the project, the association LinthGegenWind was formed with the aim of keeping the area free from wind turbines. The project developer, as well as LinthGegenWind, are organising information events and provide information through other platforms. The aim of this research is to provide the community with a thorough understanding of the conflict, including its dynamics and possible destructive processes. Through the conduction of conflict analysis, it investigates the conflict evolving around the project LinthWind. With the help of an online questionnaire, the opinions of the participants regarding the project and also the factors influencing the opinion-formation were enquired. This allowed for an examination of the polarization of the community and the factors contributing to it. The conflict analysis presents detailed information regarding the conflict history and background, the parties involved, issues under contention, sources and causes of the conflict, driving factors and the dynamics. Many factors indicate that the dispute is in an escalating phase. It was further shown that the affected community is clearly polarised regarding the project LinthWind. The polarisation is most likely enhanced by certain measures applied by the parties and the voting process. Independently gathered information by the people themselves seem to be the strongest influencing factors for the opinion formation. The success of the tactics applied by the project developer and the association opposing the project vary regarding their influence on the opinion formation. Missing communication between the parties and a polarised community exacerbates effective conflict management. In the case of LinthWind, a forum is therefore suggested where communication and information – the basics for constructive conflict management – are enabled.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Bachmann, Melanie
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Conflict management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42428 , vital:36654
- Description: Switzerland, like many other countries, wants to expand the production and usage of renewable energies, including wind energy. However, wind energy causes much conflict due to the emissions and possible impacts on the people, nature and landscape. In the canton of Glarus a wind energy project called LinthWind is currently projected. This has resulted in a public dispute involving several parties and members of the community. In opposition to the project, the association LinthGegenWind was formed with the aim of keeping the area free from wind turbines. The project developer, as well as LinthGegenWind, are organising information events and provide information through other platforms. The aim of this research is to provide the community with a thorough understanding of the conflict, including its dynamics and possible destructive processes. Through the conduction of conflict analysis, it investigates the conflict evolving around the project LinthWind. With the help of an online questionnaire, the opinions of the participants regarding the project and also the factors influencing the opinion-formation were enquired. This allowed for an examination of the polarization of the community and the factors contributing to it. The conflict analysis presents detailed information regarding the conflict history and background, the parties involved, issues under contention, sources and causes of the conflict, driving factors and the dynamics. Many factors indicate that the dispute is in an escalating phase. It was further shown that the affected community is clearly polarised regarding the project LinthWind. The polarisation is most likely enhanced by certain measures applied by the parties and the voting process. Independently gathered information by the people themselves seem to be the strongest influencing factors for the opinion formation. The success of the tactics applied by the project developer and the association opposing the project vary regarding their influence on the opinion formation. Missing communication between the parties and a polarised community exacerbates effective conflict management. In the case of LinthWind, a forum is therefore suggested where communication and information – the basics for constructive conflict management – are enabled.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Job satisfaction of community pharmacists in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Barendse, Denver
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Pharmacy -- Practice -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Pharmacists -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23880 , vital:30638
- Description: Job satisfaction and motivation play an important role in job retention and increased productivity of pharmacists which in turn improves pharmaceutical care performance. Pharmacies in Port Elizabeth have an increased pharmacist shortage and many community or retail pharmacies must overcome challenges to retain pharmacists. The study was quantitative in nature. A descriptive and exploratory approach was used. The research objective was to conduct a questionnaire survey of pharmacists working in community pharmacies in Port Elizabeth to assess the levels of job satisfaction and report the findings with recommendations to management. A modified Job Descriptive Index questionnaire was used to determine the level of job satisfaction. The variables used to determine the level of satisfaction was job content, monetary remuneration, promotion, co-workers, and supervision. Retention strategies was used to determine effective strategies managers can use to retain pharmacists. Positive and negative aspects of community pharmacy was also determined. A total of 48 pharmacies were approached by the researcher, 27 questionnaires were distributed to eligible participants which met the inclusion criteria and 23 questionnaires was returned, thus giving a response rate of 85%. It was observed that job satisfaction was positive in areas of job experience or content, customer interaction, interpersonal relationship with co-workers and supervision. The areas of job dissatisfaction were monetary remuneration and promotional opportunities. The retention strategies which received the most effective score were competitive financial packages (87%) and personal development (86%). The means of the retention strategies were high and even closer to 5 which indicated the “most effective” score. The pharmacists were not satisfied with monetary remuneration, promotion, recognition and performance appraisal provided by the organisations. The pharmacists are feeling over burden towards the workload. Management in this regard should pay attention to findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Barendse, Denver
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Pharmacy -- Practice -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Pharmacists -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23880 , vital:30638
- Description: Job satisfaction and motivation play an important role in job retention and increased productivity of pharmacists which in turn improves pharmaceutical care performance. Pharmacies in Port Elizabeth have an increased pharmacist shortage and many community or retail pharmacies must overcome challenges to retain pharmacists. The study was quantitative in nature. A descriptive and exploratory approach was used. The research objective was to conduct a questionnaire survey of pharmacists working in community pharmacies in Port Elizabeth to assess the levels of job satisfaction and report the findings with recommendations to management. A modified Job Descriptive Index questionnaire was used to determine the level of job satisfaction. The variables used to determine the level of satisfaction was job content, monetary remuneration, promotion, co-workers, and supervision. Retention strategies was used to determine effective strategies managers can use to retain pharmacists. Positive and negative aspects of community pharmacy was also determined. A total of 48 pharmacies were approached by the researcher, 27 questionnaires were distributed to eligible participants which met the inclusion criteria and 23 questionnaires was returned, thus giving a response rate of 85%. It was observed that job satisfaction was positive in areas of job experience or content, customer interaction, interpersonal relationship with co-workers and supervision. The areas of job dissatisfaction were monetary remuneration and promotional opportunities. The retention strategies which received the most effective score were competitive financial packages (87%) and personal development (86%). The means of the retention strategies were high and even closer to 5 which indicated the “most effective” score. The pharmacists were not satisfied with monetary remuneration, promotion, recognition and performance appraisal provided by the organisations. The pharmacists are feeling over burden towards the workload. Management in this regard should pay attention to findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Designing fashion identities: the influence of social media on representation
- Authors: Barnard, Mieke
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Fashion , Fashion -- Social aspects Fashion -- Forecasting Identity (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21790 , vital:29779
- Description: Fashion visually communicates identity. The clothing one wears influences how others perceive and interact with one. The relationship between fashion and identity is important, since fashion communicates aspects of identity without verbal communication. Identity formation and influences would therefore also affect fashion choices. These fashion choices are referred to as fashion identities. Various aspects influence the development of identity. Social interaction and media are two of the main influencers. In contemporary society these two influencers have been combined through social media platforms. This leads to the research questions: “What influence does social media have on identity development?”, “What influence would social media have on fashion identities?” and “Could online fashion content be utilised as a guide in the fashion design process?” These research questions are addressed through both theoretical research and online questionnaire responses from participants. The study consists of two components, namely the theoretical component and a practical component. The two components support, inform and validate one another’s findings. The study found that multiple identity types (personal, social and role) collectively form a person’s identity. The multiplicity of identities makes the representation process unique. Fashion identity can represent each of the identity types, separately or collectively. Furthermore, social media’s fashion content influences online users’ fashion identity and could lead to follow-through purchasing. In order to test the theoretical findings, eight of the questionnaire participants were selected for the practical component. The researcher interpreted their questionnaire responses and fashion content from social media platforms they had submitted with the questionnaire. The analysis and interpretation were used to design eight sketch-ranges. From these eight, two ranges were selected for physical production. The eight participants were asked for feedback pertaining to whether the designs captured their fashion identity and communicated aspects of this identity. The responses affirmed that designs had the necessary appeal suggesting that online fashion content can be used as a guide to the design process, in order to encapsulate identity representation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Barnard, Mieke
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Fashion , Fashion -- Social aspects Fashion -- Forecasting Identity (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21790 , vital:29779
- Description: Fashion visually communicates identity. The clothing one wears influences how others perceive and interact with one. The relationship between fashion and identity is important, since fashion communicates aspects of identity without verbal communication. Identity formation and influences would therefore also affect fashion choices. These fashion choices are referred to as fashion identities. Various aspects influence the development of identity. Social interaction and media are two of the main influencers. In contemporary society these two influencers have been combined through social media platforms. This leads to the research questions: “What influence does social media have on identity development?”, “What influence would social media have on fashion identities?” and “Could online fashion content be utilised as a guide in the fashion design process?” These research questions are addressed through both theoretical research and online questionnaire responses from participants. The study consists of two components, namely the theoretical component and a practical component. The two components support, inform and validate one another’s findings. The study found that multiple identity types (personal, social and role) collectively form a person’s identity. The multiplicity of identities makes the representation process unique. Fashion identity can represent each of the identity types, separately or collectively. Furthermore, social media’s fashion content influences online users’ fashion identity and could lead to follow-through purchasing. In order to test the theoretical findings, eight of the questionnaire participants were selected for the practical component. The researcher interpreted their questionnaire responses and fashion content from social media platforms they had submitted with the questionnaire. The analysis and interpretation were used to design eight sketch-ranges. From these eight, two ranges were selected for physical production. The eight participants were asked for feedback pertaining to whether the designs captured their fashion identity and communicated aspects of this identity. The responses affirmed that designs had the necessary appeal suggesting that online fashion content can be used as a guide to the design process, in order to encapsulate identity representation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Women’s participation in Kwasa vegetable garden project in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Blauw, Thandiwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Women in development , Economic development projects Community gardens -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23591 , vital:30584
- Description: Poverty is one of the major challenges faced by South Africa today, even after twenty three years of being a democratic country. A majority of South Africa’s population still lives below poverty line and the most affected are women and children. The alleviation of poverty is one of the priorities for the government, and the communities where the poor live engage in projects that support poverty alleviation while on the same breath also helps with skills development and financial freedom. In this research study, the researcher has investigated the impact of women participation on urban agriculture project by means of a vegetable garden to alleviate poverty at Kwasa Project in Walmer Township. The research has followed a qualitative approach which included individual interviews using an interview schedule. To supplement the above, secondary relevant scholarly sources were consulted. The objectives of the research were outlined which include the investigation of the challenges facing the Kwasa Project in Walmer Township. In the final analysis, the researcher has provided recommendations with the view of resolving some of the problems discovered during the interviews.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Blauw, Thandiwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Women in development , Economic development projects Community gardens -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23591 , vital:30584
- Description: Poverty is one of the major challenges faced by South Africa today, even after twenty three years of being a democratic country. A majority of South Africa’s population still lives below poverty line and the most affected are women and children. The alleviation of poverty is one of the priorities for the government, and the communities where the poor live engage in projects that support poverty alleviation while on the same breath also helps with skills development and financial freedom. In this research study, the researcher has investigated the impact of women participation on urban agriculture project by means of a vegetable garden to alleviate poverty at Kwasa Project in Walmer Township. The research has followed a qualitative approach which included individual interviews using an interview schedule. To supplement the above, secondary relevant scholarly sources were consulted. The objectives of the research were outlined which include the investigation of the challenges facing the Kwasa Project in Walmer Township. In the final analysis, the researcher has provided recommendations with the view of resolving some of the problems discovered during the interviews.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The role of women's agricultural cooperatives in meeting United Nations sustainable development goals
- Authors: Boni, Ntomboxolo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Millennium Development Goals , Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa , Cooperative societies -- South Africa , Women in agriculture -- South Africa , Rural development -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21768 , vital:29775
- Description: The majority of the people in South Africa were poor prior 1994, especially those in the rural areas. Poverty in the rural areas affected mostly the women. The government of South Africa designed support programmes to mainstream women into the economy, although it had its own challenges, such as the non-participation of women in their own development and the top-down approach that at times was used by the government in the implementation of the programmes. Owing to the nature of the rural areas, agriculture was identified as a sector that had a potential to improve the economy in order to address the challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality. Since 2005 the concept of cooperative development has been a vehicle that has the potential to address the aforementioned challenges. In order for the cooperative development to run efficiently and effectively and in line with the cooperative principles and values, the government should keep the independence of this sector in mind by engaging the cooperatives in all the activities that were affecting the cooperative sector through their cooperative movement.The findings of the study showed that the agricultural cooperatives have not yet addressed poverty fully. All their members were employed and at times employment opportunities were extended to their community members, but the income earned was not satisfying its members. The women felt that they were not in control of their development as they lacked the capacity to lead and they were still led by the men in their cooperatives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Boni, Ntomboxolo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Millennium Development Goals , Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa , Cooperative societies -- South Africa , Women in agriculture -- South Africa , Rural development -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21768 , vital:29775
- Description: The majority of the people in South Africa were poor prior 1994, especially those in the rural areas. Poverty in the rural areas affected mostly the women. The government of South Africa designed support programmes to mainstream women into the economy, although it had its own challenges, such as the non-participation of women in their own development and the top-down approach that at times was used by the government in the implementation of the programmes. Owing to the nature of the rural areas, agriculture was identified as a sector that had a potential to improve the economy in order to address the challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality. Since 2005 the concept of cooperative development has been a vehicle that has the potential to address the aforementioned challenges. In order for the cooperative development to run efficiently and effectively and in line with the cooperative principles and values, the government should keep the independence of this sector in mind by engaging the cooperatives in all the activities that were affecting the cooperative sector through their cooperative movement.The findings of the study showed that the agricultural cooperatives have not yet addressed poverty fully. All their members were employed and at times employment opportunities were extended to their community members, but the income earned was not satisfying its members. The women felt that they were not in control of their development as they lacked the capacity to lead and they were still led by the men in their cooperatives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Pregnant women’s construction of social support from their intimate partners during pregnancy
- Authors: Bottoman, Phathiswa Esona
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Pregnant women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Relations with men Pregnancy -- Psychological aspects Pregnant women -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62560 , vital:28207
- Description: There is a growing body of research aimed at understanding social support during pregnancy in South Africa. Pregnancy is constantly referred to as one of the challenging and stressful periods affecting women’s physical and psychological well-being. Various research studies on social support argue that social support is paramount at this stage. Research on social support indicates that having adequate and quality social support impacts on how pregnant women experience pregnancy. My interest in social support comes in the wake of absent fathers in South Africa and with the emerging trend of “new” fathers. Although there is a volume of research on social support, it tends to be realist. Using a social constructionist framework, I explore other ways of talking about social support in an attempt to expand the discourse around social support. I explore how pregnant women talk about social support during pregnancy from their intimate partners in the small rural municipality of Elundini, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Intimate partner support was limited to heterosexual partners regardless of their marital status. The sampling procedure followed a non-probability sampling method. Participants of the study were between 24 and 32 years old. Their gestational age ranged between five and eight months. Fourteen in-depth interviews using photo-elicitation were conducted with seven participants and were analysed using a social constructionist informed thematic analysis. The major theme that emerged from the analysis was partner involvement and absence during pregnancy. The analysis of results suggests that expectant father presence translates to social support. Participants constructed his presence as reassurance in the context of possible abandonment. Absence was constructed in different ways: participants constructed absence as unjust and unfair, absence and marriage, temporary absence in the form of cultural phenomenon of ukwaliswa/ukubukubazana, absence as normal but burdening to the pregnant women’s social network. Participants reported that social support from the expectant father affected pregnancy wantedness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Bottoman, Phathiswa Esona
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Pregnant women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Relations with men Pregnancy -- Psychological aspects Pregnant women -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62560 , vital:28207
- Description: There is a growing body of research aimed at understanding social support during pregnancy in South Africa. Pregnancy is constantly referred to as one of the challenging and stressful periods affecting women’s physical and psychological well-being. Various research studies on social support argue that social support is paramount at this stage. Research on social support indicates that having adequate and quality social support impacts on how pregnant women experience pregnancy. My interest in social support comes in the wake of absent fathers in South Africa and with the emerging trend of “new” fathers. Although there is a volume of research on social support, it tends to be realist. Using a social constructionist framework, I explore other ways of talking about social support in an attempt to expand the discourse around social support. I explore how pregnant women talk about social support during pregnancy from their intimate partners in the small rural municipality of Elundini, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Intimate partner support was limited to heterosexual partners regardless of their marital status. The sampling procedure followed a non-probability sampling method. Participants of the study were between 24 and 32 years old. Their gestational age ranged between five and eight months. Fourteen in-depth interviews using photo-elicitation were conducted with seven participants and were analysed using a social constructionist informed thematic analysis. The major theme that emerged from the analysis was partner involvement and absence during pregnancy. The analysis of results suggests that expectant father presence translates to social support. Participants constructed his presence as reassurance in the context of possible abandonment. Absence was constructed in different ways: participants constructed absence as unjust and unfair, absence and marriage, temporary absence in the form of cultural phenomenon of ukwaliswa/ukubukubazana, absence as normal but burdening to the pregnant women’s social network. Participants reported that social support from the expectant father affected pregnancy wantedness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A critical discourse analysis of the Daily Nation and the Standard’s news coverage of the 2007/2008 Kenyan elections
- Authors: Bradfield, Sarah-Jane
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Elections -- Kenya Nairobi (Kenya) -- Newspapers Mass media -- Political aspects -- Kenya Kenya -- Politics and government , Discourse analysis Daily Nation (Nairobi, Kenya) Standard (Nairobi, Kenya)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63437 , vital:28411
- Description: This study investigates the Daily Nation and Standard’s news coverage of Kenya’s 2007/2008 general election and the unprecedented eruptions of violence which followed. This research responds to the question which came about as Kenyan print journalists and editors considered their role in possibly contributing to the violence, which took on an ethnic dimension. Vernacular radio has been fingered for having escalated longstanding ethnic tensions, but the role of the press has not been fully understood. In the aftermath of the violence, print journalists and editors met over a series of Round Table events in Nairobi to consider whether their conduct during the election could have encouraged violence. Although ten years have passed since this incidence, much of what happened within the Kenyan print media during and after the 2007/2008 general election remains unexplored and, largely, unexplained today. Although the pre- and post-election phases spanned months, my research is confined to purposive samples from a four-week period from 3 December 2007 to 4 January 2008. These four weeks were selected as they are roughly representative of the three phases of the national election which are considered significant to this study, namely the pre-election phase, the election, and the post-election violence. The research is concerned with analysing and understanding the coverage in the two dailies, the Daily Nation and Standard, and comparing the discursive work of the two, particularly in relation to identity and ethnicity. This study draws on cultural studies, critical discourse analysis and normative theories of the media to inform the research project. The critical discourse analysis explores the discourses articulated during and after the election, with a particular focus on issues of identity, ethnicity and incitement. Through this process the study found that both publications avoided references to ethnicity, despite this being an important factor in Kenyan politics and voter behaviour. In analysing these issues the study found that while the publications might claim to attempt to avoid fuelling tensions by not reporting on ethnicity, the disavowal comprised a silence which positioned the press in a collaborative role, in which it colluded with a powerful Kenyan state. Although a significant amount of time has gone by since the 2007/2008 elections, this study still considers the event significant in understanding the conduct of journalists during times of violence, and specifically for the future of journalism in Kenya.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Bradfield, Sarah-Jane
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Elections -- Kenya Nairobi (Kenya) -- Newspapers Mass media -- Political aspects -- Kenya Kenya -- Politics and government , Discourse analysis Daily Nation (Nairobi, Kenya) Standard (Nairobi, Kenya)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63437 , vital:28411
- Description: This study investigates the Daily Nation and Standard’s news coverage of Kenya’s 2007/2008 general election and the unprecedented eruptions of violence which followed. This research responds to the question which came about as Kenyan print journalists and editors considered their role in possibly contributing to the violence, which took on an ethnic dimension. Vernacular radio has been fingered for having escalated longstanding ethnic tensions, but the role of the press has not been fully understood. In the aftermath of the violence, print journalists and editors met over a series of Round Table events in Nairobi to consider whether their conduct during the election could have encouraged violence. Although ten years have passed since this incidence, much of what happened within the Kenyan print media during and after the 2007/2008 general election remains unexplored and, largely, unexplained today. Although the pre- and post-election phases spanned months, my research is confined to purposive samples from a four-week period from 3 December 2007 to 4 January 2008. These four weeks were selected as they are roughly representative of the three phases of the national election which are considered significant to this study, namely the pre-election phase, the election, and the post-election violence. The research is concerned with analysing and understanding the coverage in the two dailies, the Daily Nation and Standard, and comparing the discursive work of the two, particularly in relation to identity and ethnicity. This study draws on cultural studies, critical discourse analysis and normative theories of the media to inform the research project. The critical discourse analysis explores the discourses articulated during and after the election, with a particular focus on issues of identity, ethnicity and incitement. Through this process the study found that both publications avoided references to ethnicity, despite this being an important factor in Kenyan politics and voter behaviour. In analysing these issues the study found that while the publications might claim to attempt to avoid fuelling tensions by not reporting on ethnicity, the disavowal comprised a silence which positioned the press in a collaborative role, in which it colluded with a powerful Kenyan state. Although a significant amount of time has gone by since the 2007/2008 elections, this study still considers the event significant in understanding the conduct of journalists during times of violence, and specifically for the future of journalism in Kenya.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An interpretative phenomenological analysis of HIV positive individuals’ experiences of being in a support group
- Authors: Brink, Nicole
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons -- Social aspects Self-help groups AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling of AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62988 , vital:28351
- Description: People who have been diagnosed HIV positive often experience distress and anxiety due to uncertainties pertaining to the implications of an HIV positive status. Research has shown that support groups have always been a way for people to cope with the distress and stressful circumstances associated with health conditions such as HIV. This research investigated the role of face to face support groups in the lives of those living with HIV. The primary focus of this research project is to provide an in-depth exploration of HIV positive individuals‟ experiences of being in a support group. The study aims to explore the positive and negative experiences of being in an HIV support group and aims to gain an understanding of the role support plays in the lives of those living with HIV. A qualitative research design was used to explore the above mentioned aim. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five individuals, (three women and two men) who had experienced HIV support groups. The interviews were transcribed and then analysed according to the principles of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The findings of this study revealed five super-ordinate themes, which revealed not only the positive and negative experiences of being in a support group, but also the challenges that the participants‟ experienced before joining the group. Getting a sense of the participants‟ experience before joining the group allowed the researcher to get a better understanding of how useful or not the support group has been in helping them deal with the challenges of living with HIV. The themes included: „struggling to survive after diagnosis‟, „struggling to cope: adopting negative coping skills‟, „experiencing a turning-point: a will to survive‟, „attending support group: a sweet experience‟ and lastly, „attending support groups: a bitter experience‟. Findings suggest that for these participants, the advantages outweighed the disadvantages of being in a support group. Therefore this study suggests that face to face support groups are a viable and even necessary option for support. These findings support previous research and literature in regards to the importance of social support in the form of support groups in effectively assisting HIV positive people in their journey to adjust to the consequence of living with HIV.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Brink, Nicole
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons -- Social aspects Self-help groups AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling of AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62988 , vital:28351
- Description: People who have been diagnosed HIV positive often experience distress and anxiety due to uncertainties pertaining to the implications of an HIV positive status. Research has shown that support groups have always been a way for people to cope with the distress and stressful circumstances associated with health conditions such as HIV. This research investigated the role of face to face support groups in the lives of those living with HIV. The primary focus of this research project is to provide an in-depth exploration of HIV positive individuals‟ experiences of being in a support group. The study aims to explore the positive and negative experiences of being in an HIV support group and aims to gain an understanding of the role support plays in the lives of those living with HIV. A qualitative research design was used to explore the above mentioned aim. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five individuals, (three women and two men) who had experienced HIV support groups. The interviews were transcribed and then analysed according to the principles of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The findings of this study revealed five super-ordinate themes, which revealed not only the positive and negative experiences of being in a support group, but also the challenges that the participants‟ experienced before joining the group. Getting a sense of the participants‟ experience before joining the group allowed the researcher to get a better understanding of how useful or not the support group has been in helping them deal with the challenges of living with HIV. The themes included: „struggling to survive after diagnosis‟, „struggling to cope: adopting negative coping skills‟, „experiencing a turning-point: a will to survive‟, „attending support group: a sweet experience‟ and lastly, „attending support groups: a bitter experience‟. Findings suggest that for these participants, the advantages outweighed the disadvantages of being in a support group. Therefore this study suggests that face to face support groups are a viable and even necessary option for support. These findings support previous research and literature in regards to the importance of social support in the form of support groups in effectively assisting HIV positive people in their journey to adjust to the consequence of living with HIV.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Foreign aid and social development in Burundi
- Authors: Burarame, Yvette
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Economic assistance -- Burundi , Burundi -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23559 , vital:30580
- Description: This study scrutinized foreign aid and social development in Burundi. It analysed the relationship between the amount of foreign aid received and enrolment in basic education in Burundi, the relationship between the amount of foreign aid and educational equality in Burundi, the relationship between the amount of foreign aid and the teaching and learning process in Burundi and finally explored the problems in basic education that need solutions. This study made use of various related literature on social development, basic education and foreign aid. It mainly scrutinised literature on basic education in Burundi. This study used a case study research design where both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. A quantitative approach was used to quantify the effectiveness of foreign aid on social development, while a qualitative approach was adopted to descriptively explain the events linking the findings to the objectives of the study. Thirty six respondents from the provincial education administration office were interviewed and observed and document analysis was performed. These were the main instruments for data collection. This study found that despite incoming foreign aid, the gender issues affecting education were not addressed, residents from marginalised areas had not adequately accessed foreign aid and net development assistance in Burundi was affected by politics, preventing a number of areas from benefitting. It also highlights shortages in school learning materials, late disbursement of education funds and civil conflict, among others. This study recommended the incorporation of government ministries and departments in donor-funded projects to reduce stand-alone projects, to emphasise project monitoring and evaluation, to emphasise mutual accountability and to encourage donor support for national educational priorities, to work on joint and coordinated analysis and missions, to address gender disparities and finally, to separate national politics from foreign aid projects and agencies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Burarame, Yvette
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Economic assistance -- Burundi , Burundi -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23559 , vital:30580
- Description: This study scrutinized foreign aid and social development in Burundi. It analysed the relationship between the amount of foreign aid received and enrolment in basic education in Burundi, the relationship between the amount of foreign aid and educational equality in Burundi, the relationship between the amount of foreign aid and the teaching and learning process in Burundi and finally explored the problems in basic education that need solutions. This study made use of various related literature on social development, basic education and foreign aid. It mainly scrutinised literature on basic education in Burundi. This study used a case study research design where both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. A quantitative approach was used to quantify the effectiveness of foreign aid on social development, while a qualitative approach was adopted to descriptively explain the events linking the findings to the objectives of the study. Thirty six respondents from the provincial education administration office were interviewed and observed and document analysis was performed. These were the main instruments for data collection. This study found that despite incoming foreign aid, the gender issues affecting education were not addressed, residents from marginalised areas had not adequately accessed foreign aid and net development assistance in Burundi was affected by politics, preventing a number of areas from benefitting. It also highlights shortages in school learning materials, late disbursement of education funds and civil conflict, among others. This study recommended the incorporation of government ministries and departments in donor-funded projects to reduce stand-alone projects, to emphasise project monitoring and evaluation, to emphasise mutual accountability and to encourage donor support for national educational priorities, to work on joint and coordinated analysis and missions, to address gender disparities and finally, to separate national politics from foreign aid projects and agencies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Between blue and light
- Authors: Campbell, Jennifer
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , Short stories, South African (English) -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63570 , vital:28441
- Description: My novella follows a narrator observing her life, as she struggles with what it is to live in a world that she finds simultaneously frightening and beautiful. The story touches on the limitations of human connection and with loss in various forms. Set in both Cape Town and small town South Africa, the story explores the inner life of a woman detached and adrift.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Campbell, Jennifer
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , Short stories, South African (English) -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63570 , vital:28441
- Description: My novella follows a narrator observing her life, as she struggles with what it is to live in a world that she finds simultaneously frightening and beautiful. The story touches on the limitations of human connection and with loss in various forms. Set in both Cape Town and small town South Africa, the story explores the inner life of a woman detached and adrift.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
High school learners’ experiences and perceptions of school-based peer-led substance use prevention programmes
- Authors: Chanshi, Judie Chinyama
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: High school students -- Substance use -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Substance abuse -- Prevention -- Research -- South Africa High school students -- Substance use -- South Africa -- Prevention Group counseling -- Substance use -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21812 , vital:29781
- Description: There is great concern about substance use among high school learners locally and globally. Adolescents are considered to be a high-risk population as their developmental stage generally renders them more susceptible to peer influence. It is for this reason that school based peer-led substance use prevention programs are considered to be a logical intervention aimed at reducing the onset of adolescent substance use. This study was motivated by inadequate information available regarding learners‟ experiences with school-based substance use prevention programmes and their effectiveness. This was a qualitative study that was exploratory, descriptive and contextual in nature. A non-probability, purposive sampling technique was administered to grade 8-11 learners aged 13-16 who have been recipients of school-based, peer-led substance use prevention programmes for a minimum of two consecutive years. The collection of data entailed individual interviews using semi-structured interview guide and focus group discussions. Data was collected until point of saturation was achieved, and analysed using Tesch‟s thematic data analysis. The credibility of the research process and the findings was enhanced by employing a variety of data verification strategies. It is anticipated that this research contributes to a better understanding of how school-based, peer-led substance use prevention programmes can be tailored to the needs of high school learners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Chanshi, Judie Chinyama
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: High school students -- Substance use -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Substance abuse -- Prevention -- Research -- South Africa High school students -- Substance use -- South Africa -- Prevention Group counseling -- Substance use -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21812 , vital:29781
- Description: There is great concern about substance use among high school learners locally and globally. Adolescents are considered to be a high-risk population as their developmental stage generally renders them more susceptible to peer influence. It is for this reason that school based peer-led substance use prevention programs are considered to be a logical intervention aimed at reducing the onset of adolescent substance use. This study was motivated by inadequate information available regarding learners‟ experiences with school-based substance use prevention programmes and their effectiveness. This was a qualitative study that was exploratory, descriptive and contextual in nature. A non-probability, purposive sampling technique was administered to grade 8-11 learners aged 13-16 who have been recipients of school-based, peer-led substance use prevention programmes for a minimum of two consecutive years. The collection of data entailed individual interviews using semi-structured interview guide and focus group discussions. Data was collected until point of saturation was achieved, and analysed using Tesch‟s thematic data analysis. The credibility of the research process and the findings was enhanced by employing a variety of data verification strategies. It is anticipated that this research contributes to a better understanding of how school-based, peer-led substance use prevention programmes can be tailored to the needs of high school learners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Participation in the anti-sexual violence silent protest: a sexual citizenship perspective
- Authors: Chitiki, Elizabeth
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sex crimes Campus violence -- South Africa -- Prevention Rape victims -- Services for -- Political aspects -- South Africa Anti-rape movement Rape -- Case studies Sexual orientation
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62917 , vital:28310
- Description: There is a growing body of research on sexual citizenship that focuses attention on gender and which bridges the gap between public and private life in order to rethink citizenship from a feminist perspective. This is in contrast to understandings of citizenship that promote policies of sexual regulation and a heteronormative ideal of citizenship. My research takes the form of a qualitative case study. Using data from two focus group discussions, fifteen personal diaries, as well as social media posts, I analyse participation in the Silent Protest, an annual anti-rape protest, through the lens of sexual citizenship. I look at how participation in the protest promotes or inhibits inclusive and process-based understandings of sexual violence and sexualities issues. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and the results of the analysis are presented into two parts. The first part of the analysis discusses the politics of affect and witnessing as two processes through which allies’ understandings of sexual violence are shaped. The second part of analysis shows that the Silent Protest contributes to people’s knowledge and understandings of sexual violence in relation to sexualities in a range of ways. Examples of inclusive understandings are: (1) insights about rape in relation to gender and heteronormative inequalities, culture and patriarchal dominance; (2) understanding of critical sexual citizenship in relation to sexual violence; and (3) understanding of politics of recognition (the need for recognition of the importance of safe spaces for formal and informal support for victim-survivors and recognition of victim-survivors’ identities). However, some of the understandings are limited to emotion and affect dynamics. In some ways, therefore, the Silent Protest fails to promote understandings significant to inclusive citizenship, including understandings of entitlements to non-discriminatory sexual health care services and legal services.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Chitiki, Elizabeth
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sex crimes Campus violence -- South Africa -- Prevention Rape victims -- Services for -- Political aspects -- South Africa Anti-rape movement Rape -- Case studies Sexual orientation
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62917 , vital:28310
- Description: There is a growing body of research on sexual citizenship that focuses attention on gender and which bridges the gap between public and private life in order to rethink citizenship from a feminist perspective. This is in contrast to understandings of citizenship that promote policies of sexual regulation and a heteronormative ideal of citizenship. My research takes the form of a qualitative case study. Using data from two focus group discussions, fifteen personal diaries, as well as social media posts, I analyse participation in the Silent Protest, an annual anti-rape protest, through the lens of sexual citizenship. I look at how participation in the protest promotes or inhibits inclusive and process-based understandings of sexual violence and sexualities issues. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and the results of the analysis are presented into two parts. The first part of the analysis discusses the politics of affect and witnessing as two processes through which allies’ understandings of sexual violence are shaped. The second part of analysis shows that the Silent Protest contributes to people’s knowledge and understandings of sexual violence in relation to sexualities in a range of ways. Examples of inclusive understandings are: (1) insights about rape in relation to gender and heteronormative inequalities, culture and patriarchal dominance; (2) understanding of critical sexual citizenship in relation to sexual violence; and (3) understanding of politics of recognition (the need for recognition of the importance of safe spaces for formal and informal support for victim-survivors and recognition of victim-survivors’ identities). However, some of the understandings are limited to emotion and affect dynamics. In some ways, therefore, the Silent Protest fails to promote understandings significant to inclusive citizenship, including understandings of entitlements to non-discriminatory sexual health care services and legal services.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The development and implementation of a psychoeducational programme: a case study on mental toughness in a novice triathlete
- Authors: Coertzen, Marlé
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sports -- Psychological aspects , Triathletes -- Mental health , Toughness (Personality trait) , Triathlon -- Psychological aspects , Achievement motivation , Mental discipline , Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63010 , vital:28354
- Description: As an academic and applied discipline, sport psychology is interested in identifying, understanding, measuring and developing the various mental constructs that interact with physical factors, aiming to produce optimum performance and enhance athletes’ experience of sport participation. The programmes developed within sport psychology are not only applicable to sport, but have applicability within other areas, such as the performing arts, business and professions that are considered high risk, such as the military. Using a mixed methods approach and a triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis techniques, the goal of this research was to document the process of developing and implementing a psychoeducational mental toughness programme and to evaluate the programme through exploring the participant’s subjective experience of such a programme. The aim of the research was to contribute to the existing literature on mental toughness programmes. This was attained through administering the Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ) and a semi-structured interview, which informed the development and implementation of a psychoeducational mental toughness programme relative to the idiosyncrasies of the participant and grounded in strengths-based approaches to mental toughness development. Results were obtained based on post-implementation data collected through a second administration of the SMTQ and a semi-structured interview. The participant experienced the programme as positive and results were indicative of changes in his experiences of self-confidence and control, related to the global themes of mindset, flexibility and mindfulness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Coertzen, Marlé
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sports -- Psychological aspects , Triathletes -- Mental health , Toughness (Personality trait) , Triathlon -- Psychological aspects , Achievement motivation , Mental discipline , Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63010 , vital:28354
- Description: As an academic and applied discipline, sport psychology is interested in identifying, understanding, measuring and developing the various mental constructs that interact with physical factors, aiming to produce optimum performance and enhance athletes’ experience of sport participation. The programmes developed within sport psychology are not only applicable to sport, but have applicability within other areas, such as the performing arts, business and professions that are considered high risk, such as the military. Using a mixed methods approach and a triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis techniques, the goal of this research was to document the process of developing and implementing a psychoeducational mental toughness programme and to evaluate the programme through exploring the participant’s subjective experience of such a programme. The aim of the research was to contribute to the existing literature on mental toughness programmes. This was attained through administering the Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ) and a semi-structured interview, which informed the development and implementation of a psychoeducational mental toughness programme relative to the idiosyncrasies of the participant and grounded in strengths-based approaches to mental toughness development. Results were obtained based on post-implementation data collected through a second administration of the SMTQ and a semi-structured interview. The participant experienced the programme as positive and results were indicative of changes in his experiences of self-confidence and control, related to the global themes of mindset, flexibility and mindfulness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An action research approach: developing intercultural competence in German Studies at Rhodes University
- Authors: Collins, Morgan Gwyneth
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Action research in education -- South Africa -- Makhanda , German language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign speakers , Cultural relations , Multicultural education , World citizenship
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63910 , vital:28505
- Description: The need to develop interculturally competent graduates is a concern for universities across the world. In South African universities this need is linked to globalization and increased diversity in terms of student demographics since 1994. Considering the legacy of apartheid, South African universities especially, and pressingly, need to respond to both global and national diversity concerns. ICC can play a significant role in creating more culturally inclusive spaces as students are provided with opportunities to “relate to and with people from vastly different cultural and ethnic backgrounds” (Spitzberg & Changnon, 2009, p. 4). In a similar way, Germany has faced, and continues to face, challenges relating to diversity especially in relation to migrants and as such, interculturality is a topic of debate in society and scholarly discourse. Therefore, ICC is as relevant to German society as it is South African society. Courses that explicitly deal with ICC are however, not common in South African universities and discourse, and as a result universities are “missing out on developing students’ intercultural competence” (Deardorff & Quinlan, 2016). This thesis aimed to address this gap by investigating the viability and necessity of introducing a module that deals explicitly with ICC into the German Studies course at Rhodes University. In doing so it contributed to the creation of disciplinary knowledge as well as furthering the aim of aiding the creation of responsible global citizenship, alongside ‘academic citizenship’, and aiding the internationalisation at home concept by encouraging the students to understand their own lived reality in a diverse society. This research made use of an action research approach to implementing a module and tracing its development. Student responses, as well as reflection and observation, found that a module dealing explicitly with ICC was viable and able to contribute to developing students’ sense of cultural self-awareness and their awareness of ICC as a set of transferrable skills and knowledges. This module aimed to serve as an introduction to ICC for students in order to begin to develop their intercultural competence and increase their awareness and critical approach to culture and intercultural encounters.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Collins, Morgan Gwyneth
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Action research in education -- South Africa -- Makhanda , German language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign speakers , Cultural relations , Multicultural education , World citizenship
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63910 , vital:28505
- Description: The need to develop interculturally competent graduates is a concern for universities across the world. In South African universities this need is linked to globalization and increased diversity in terms of student demographics since 1994. Considering the legacy of apartheid, South African universities especially, and pressingly, need to respond to both global and national diversity concerns. ICC can play a significant role in creating more culturally inclusive spaces as students are provided with opportunities to “relate to and with people from vastly different cultural and ethnic backgrounds” (Spitzberg & Changnon, 2009, p. 4). In a similar way, Germany has faced, and continues to face, challenges relating to diversity especially in relation to migrants and as such, interculturality is a topic of debate in society and scholarly discourse. Therefore, ICC is as relevant to German society as it is South African society. Courses that explicitly deal with ICC are however, not common in South African universities and discourse, and as a result universities are “missing out on developing students’ intercultural competence” (Deardorff & Quinlan, 2016). This thesis aimed to address this gap by investigating the viability and necessity of introducing a module that deals explicitly with ICC into the German Studies course at Rhodes University. In doing so it contributed to the creation of disciplinary knowledge as well as furthering the aim of aiding the creation of responsible global citizenship, alongside ‘academic citizenship’, and aiding the internationalisation at home concept by encouraging the students to understand their own lived reality in a diverse society. This research made use of an action research approach to implementing a module and tracing its development. Student responses, as well as reflection and observation, found that a module dealing explicitly with ICC was viable and able to contribute to developing students’ sense of cultural self-awareness and their awareness of ICC as a set of transferrable skills and knowledges. This module aimed to serve as an introduction to ICC for students in order to begin to develop their intercultural competence and increase their awareness and critical approach to culture and intercultural encounters.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Witches & villains: the nasty tales
- Authors: Dalldorf, Tamaryn
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , Short stories, South African (English) -- 21st century , Fairy tales -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63087 , vital:28362
- Description: My thesis compromises a variety of short stories which are modern re-writes of dark fairy tales. Fairy Tales often explore the dark side of human nature and in these stories I focus on the voices of female villains and the strange psychology which drives them. I find Fairy Tales absorbing because they reveal the vulnerabilities, dreams and fears of the human consciousness. My stories contain some satirical expositions of human nature and society. My influences are the anthology of short stories, “My mother She Killed Me and My Father He Ate Me”, The Grimm Fairy Tales (original) and The Fairy Tales of Charles Perrault as well as the writing of Horacio Moya, Angela Carter and Alissa Nutting for their dark satire and mockery of social eccentricities. Kate Bernheimer’s “Form is Fairy Tale and Fairy Tale is Form” is very influential in terms of the style it recommends in writing such as: “every day magic”, “flatness” (a form of narration), abstraction and intuitive logic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Dalldorf, Tamaryn
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , Short stories, South African (English) -- 21st century , Fairy tales -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63087 , vital:28362
- Description: My thesis compromises a variety of short stories which are modern re-writes of dark fairy tales. Fairy Tales often explore the dark side of human nature and in these stories I focus on the voices of female villains and the strange psychology which drives them. I find Fairy Tales absorbing because they reveal the vulnerabilities, dreams and fears of the human consciousness. My stories contain some satirical expositions of human nature and society. My influences are the anthology of short stories, “My mother She Killed Me and My Father He Ate Me”, The Grimm Fairy Tales (original) and The Fairy Tales of Charles Perrault as well as the writing of Horacio Moya, Angela Carter and Alissa Nutting for their dark satire and mockery of social eccentricities. Kate Bernheimer’s “Form is Fairy Tale and Fairy Tale is Form” is very influential in terms of the style it recommends in writing such as: “every day magic”, “flatness” (a form of narration), abstraction and intuitive logic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Experience-based lessons from males in the northern areas of Port Elizabeth on factors that has protected them from becoming involved in gangsterism
- Authors: Davids, Desira Julie-Anne
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Gang prevention -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Youth -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Social conditions , Social work with youth -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21994 , vital:29810
- Description: Limited research exists, both internationally and in the South African context, on factors protecting community members from becoming involved in gangsterism. This phenomenon has been found to be more prevalent in so-called ‘coloured’ communities and predominantly amongst males. Existing research on gangsterism mainly focus on the history and origin of gangsterism, risk factors that cause certain youth to be more vulnerable in becoming involved in gangs, and specific interventions aimed at curbing the phenomenon. The proposed study therefore aimed to explore and describe the experience-based lessons from selected males on factors that have protected them from becoming involved in gangsterism. The study employed a qualitative research approach that was explorative, descriptive and contextual in design. Participants were chosen through a purposive sampling technique and data was collected using semi-structured interviews. The trustworthiness of the research process and the findings was enhanced by employing a variety of data verification strategies. The study utilised the Ecological Systems and Resilience models as theoretical lenses. The study found that the benefits of family support, influence of faith or religion, positive role models and opportunities for furthering one’s education could be cited amongst the factors that protected participants from becoming involved in gangsterism. Amongst the recommendations of the study was lobbying for tertiary education specifically for young boys from previously disadvantaged communities plagued by social ills such as gangsterism, the restoration of disintegrated family units through the assistance of professionals, as well as the restoration and strengthening of the role of spiritual leaders in their involvement in the moral regeneration of communities. It is anticipated that findings of this study will be helpful in understanding the factors that protected males from becoming involved in gangsterism and make recommendations on how these protective factors could be strengthened so as to prevent more males from becoming involved in gangsterism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Davids, Desira Julie-Anne
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Gang prevention -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Youth -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Social conditions , Social work with youth -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21994 , vital:29810
- Description: Limited research exists, both internationally and in the South African context, on factors protecting community members from becoming involved in gangsterism. This phenomenon has been found to be more prevalent in so-called ‘coloured’ communities and predominantly amongst males. Existing research on gangsterism mainly focus on the history and origin of gangsterism, risk factors that cause certain youth to be more vulnerable in becoming involved in gangs, and specific interventions aimed at curbing the phenomenon. The proposed study therefore aimed to explore and describe the experience-based lessons from selected males on factors that have protected them from becoming involved in gangsterism. The study employed a qualitative research approach that was explorative, descriptive and contextual in design. Participants were chosen through a purposive sampling technique and data was collected using semi-structured interviews. The trustworthiness of the research process and the findings was enhanced by employing a variety of data verification strategies. The study utilised the Ecological Systems and Resilience models as theoretical lenses. The study found that the benefits of family support, influence of faith or religion, positive role models and opportunities for furthering one’s education could be cited amongst the factors that protected participants from becoming involved in gangsterism. Amongst the recommendations of the study was lobbying for tertiary education specifically for young boys from previously disadvantaged communities plagued by social ills such as gangsterism, the restoration of disintegrated family units through the assistance of professionals, as well as the restoration and strengthening of the role of spiritual leaders in their involvement in the moral regeneration of communities. It is anticipated that findings of this study will be helpful in understanding the factors that protected males from becoming involved in gangsterism and make recommendations on how these protective factors could be strengthened so as to prevent more males from becoming involved in gangsterism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Exploring the relationship between intergroup contact and anti-gay prejudice amongst heterosexual South African students
- Authors: De Beer, Hannari
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Intergroup relations -- South Africa -- Students , Prejudices -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects -- Students Stereotypes (Social psychology) -- South Africa -- Students Homosexuality -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects -- Students Interpersonal relations -- South Africa -- Students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21972 , vital:29808
- Description: Throughout history gay men have experienced oppression in the form of harassment, violence and discrimination and in South Africa it is no different (Brouard et al., 2016; OUT, 2016). According to the contact hypothesis, intergroup contact has shown to be one of the most successful ways to reduce prejudice and improve attitudes towards an outgroup (i.e. a group that you do not identify yourself with; Allport, 1954; Pettigrew & Tropp, 2006). Therefore, this study investigated whether positive intergroup contact plays a role in improving attitudes, and lessening prejudice towards gay men in South Africa by exploring the relationship between intergroup contact with gay men amongst heterosexual South African students and anti-gay prejudice. Furthermore, this study aimed to get a better understanding of how this process operates by exploring whether two affective mediators, namely intergroup anxiety and empathy, mediates the contact-prejudice relationship. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was used where participants completed an online questionnaire (N = 125). The findings from the present study indicate that contact with gay men amongst heterosexual students at a South African University positively and significantly predicted more positive attitudes towards gay men in general. Moreover, the results show that decreased intergroup anxiety and increased intergroup empathy fully mediates the relationship between intergroup contact and anti-gay prejudice. This research contributes to the body of contact literature in South Africa and could offer practical means for interventions that aim to reduce prejudice and improve attitudes towards gay men.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: De Beer, Hannari
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Intergroup relations -- South Africa -- Students , Prejudices -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects -- Students Stereotypes (Social psychology) -- South Africa -- Students Homosexuality -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects -- Students Interpersonal relations -- South Africa -- Students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21972 , vital:29808
- Description: Throughout history gay men have experienced oppression in the form of harassment, violence and discrimination and in South Africa it is no different (Brouard et al., 2016; OUT, 2016). According to the contact hypothesis, intergroup contact has shown to be one of the most successful ways to reduce prejudice and improve attitudes towards an outgroup (i.e. a group that you do not identify yourself with; Allport, 1954; Pettigrew & Tropp, 2006). Therefore, this study investigated whether positive intergroup contact plays a role in improving attitudes, and lessening prejudice towards gay men in South Africa by exploring the relationship between intergroup contact with gay men amongst heterosexual South African students and anti-gay prejudice. Furthermore, this study aimed to get a better understanding of how this process operates by exploring whether two affective mediators, namely intergroup anxiety and empathy, mediates the contact-prejudice relationship. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was used where participants completed an online questionnaire (N = 125). The findings from the present study indicate that contact with gay men amongst heterosexual students at a South African University positively and significantly predicted more positive attitudes towards gay men in general. Moreover, the results show that decreased intergroup anxiety and increased intergroup empathy fully mediates the relationship between intergroup contact and anti-gay prejudice. This research contributes to the body of contact literature in South Africa and could offer practical means for interventions that aim to reduce prejudice and improve attitudes towards gay men.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Verstegniese aspekte van Daniel Hugo se poësie met spesifieke verwysing na Die Twaalde Letter
- Authors: De Wee, Magdalena
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Hugo, Daniel -- Criticism and interpretation , Afrikaans poetry -- 20th century -- History and criticism
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29892 , vital:30790
- Description: This dissertation focuses in particular on the different poetic devices used by the Afrikaans poet Daniel Hugo when composing his collection of poems called Die Twaalfde Letter. At first an overview is given of Hugo’s extensive oeuvre, the recurring themes, motifs etc. and subsequently the reception of the collection under discussion. Close readings of poems to establish the rhyme patterns, the rhythm and metre, as well as the different poetic forms used by the poet will be discussed and analyse within the context of the collection as a whole. In the addendum to the dissertation the researcher will include a selection of her own poems based on an engagement with the poetic devices used by Hugo. This is one of the first dissertations dealing exclusively with Hugo’s poetry.
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- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: De Wee, Magdalena
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Hugo, Daniel -- Criticism and interpretation , Afrikaans poetry -- 20th century -- History and criticism
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29892 , vital:30790
- Description: This dissertation focuses in particular on the different poetic devices used by the Afrikaans poet Daniel Hugo when composing his collection of poems called Die Twaalfde Letter. At first an overview is given of Hugo’s extensive oeuvre, the recurring themes, motifs etc. and subsequently the reception of the collection under discussion. Close readings of poems to establish the rhyme patterns, the rhythm and metre, as well as the different poetic forms used by the poet will be discussed and analyse within the context of the collection as a whole. In the addendum to the dissertation the researcher will include a selection of her own poems based on an engagement with the poetic devices used by Hugo. This is one of the first dissertations dealing exclusively with Hugo’s poetry.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Effect of femininity on sexual health decision making of young females
- Authors: De Wet, Elna
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Female students -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23705 , vital:30603
- Description: South Africa is characterised by high levels of HIV infections and unwanted pregnancies, despite the vast amount of interventions aimed at combatting this issue. It becomes important to explore why these interventions are not actively achieving what they aim to. A major cause for concern is the increase in risky sexual behaviour in the adolescence and young adult (15-24 year) age group. In various cultures, women’s socialization has a direct impact on their ability to prioritize their sexual health. Steeped in patriarchal ideology, many South African cultures prioritise the power of masculinity over and above the femxle experience. Improved partner communication leads to decreased risky sexual behaviour, but it becomes tricky when the relationship is characterized by a gender power imbalance. This study is aimed at understanding South African femxle sexual health by focussing on 1) the extent to which the overarching traditional beliefs about femininity is related to their sexual self-efficacy. Furthermore, it is aimed at 2) the extent to which they engage in sexual activity and behaviour that would protect them from STIs and unwanted pregnancies. Research design is quantitative and include an online survey for femxle students between the ages of 18 and 24, enrolled at the Nelson Mandela University, South Africa. The data was analysed statistically, where after the research findings will be interpreted from the perspective of Feminist Psychological Theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: De Wet, Elna
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Female students -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23705 , vital:30603
- Description: South Africa is characterised by high levels of HIV infections and unwanted pregnancies, despite the vast amount of interventions aimed at combatting this issue. It becomes important to explore why these interventions are not actively achieving what they aim to. A major cause for concern is the increase in risky sexual behaviour in the adolescence and young adult (15-24 year) age group. In various cultures, women’s socialization has a direct impact on their ability to prioritize their sexual health. Steeped in patriarchal ideology, many South African cultures prioritise the power of masculinity over and above the femxle experience. Improved partner communication leads to decreased risky sexual behaviour, but it becomes tricky when the relationship is characterized by a gender power imbalance. This study is aimed at understanding South African femxle sexual health by focussing on 1) the extent to which the overarching traditional beliefs about femininity is related to their sexual self-efficacy. Furthermore, it is aimed at 2) the extent to which they engage in sexual activity and behaviour that would protect them from STIs and unwanted pregnancies. Research design is quantitative and include an online survey for femxle students between the ages of 18 and 24, enrolled at the Nelson Mandela University, South Africa. The data was analysed statistically, where after the research findings will be interpreted from the perspective of Feminist Psychological Theory.
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- Date Issued: 2018