Social relationships and identity online and offline: a study of the interplay between offline social relationships and facebook usage by Rhodes University students from socially disadvantaged backgrounds
- Authors: Chatora, Arther Tichaona
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Facebook (Electronic resource) Online social networks Information technology -- Social aspects Identity (Psychology) and mass media Rhodes University -- Students -- Social life and customs Rhodes University -- Students -- Social networks Rhodes University -- Students -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3421 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002874
- Description: Based on in-depth focus group and individual interviews, this thesis examines how Rhodes University students from socially disadvantaged backgrounds experience campus social life and how they subsequently use Facebook to perform, represent and negotiate their social identities. The study discusses utopian and dystopian positions and interrogates these theoretical perspectives in relation to the students‟ Facebook usage. The popularity and uptake of Facebook by students from disadvantaged backgrounds, such as those here at Rhodes University, is a growing phenomenon, provoking questions about the relationship between social experiences, social identity and social networks. Rhodes University‟s social space has been identified by previous studies as modern, liberal, “elite” and divided along race and class lines. The ways in which students experience this campus social space relates to their subject positions and identities. The study employs different perspectives of identity construction to interrogate the students‟ subject experiences in home and school contexts before coming to Rhodes University. The students‟ subjective positions are primarily embedded in tradition and their subject positions are sometimes in tension or come in conflict with the modern and liberal elements permitted by the Rhodes University context. The students also experience and adopt modern and liberal elements in their lifestyles which are permitted within the Rhodes University social space. The thesis found that Facebook offers a platform which facilitates a social connectivity that influences how students perform their identities in relation to their offline social identities and lived social experiences. This study concludes that the mediated symbolic materials for the construction and negotiation of identity provided by Facebook are sometimes in tension with the demands of traditional subjectivities experienced by these students at Rhodes University. Facebook allows the students to reinforce and affirm the validity of their traditional identities in this modern and liberal space. However, it also emerged that Facebook facilitates and allows students who experience and incorporate the modern and liberal elements permitted at Rhodes University to represent and negotiate their subjective positions online. The findings of the study indicate that participants primarily communicate with their friends, families, relatives and acquaintances - people they know personally offline, in line with the theoretical position which argues that online relationships are primarily shaped by offline relationships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Chatora, Arther Tichaona
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Facebook (Electronic resource) Online social networks Information technology -- Social aspects Identity (Psychology) and mass media Rhodes University -- Students -- Social life and customs Rhodes University -- Students -- Social networks Rhodes University -- Students -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3421 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002874
- Description: Based on in-depth focus group and individual interviews, this thesis examines how Rhodes University students from socially disadvantaged backgrounds experience campus social life and how they subsequently use Facebook to perform, represent and negotiate their social identities. The study discusses utopian and dystopian positions and interrogates these theoretical perspectives in relation to the students‟ Facebook usage. The popularity and uptake of Facebook by students from disadvantaged backgrounds, such as those here at Rhodes University, is a growing phenomenon, provoking questions about the relationship between social experiences, social identity and social networks. Rhodes University‟s social space has been identified by previous studies as modern, liberal, “elite” and divided along race and class lines. The ways in which students experience this campus social space relates to their subject positions and identities. The study employs different perspectives of identity construction to interrogate the students‟ subject experiences in home and school contexts before coming to Rhodes University. The students‟ subjective positions are primarily embedded in tradition and their subject positions are sometimes in tension or come in conflict with the modern and liberal elements permitted by the Rhodes University context. The students also experience and adopt modern and liberal elements in their lifestyles which are permitted within the Rhodes University social space. The thesis found that Facebook offers a platform which facilitates a social connectivity that influences how students perform their identities in relation to their offline social identities and lived social experiences. This study concludes that the mediated symbolic materials for the construction and negotiation of identity provided by Facebook are sometimes in tension with the demands of traditional subjectivities experienced by these students at Rhodes University. Facebook allows the students to reinforce and affirm the validity of their traditional identities in this modern and liberal space. However, it also emerged that Facebook facilitates and allows students who experience and incorporate the modern and liberal elements permitted at Rhodes University to represent and negotiate their subjective positions online. The findings of the study indicate that participants primarily communicate with their friends, families, relatives and acquaintances - people they know personally offline, in line with the theoretical position which argues that online relationships are primarily shaped by offline relationships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Social sustainability of biogas production in Sogwala village, lower Gweru district, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Dhliwayo, Nyaradzo
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Biogas -- Zimbabwe , Biogas -- Developing countries , Sustainability -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10648 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1459 , Biogas -- Zimbabwe , Biogas -- Developing countries , Sustainability -- Zimbabwe
- Description: The study has explored the social sustainability of biogas production in a local village of Sogwala which is located in the Lower Gweru District of Zimbabwe. The social sustainability assessment was based on the two concepts of social sustainability, namely human capital and social capital with particular emphasis on their respective elements and aspects. Qualitative and quantitative research methodology methods were used on a sample of 100 households using biogas and some key informants. Analysis of the variance was used to determine whether biogas production could account for any effects on the social and human capital elements of the Sogwala community. An overview and descriptive statistics analysis of the findings from the study have been provided where the biogas users’ experiences, perspectives are discussed and results were assessed. For instance, effects on the aspects of social capital elements which include increases in the social group membership of households after the introduction of biogas production the village; the performance of biogas energy as compared with other fuel sources in terms of accessibility, efficiency and the degree of labour needed for continual production of biogas. In view of the human capital element, assessment is done on the economic status per household before and after the production of biogas, where emphasis is placed on the aspects of employment, education and health indicators within the social sustainability context. The fundamental benefits from biogas production are considered and discussed with the technical issues surrounding biogas production also being presented. This is not just a technical unit for providing alternative energy supply, but it requires management, labour and knowledge, skills to operate on a daily basis for it to have an impact that can bring positive change to the daily social lives of both the young and old.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Dhliwayo, Nyaradzo
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Biogas -- Zimbabwe , Biogas -- Developing countries , Sustainability -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10648 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1459 , Biogas -- Zimbabwe , Biogas -- Developing countries , Sustainability -- Zimbabwe
- Description: The study has explored the social sustainability of biogas production in a local village of Sogwala which is located in the Lower Gweru District of Zimbabwe. The social sustainability assessment was based on the two concepts of social sustainability, namely human capital and social capital with particular emphasis on their respective elements and aspects. Qualitative and quantitative research methodology methods were used on a sample of 100 households using biogas and some key informants. Analysis of the variance was used to determine whether biogas production could account for any effects on the social and human capital elements of the Sogwala community. An overview and descriptive statistics analysis of the findings from the study have been provided where the biogas users’ experiences, perspectives are discussed and results were assessed. For instance, effects on the aspects of social capital elements which include increases in the social group membership of households after the introduction of biogas production the village; the performance of biogas energy as compared with other fuel sources in terms of accessibility, efficiency and the degree of labour needed for continual production of biogas. In view of the human capital element, assessment is done on the economic status per household before and after the production of biogas, where emphasis is placed on the aspects of employment, education and health indicators within the social sustainability context. The fundamental benefits from biogas production are considered and discussed with the technical issues surrounding biogas production also being presented. This is not just a technical unit for providing alternative energy supply, but it requires management, labour and knowledge, skills to operate on a daily basis for it to have an impact that can bring positive change to the daily social lives of both the young and old.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Systemic influence on Black South African adolescents' career development : adolescent and parental perspectives
- Authors: Collett, Gary Reece
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Career development -- South Africa , Teenagers -- Vocational guidance , Adolescence , Parent and child
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9863 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1513 , Career development -- South Africa , Teenagers -- Vocational guidance , Adolescence , Parent and child
- Description: Currently, no career theories exist that sufficiently explain the career development of South Africa’s diverse population groups. Consequently, South African researchers have been entirely dependent on international, western-informed career theories. While such theories have taken on a more ethnocentric complexion in recent times, they remain essentially decontextualised for South Africa. Furthermore, although the influence of family and the significant roles of parents have been theoretically acknowledged as critical influences in adolescent career development, there is still a considerable lack of research in South Africa on this topic. The present study therefore explored the perceptions of systemic influences on adolescent career development from the perspectives of both Black middle-class South African Grade 11 learners and their parents. The research was conceptualised within the Systems Theory Framework (STF) of career development and used its derivative instrument, the My Systems of Career Influences (MSCI, Adolescent). The present study utilised a qualitative research method, using answers derived from the MSCI (Adolescent) booklets to inform semi-structured interviews. The data analysis procedure involved the use of Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis to qualitatively analyse data obtained from the semistructured interviews. Findings revealed a number of influences within the individual system (personality, values, abilities), social system (adolescents’ parents and teachers) and societal-environmental system (financial support, the opportunity to work overseas, geographical location, job availability, and the location of universities) that were acknowledged as having an influence on the career development of South African Black middle class adolescents. Each of these findings were explored and unpacked under the four xii identified Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) superordinate themes of Family Dynamics, Great Expectations, The Ghost of Apartheid and Coconuts Fall Far From the Tree. Lastly, the limitations of the present study, as well as recommendations for future research are discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Collett, Gary Reece
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Career development -- South Africa , Teenagers -- Vocational guidance , Adolescence , Parent and child
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9863 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1513 , Career development -- South Africa , Teenagers -- Vocational guidance , Adolescence , Parent and child
- Description: Currently, no career theories exist that sufficiently explain the career development of South Africa’s diverse population groups. Consequently, South African researchers have been entirely dependent on international, western-informed career theories. While such theories have taken on a more ethnocentric complexion in recent times, they remain essentially decontextualised for South Africa. Furthermore, although the influence of family and the significant roles of parents have been theoretically acknowledged as critical influences in adolescent career development, there is still a considerable lack of research in South Africa on this topic. The present study therefore explored the perceptions of systemic influences on adolescent career development from the perspectives of both Black middle-class South African Grade 11 learners and their parents. The research was conceptualised within the Systems Theory Framework (STF) of career development and used its derivative instrument, the My Systems of Career Influences (MSCI, Adolescent). The present study utilised a qualitative research method, using answers derived from the MSCI (Adolescent) booklets to inform semi-structured interviews. The data analysis procedure involved the use of Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis to qualitatively analyse data obtained from the semistructured interviews. Findings revealed a number of influences within the individual system (personality, values, abilities), social system (adolescents’ parents and teachers) and societal-environmental system (financial support, the opportunity to work overseas, geographical location, job availability, and the location of universities) that were acknowledged as having an influence on the career development of South African Black middle class adolescents. Each of these findings were explored and unpacked under the four xii identified Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) superordinate themes of Family Dynamics, Great Expectations, The Ghost of Apartheid and Coconuts Fall Far From the Tree. Lastly, the limitations of the present study, as well as recommendations for future research are discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Take my word for it: a new approach to the problem of sincerity in the epistemology of testimony
- Authors: Dewhurst, Therese
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Sincerity Philosophy Terminology Knowledge, Theory of Honesty
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2707 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002837
- Description: The epistemological problem of sincerity in testimony is often approached in the following way: We, as a matter of fact, accept utterances as sincere. We do so in the face of knowledge that people lie and deceive,and yet we still count these beliefs as good beliefs. Therefore there must be some reason or argument that we can cite in order to justify our acceptance of the sincerity of the speaker. In this thesis I will argue, contra this, that there is no reason, per se, that justifies our of a speakers sincerity: this is because recognition of the obligation to accept the sincerity is a necessary condition on the possibility of communication and interpretation. In the first three of the thesis I will argue against three of the main approaches to the problem by focusing on what I believe to be the strongest accounts of each: Elizabeth Fricker's reductionism, Tyler Burge's non-reductionism, and Paul Faulkner's trust account of testimony. In the final chapter I will put forward my positive account. I will argue that it is a constitutive rule of language that a speaker be sincere, and then make the further claim, that it is a constitutive rule of interpretation that the hearer take an utterance as sincere. On my account, successful communication does not just depend on a speaker making sincere utterances,but just as importantly,, on the hearer recognising an obligation to take those utterances as being sincere.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Dewhurst, Therese
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Sincerity Philosophy Terminology Knowledge, Theory of Honesty
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2707 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002837
- Description: The epistemological problem of sincerity in testimony is often approached in the following way: We, as a matter of fact, accept utterances as sincere. We do so in the face of knowledge that people lie and deceive,and yet we still count these beliefs as good beliefs. Therefore there must be some reason or argument that we can cite in order to justify our acceptance of the sincerity of the speaker. In this thesis I will argue, contra this, that there is no reason, per se, that justifies our of a speakers sincerity: this is because recognition of the obligation to accept the sincerity is a necessary condition on the possibility of communication and interpretation. In the first three of the thesis I will argue against three of the main approaches to the problem by focusing on what I believe to be the strongest accounts of each: Elizabeth Fricker's reductionism, Tyler Burge's non-reductionism, and Paul Faulkner's trust account of testimony. In the final chapter I will put forward my positive account. I will argue that it is a constitutive rule of language that a speaker be sincere, and then make the further claim, that it is a constitutive rule of interpretation that the hearer take an utterance as sincere. On my account, successful communication does not just depend on a speaker making sincere utterances,but just as importantly,, on the hearer recognising an obligation to take those utterances as being sincere.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Target costing as a strategic cost management tool in the South African motor industry
- Authors: Slater, Michael, M A
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Target costing -- South Africa , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Management , Cost accounting -- South Africa -- Standards , Cost accounting -- South Africa , Cost control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8974 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1094 , Target costing -- South Africa , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Management , Cost accounting -- South Africa -- Standards , Cost accounting -- South Africa , Cost control
- Description: Traditional cost-accounting approaches have served manufacturers well over a long period, but due to the changing nature of the modern manufacturing environment shortcomings have resulted and are no longer regarded as suitable (Gagne & Discenza 1993: 68). Similarly, Monden and Lee (1993: 22) state that many practitioners and academicians have questioned the effectiveness of standard cost systems, which have been used as the primary cost control measure for the last several decades. Cooper and Slagmulder (1997: 2) point out that in contrast to the conventional cost management techniques, target costing adopts a feed-forward approach. The objective of target costing is to design costs out of products, and not to find ways of eliminating costs after the products enter production. Few firms can afford to ignore such a powerful mechanism to increase profits in today’s highly competitive environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Slater, Michael, M A
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Target costing -- South Africa , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Management , Cost accounting -- South Africa -- Standards , Cost accounting -- South Africa , Cost control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8974 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1094 , Target costing -- South Africa , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Management , Cost accounting -- South Africa -- Standards , Cost accounting -- South Africa , Cost control
- Description: Traditional cost-accounting approaches have served manufacturers well over a long period, but due to the changing nature of the modern manufacturing environment shortcomings have resulted and are no longer regarded as suitable (Gagne & Discenza 1993: 68). Similarly, Monden and Lee (1993: 22) state that many practitioners and academicians have questioned the effectiveness of standard cost systems, which have been used as the primary cost control measure for the last several decades. Cooper and Slagmulder (1997: 2) point out that in contrast to the conventional cost management techniques, target costing adopts a feed-forward approach. The objective of target costing is to design costs out of products, and not to find ways of eliminating costs after the products enter production. Few firms can afford to ignore such a powerful mechanism to increase profits in today’s highly competitive environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The advent of the 'Festivore' an exploration of South African audience attendance in the performing arts at the National Arts Festival
- Authors: Antrobus, Richard Roy
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Standard Bank National Arts Festival -- Economic aspects , Arts -- Economic aspects , Performing arts festivals -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Arts -- South Africa -- Economic aspects , Arts -- South Africa -- Finance , Arts -- South Africa -- Political aspects , Arts audiences -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2130 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002362
- Description: In South Africa, the performing arts have contributed to enhancing national identity and distinctiveness despite coming up against weak legislation, policy and infrastructure to support their growth and proliferation (Fredericks, 2005: 9). Coupled with a decline in both government and consumer support and the contradictory disparity between valuing the arts and the funding of the arts, theatre companies can no longer rely on the comfort of external subsidies and financial support. In order to be economically viable and sustainable to ensure their survival, there is an increasing demand for theatre companies to look to novel ways of increasing audience demand for theatre and improving audience attendance. However, instead of risking artistic integrity and the performance product to satisfy the market, this research suggests that promotion and development of theatre at arts festivals provides a platform to access a wider theatre-going public, which therefore facilitates a change in the market focus toward appreciation of the product (production). It explores leading arguments pertaining to the attendance of arts and cultural events, namely, Peterson and Simkus (1992), later updated by Peterson‟s (2005)„omnivore-univore‟ argument. The argument purports cultural consumption as binary in nature: either significant and diverse or limited, if not absent altogether. Supported by a number of case-studies, including Chan and Goldthorpe (2005) and Montgomery and Robinson (2008) and Snowball et al. (2009), the investigation challenges Bourdieu‟s (1984) theory on cultural distinction as well as the homology and individualisation argument. In determining the factors that influence cultural taste and consumer behaviour, including motivators and inhibitors of attendance and a predominant emphasis on audience risk and information asymmetry, the research was placed in a local context, providing an overview of the socio-economic theatre environment in South Africa. It investigated the nature, structure and impact of local festivals (as events) in changing audience demand and theatre attendance. With specific reference to the South African National Arts Festival (NAF) the research notes the effects of Hauptfleisch‟s „eventification‟ phenomenon on univore attenders and therefore expands the omnivore-univore theory to include a new breed of attender: the “Festivore”. A case study explored the “Festivore” hypothesis through empirical research, surveys and face-to-face qualitative interviews and on-seat questionnaire responses by festival attenders. Personal interviews and communication was also carried out with leading experts in the field. The data was then analysed using SPSS 13 electronic statistical analysis programme to determine the socio-demographics and the factors that affect theatre attendance of existing, as well as potential target, theatre audiences at the National Arts Festival The study concluded that South African theatre attenders are generally omnivorous consumers and that, more importantly, there seems to be a shift towards „festivorous‟ consumption. Furthermore, evidence supports the development and proliferation of festivals as a means not only to support and promote the arts in South Africa but, more importantly, to generate new theatre audiences and entrench theatre attendance into South African culture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Antrobus, Richard Roy
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Standard Bank National Arts Festival -- Economic aspects , Arts -- Economic aspects , Performing arts festivals -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Arts -- South Africa -- Economic aspects , Arts -- South Africa -- Finance , Arts -- South Africa -- Political aspects , Arts audiences -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2130 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002362
- Description: In South Africa, the performing arts have contributed to enhancing national identity and distinctiveness despite coming up against weak legislation, policy and infrastructure to support their growth and proliferation (Fredericks, 2005: 9). Coupled with a decline in both government and consumer support and the contradictory disparity between valuing the arts and the funding of the arts, theatre companies can no longer rely on the comfort of external subsidies and financial support. In order to be economically viable and sustainable to ensure their survival, there is an increasing demand for theatre companies to look to novel ways of increasing audience demand for theatre and improving audience attendance. However, instead of risking artistic integrity and the performance product to satisfy the market, this research suggests that promotion and development of theatre at arts festivals provides a platform to access a wider theatre-going public, which therefore facilitates a change in the market focus toward appreciation of the product (production). It explores leading arguments pertaining to the attendance of arts and cultural events, namely, Peterson and Simkus (1992), later updated by Peterson‟s (2005)„omnivore-univore‟ argument. The argument purports cultural consumption as binary in nature: either significant and diverse or limited, if not absent altogether. Supported by a number of case-studies, including Chan and Goldthorpe (2005) and Montgomery and Robinson (2008) and Snowball et al. (2009), the investigation challenges Bourdieu‟s (1984) theory on cultural distinction as well as the homology and individualisation argument. In determining the factors that influence cultural taste and consumer behaviour, including motivators and inhibitors of attendance and a predominant emphasis on audience risk and information asymmetry, the research was placed in a local context, providing an overview of the socio-economic theatre environment in South Africa. It investigated the nature, structure and impact of local festivals (as events) in changing audience demand and theatre attendance. With specific reference to the South African National Arts Festival (NAF) the research notes the effects of Hauptfleisch‟s „eventification‟ phenomenon on univore attenders and therefore expands the omnivore-univore theory to include a new breed of attender: the “Festivore”. A case study explored the “Festivore” hypothesis through empirical research, surveys and face-to-face qualitative interviews and on-seat questionnaire responses by festival attenders. Personal interviews and communication was also carried out with leading experts in the field. The data was then analysed using SPSS 13 electronic statistical analysis programme to determine the socio-demographics and the factors that affect theatre attendance of existing, as well as potential target, theatre audiences at the National Arts Festival The study concluded that South African theatre attenders are generally omnivorous consumers and that, more importantly, there seems to be a shift towards „festivorous‟ consumption. Furthermore, evidence supports the development and proliferation of festivals as a means not only to support and promote the arts in South Africa but, more importantly, to generate new theatre audiences and entrench theatre attendance into South African culture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The Coega project: creative politicking in Post-Apartheid South Africa
- Authors: Mtimka, Ongama
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: South Africa -- Politics and government , Industrial development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9425 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1576 , South Africa -- Politics and government , Industrial development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This treatise revisits the process of the implementation of the Coega Project and discusses political economic issues which emerge therein locating them in the political economic context of post-1994 South Africa. Based on an in-depth study of the “Coega Story”, and three years of observing the Coega Development Corporation engaging in the political economic space to implement the project, key themes which are relevant in understanding the nature of politics in the country are highlighted and discussed with a view to drawing lessons for future implementers of economic development projects and policy makers. Key discussions in the study include a critical analysis of the symbiotic relationship between politics and development (or broadly the economy) – where emphasis is made about the centrality of politics in implementing economic development projects; the developmental state – where key characteristics of a developmental state are highlighted; the transition from apartheid to democracy and its implications on the nature of political relations post-apartheid; industrial development as a growth strategy and the interplay of social forces in the post- 1994 political economic space. The Coega Project is located within the broader context of the ruling party seeking to advance what is called the second and, perhaps the ultimate task of the liberation struggle, socio-economic liberation. Its strategic fit in that task is discussed critically taking into account paths to industrialisation as they have been observed from Newly Industrialising Countries and South Africa’s attempts at industrialisation before and after 1994.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mtimka, Ongama
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: South Africa -- Politics and government , Industrial development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9425 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1576 , South Africa -- Politics and government , Industrial development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This treatise revisits the process of the implementation of the Coega Project and discusses political economic issues which emerge therein locating them in the political economic context of post-1994 South Africa. Based on an in-depth study of the “Coega Story”, and three years of observing the Coega Development Corporation engaging in the political economic space to implement the project, key themes which are relevant in understanding the nature of politics in the country are highlighted and discussed with a view to drawing lessons for future implementers of economic development projects and policy makers. Key discussions in the study include a critical analysis of the symbiotic relationship between politics and development (or broadly the economy) – where emphasis is made about the centrality of politics in implementing economic development projects; the developmental state – where key characteristics of a developmental state are highlighted; the transition from apartheid to democracy and its implications on the nature of political relations post-apartheid; industrial development as a growth strategy and the interplay of social forces in the post- 1994 political economic space. The Coega Project is located within the broader context of the ruling party seeking to advance what is called the second and, perhaps the ultimate task of the liberation struggle, socio-economic liberation. Its strategic fit in that task is discussed critically taking into account paths to industrialisation as they have been observed from Newly Industrialising Countries and South Africa’s attempts at industrialisation before and after 1994.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The development and implementation of computer literacy terminology in isiXhosa
- Authors: Sam, Msindisi Scara
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Xhosa language -- Data processing Computer literacy -- South Africa -- Dwesa-Cwebe Computer literacy -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Information technology -- South Africa -- Dwesa-Cwebe Information technology -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Computational linguistics -- South Africa -- Dwesa-Cwebe Computational linguistics -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Information technology -- South Africa -- Dwesa-Cwebe -- Social aspects Information technology -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Social aspects Digital divide -- South Africa -- Dwesa-Cwebe Communication in economic development -- South Africa -- Dwesa-Cwebe Communication in economic development -- South Africa -- Grahamstown South Africa-Norway Tertiary Education Development Programme Rhodes University. Dept. of African Languages
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3580 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002155
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Sam, Msindisi Scara
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Xhosa language -- Data processing Computer literacy -- South Africa -- Dwesa-Cwebe Computer literacy -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Information technology -- South Africa -- Dwesa-Cwebe Information technology -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Computational linguistics -- South Africa -- Dwesa-Cwebe Computational linguistics -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Information technology -- South Africa -- Dwesa-Cwebe -- Social aspects Information technology -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Social aspects Digital divide -- South Africa -- Dwesa-Cwebe Communication in economic development -- South Africa -- Dwesa-Cwebe Communication in economic development -- South Africa -- Grahamstown South Africa-Norway Tertiary Education Development Programme Rhodes University. Dept. of African Languages
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3580 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002155
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The effects of hyperinflation on the Zimbabwean construction industry
- Authors: Moyo, Admire
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Inflation (Finance) -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions , Construction industry -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9687 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1197 , Inflation (Finance) -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions , Construction industry -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Description: Less than two decades ago, Zimbabwe was a symbol for the rest of the world of what Africa could become (Dell, 2005). DiSilvio (2007) contends that independent Zimbabwe was an economic success on route to attaining status of the most “developed country” in Africa. Contrary to expectations, by 2003 the Zimbabwean economy was shrinking faster than any other economy in the world at 18 percent per year (Richardson, 2005). Reports indicate that the Zimbabwean economy is in crisis and has since been set back by more than 50 years (Matikinye, 2005). This phenomenon necessitated the need for an investigation to ascertain its cause in Zimbabwe. As a result, the research identifies and presents hyperinflation as the root cause of the crisis in Zimbabwe and illustrates the validity of this assertion with a focus on the Zimbabwean construction industry. As part of the research inquiry, a review of related literature was conducted. The literature review illustrated the generic effects of hyperinflation as well as the effects of this phenomenon in action in Zimbabwe. The literature study was followed by a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire was completed by 23 contractors and 7 clients from a census of contractors and clients in Zimbabwe. The questionnaire consisted of a number of variables, which the respondents were asked to rate vis-à-vis the effects of hyperinflation in the construction industry. In summary, the questionnaire sought to determine the causes of hyperinflation in Zimbabwe, its specific effects on the construction industry and how respondents thought the phenomenon could be mitigated so as to revive the Zimbabwean construction industry. The techniques of re-scaling, in conjunction with descriptive and inferential statistics, ranking and quadrant analysis were applied to the data. Results from these analyses revealed a high degree of agreement among respondents vis-à-vis the effects of hyperinflation on the Zimbabwean construction industry. The interpretation of the results further revealed that hyperinflation has undoubtedly led to the collapse of the Zimbabwean construction industry. In conclusion, the research, applying the interpretations of v the survey findings, prescribes a number of ways in which the Zimbabwean construction sector may be resurrected. Among the recommended prescriptions, there are a number of debatable issues that arise that the researcher proposes should be subject to future study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Moyo, Admire
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Inflation (Finance) -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions , Construction industry -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9687 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1197 , Inflation (Finance) -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions , Construction industry -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Description: Less than two decades ago, Zimbabwe was a symbol for the rest of the world of what Africa could become (Dell, 2005). DiSilvio (2007) contends that independent Zimbabwe was an economic success on route to attaining status of the most “developed country” in Africa. Contrary to expectations, by 2003 the Zimbabwean economy was shrinking faster than any other economy in the world at 18 percent per year (Richardson, 2005). Reports indicate that the Zimbabwean economy is in crisis and has since been set back by more than 50 years (Matikinye, 2005). This phenomenon necessitated the need for an investigation to ascertain its cause in Zimbabwe. As a result, the research identifies and presents hyperinflation as the root cause of the crisis in Zimbabwe and illustrates the validity of this assertion with a focus on the Zimbabwean construction industry. As part of the research inquiry, a review of related literature was conducted. The literature review illustrated the generic effects of hyperinflation as well as the effects of this phenomenon in action in Zimbabwe. The literature study was followed by a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire was completed by 23 contractors and 7 clients from a census of contractors and clients in Zimbabwe. The questionnaire consisted of a number of variables, which the respondents were asked to rate vis-à-vis the effects of hyperinflation in the construction industry. In summary, the questionnaire sought to determine the causes of hyperinflation in Zimbabwe, its specific effects on the construction industry and how respondents thought the phenomenon could be mitigated so as to revive the Zimbabwean construction industry. The techniques of re-scaling, in conjunction with descriptive and inferential statistics, ranking and quadrant analysis were applied to the data. Results from these analyses revealed a high degree of agreement among respondents vis-à-vis the effects of hyperinflation on the Zimbabwean construction industry. The interpretation of the results further revealed that hyperinflation has undoubtedly led to the collapse of the Zimbabwean construction industry. In conclusion, the research, applying the interpretations of v the survey findings, prescribes a number of ways in which the Zimbabwean construction sector may be resurrected. Among the recommended prescriptions, there are a number of debatable issues that arise that the researcher proposes should be subject to future study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The experience of instant messaging upon adolescent female relationship
- Authors: Eberhardt, Antoinette
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Adolescent psychology -- South Africa , Instant messaging -- South Africa , Friendship in adolescence -- South Africa , Teenage girls -- Social networks , Social networks -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9877 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1324 , Adolescent psychology -- South Africa , Instant messaging -- South Africa , Friendship in adolescence -- South Africa , Teenage girls -- Social networks , Social networks -- Psychological aspects
- Description: Social Interaction Technologies (SIT) have broadened the horizon of communication in terms of the way people are able to communicate. It is now possible to interact with others across the world and engage in numerous activities ranging from dating to political movements, hobbies and even professions (Chigona, Chigona, Ngqokelela, & Mpofu, 2009). Adolescents and pre-adolescents especially are inclined to make use of SIT in their social lives with the most popular mode of communication, apart from email, being instant messaging (IM) (Brown, Mounts, Lamborn, & Steinberg, 1993; Bryant, Sanders-Jackson, & Smallwood, 2006; Madden & Rainie, 2003). Adolescents tend to use IM regularly as a tool to maintain relationships and girls especially, use it as a tool to socialise (Jennings & Wartella, 2004; Lenhart, Rainie, & Lewis, 2001). The mobile phone or cell phone, which is another example of an SIT-based communication, has become an established medium of technical, social and commercial communication in South Africa. It has given rise to the development and vast growth of a mobile youth culture who consider it an essential tool for communicating (Bosch, 2008). In South Africa, instant messages may be sent via mobile phone using one of two methods: MXit and the SMS (short messaging service). MXit and the SMS are considered convenient tools of communication as an ongoing conversation in the form of a text message may be maintained in the present (Yoshii, Matsuda, Habuchi, Dobashi, Iwata, & Kin, 2002).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Eberhardt, Antoinette
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Adolescent psychology -- South Africa , Instant messaging -- South Africa , Friendship in adolescence -- South Africa , Teenage girls -- Social networks , Social networks -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9877 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1324 , Adolescent psychology -- South Africa , Instant messaging -- South Africa , Friendship in adolescence -- South Africa , Teenage girls -- Social networks , Social networks -- Psychological aspects
- Description: Social Interaction Technologies (SIT) have broadened the horizon of communication in terms of the way people are able to communicate. It is now possible to interact with others across the world and engage in numerous activities ranging from dating to political movements, hobbies and even professions (Chigona, Chigona, Ngqokelela, & Mpofu, 2009). Adolescents and pre-adolescents especially are inclined to make use of SIT in their social lives with the most popular mode of communication, apart from email, being instant messaging (IM) (Brown, Mounts, Lamborn, & Steinberg, 1993; Bryant, Sanders-Jackson, & Smallwood, 2006; Madden & Rainie, 2003). Adolescents tend to use IM regularly as a tool to maintain relationships and girls especially, use it as a tool to socialise (Jennings & Wartella, 2004; Lenhart, Rainie, & Lewis, 2001). The mobile phone or cell phone, which is another example of an SIT-based communication, has become an established medium of technical, social and commercial communication in South Africa. It has given rise to the development and vast growth of a mobile youth culture who consider it an essential tool for communicating (Bosch, 2008). In South Africa, instant messages may be sent via mobile phone using one of two methods: MXit and the SMS (short messaging service). MXit and the SMS are considered convenient tools of communication as an ongoing conversation in the form of a text message may be maintained in the present (Yoshii, Matsuda, Habuchi, Dobashi, Iwata, & Kin, 2002).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The impact of affirmative action on overseas employment decision of final year students
- Authors: Gouws, Renaldo
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Affirmative action programs -- South Africa , Brain drain -- South Africa , Reverse discrimination in employment -- South Africa , Employment in foreign countries , Students -- Employment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9399 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1241 , Affirmative action programs -- South Africa , Brain drain -- South Africa , Reverse discrimination in employment -- South Africa , Employment in foreign countries , Students -- Employment
- Description: Economical and educational problems are caused by the reversed effect of the Employment Equity Act and Affirmative Action. One such problem is called “brain drain” (Lundy, 2006), The general aim of the research was to determine whether affirmative action caused final year students of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University to consider overseas employment. A literature study was conducted before the empirical objectives were reached. The empirical study was of a quantitative descriptive and inferential nature. A cross-sectional survey design was used to achieve the empirical objectives. A self- administered survey package was handed out to final year students within the various disciplines at their various classes. One hypothesis was tested. The results indicated that support was found for the hypothesis. The findings are discussed in relation to the data gathered. The implications of the research and the limitations of the study are outlined in the Results chapter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Gouws, Renaldo
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Affirmative action programs -- South Africa , Brain drain -- South Africa , Reverse discrimination in employment -- South Africa , Employment in foreign countries , Students -- Employment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9399 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1241 , Affirmative action programs -- South Africa , Brain drain -- South Africa , Reverse discrimination in employment -- South Africa , Employment in foreign countries , Students -- Employment
- Description: Economical and educational problems are caused by the reversed effect of the Employment Equity Act and Affirmative Action. One such problem is called “brain drain” (Lundy, 2006), The general aim of the research was to determine whether affirmative action caused final year students of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University to consider overseas employment. A literature study was conducted before the empirical objectives were reached. The empirical study was of a quantitative descriptive and inferential nature. A cross-sectional survey design was used to achieve the empirical objectives. A self- administered survey package was handed out to final year students within the various disciplines at their various classes. One hypothesis was tested. The results indicated that support was found for the hypothesis. The findings are discussed in relation to the data gathered. The implications of the research and the limitations of the study are outlined in the Results chapter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The investigation of the impact of household contractor project in Ukhahlamba District since 2003 with regards to poverty alleviation among the participating household contractors
- Authors: Ngwendu, Mandlenkosi Victor
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Governmentpolicy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9060 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1396 , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Governmentpolicy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study investigates impact made by Household Contractor Project as a Poverty Alleviation initiative on participating Household Contractors in Ukhahlamba in the Eastern Cape Province. Household Contractor Project is an Expanded Public Works Project implemented by the Eastern Cape Provincial Government to achieve the following EPWP principles, namely: Poverty alleviation; Creation of employment opportunities and; Creation of opportunities for skills development. The project (meaning Household Contractor Project) is implemented in the Province's six districts, namely: Alfred Nzo, Amathole, Cacadu, Chris Hani, O.R. Tambo, and Ukhahlamba. The study aims at investigating whether Household Contractor Project in Ukhahlamba district has resulted in poverty alleviation among participating household contractors. The study uses measurable indicators like food security, education for children, health needs and basic household needs to achieve its aim.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Ngwendu, Mandlenkosi Victor
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Governmentpolicy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9060 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1396 , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Governmentpolicy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study investigates impact made by Household Contractor Project as a Poverty Alleviation initiative on participating Household Contractors in Ukhahlamba in the Eastern Cape Province. Household Contractor Project is an Expanded Public Works Project implemented by the Eastern Cape Provincial Government to achieve the following EPWP principles, namely: Poverty alleviation; Creation of employment opportunities and; Creation of opportunities for skills development. The project (meaning Household Contractor Project) is implemented in the Province's six districts, namely: Alfred Nzo, Amathole, Cacadu, Chris Hani, O.R. Tambo, and Ukhahlamba. The study aims at investigating whether Household Contractor Project in Ukhahlamba district has resulted in poverty alleviation among participating household contractors. The study uses measurable indicators like food security, education for children, health needs and basic household needs to achieve its aim.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The migration of the term "civil war" : a social constructivist explanation
- Authors: Bailie, Lawrence Craig
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Civil Wars United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 Iraq -- History -- Civil War, 1991
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2845 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006022 , DOI http://doi.org/10.21504/10962/d1006022
- Description: Although the occurrence of wars between states has been in decline, the same cannot be said of conflict within states – especially when considering the innumerable ‘Civil Wars’ said to have occurred since the end of the Cold War. In this context the use of the word ‘innumerable’ is qualified more by the variance in how ‘Civil War’ is understood as a concept (leading to different claims as to how many conflicts of this kind may have occurred over a period of time) and less by their large number. Claims regarding the occurrence of ‘Civil War’ suggest this type of conflict to be the dominant form at least since the end of World War Two. This prevalence in the face of a decline in inter-state warfare has afforded greater interest to ‘Civil War’ as a topic of inquiry. The understanding that ‘Civil Wars’ have with time increased in their occurrence and changed in their nature comes under investigation in this thesis and is seen as problematic in that the means by which a phenomenon is measured (i.e. through its nature) must be fixed so as to measure the frequency of that phenomenon. Using Social Constructivism as a theoretical lens of inquiry, sense is made of this understanding and, furthermore, the true meaning behind the claim that ‘Civil War’ has changed is revealed. The empirical evidence that accompanies this theoretical work exists in the American Civil War of 1861–1865 and the debate over the conflict in Iraq following the U.S. invasion in 2003. This debate is used as a means by which to bring the contestation over the notion of ‘Civil War’ to the fore, while a comparison of this conflict with the quintessential American Civil War reveals the migration of the term.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Bailie, Lawrence Craig
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Civil Wars United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 Iraq -- History -- Civil War, 1991
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2845 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006022 , DOI http://doi.org/10.21504/10962/d1006022
- Description: Although the occurrence of wars between states has been in decline, the same cannot be said of conflict within states – especially when considering the innumerable ‘Civil Wars’ said to have occurred since the end of the Cold War. In this context the use of the word ‘innumerable’ is qualified more by the variance in how ‘Civil War’ is understood as a concept (leading to different claims as to how many conflicts of this kind may have occurred over a period of time) and less by their large number. Claims regarding the occurrence of ‘Civil War’ suggest this type of conflict to be the dominant form at least since the end of World War Two. This prevalence in the face of a decline in inter-state warfare has afforded greater interest to ‘Civil War’ as a topic of inquiry. The understanding that ‘Civil Wars’ have with time increased in their occurrence and changed in their nature comes under investigation in this thesis and is seen as problematic in that the means by which a phenomenon is measured (i.e. through its nature) must be fixed so as to measure the frequency of that phenomenon. Using Social Constructivism as a theoretical lens of inquiry, sense is made of this understanding and, furthermore, the true meaning behind the claim that ‘Civil War’ has changed is revealed. The empirical evidence that accompanies this theoretical work exists in the American Civil War of 1861–1865 and the debate over the conflict in Iraq following the U.S. invasion in 2003. This debate is used as a means by which to bring the contestation over the notion of ‘Civil War’ to the fore, while a comparison of this conflict with the quintessential American Civil War reveals the migration of the term.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The national curriculum statement on writing practice design for grades 11 and 12: implications for academic writing in higher education
- Authors: Townsend, Rodwell
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Literacy -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Information literacy -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Academic writing -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Curriculum change -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8368 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1125 , Literacy -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Information literacy -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Academic writing -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Curriculum change -- South Africa
- Description: This study examines the role of academic literacies and academic-writing practices at two diverse South African senior secondary schools and the implications that these practices have for academic-literacy teaching in Higher Education (HE). As student academic writing is central to teaching, learning and assessment in HE, learner academic-writing standards at schools will often impact on academic success in HE. This is a concern for HE as research from South African schooling contexts have found that students from secondary schools are seldom equipped to cope with the demands of HE writing practices. In addition, the introduction of a new curriculum (National Curriculum Statement – NCS) based on the principles of the South African constitution and informed by the Bill of Rights, impacted for the first time on senior secondary schools in 2006, when it was implemented in grade 10, and HE received its first cohort of matriculants with an NCS educational background in 2009. Therefore, this study specifically explores teachers' writing practices within an NCS writing-practice design for grades 11 and 12, and assesses its current implications for academic-writing practices in HE. Critical ethnography was selected as the primary methodology as it is concerned with multiple perspectives and explores local-practice contexts. Therefore, it provides a holistic understanding of the complexity of writing practices by examining the participants' writing-practice perceptions, observing their teaching practices and analysing their written responses or feedback to first and final drafts. The data/study sample consisted of three grades 11 and one grade 12 English Home Language and English First Additional Language teachers as well as selected learners from two secondary schools in the Port Elizabeth district. The data was collected by means of classroom observations, teacher interviews and learner samples of academic writing. Although this study focused on the teaching of academic writing by the four teachers, literacy understandings were also explored by describing what literacy practices subjectively meant to the four teachers by determining the meanings they collectively and individually gave to dominant literacy practices in academic writing, especially feedback practices in text production. A detailed examination of the new NCS requirements suggest that it offers an understanding of knowledge as a social construct, advocates a multiple literacies approach to teaching and learning, and allows for a process approach to cognitively-demanding writing which takes cognisance of the rhetorical, social and cultural dimensions of literacy. Collectively, the ASs in LO3 reflect a process approach to writing, from planning, drafting, feedback, revision to presentation of the final text. It also considers the specific rhetorical dimensions of purpose, audience, and context. Therefore, these NCS writing practices should benefit learners advancing to HE. This study argues that if teachers in secondary schools were to adhere more closely to the NCS's LO3 and its ASs implementation guidelines, learners would be better prepared to cope with HE academic-writing requirements. Instead, the study found that the teachers tended to reduce writing practices to the mastery of discrete sets of technical skills with a focus on surface features of language like spelling and grammar. In addition, the study found that when the teachers' perceptions of the NCS and their own classroom-writing practices were explored, they tended to resist a social-practice approach to academic writing, and, as a result, mostly adapted LO3 of the NCS rather than adopting it as intended by the policy-makers. Similar to other South African studies, this study concludes that teachers remain largely rooted in their autonomous teaching practices favouring traditional methods with which they are familiar over curricula policies which could emancipate learners toward levels of achievement which would better prepare them for both HE and the world of work. In other words, teachers in the sample tend to conserve their traditional methodologies which are predominantly informed by deficit views of learners‟ problems, selectively including new policy requirements which create the impression of compliance, rather than fundamentally altering their approaches pedagogically in the classroom and their academic-writing practices in particular.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Townsend, Rodwell
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Literacy -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Information literacy -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Academic writing -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Curriculum change -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8368 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1125 , Literacy -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Information literacy -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Academic writing -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Curriculum change -- South Africa
- Description: This study examines the role of academic literacies and academic-writing practices at two diverse South African senior secondary schools and the implications that these practices have for academic-literacy teaching in Higher Education (HE). As student academic writing is central to teaching, learning and assessment in HE, learner academic-writing standards at schools will often impact on academic success in HE. This is a concern for HE as research from South African schooling contexts have found that students from secondary schools are seldom equipped to cope with the demands of HE writing practices. In addition, the introduction of a new curriculum (National Curriculum Statement – NCS) based on the principles of the South African constitution and informed by the Bill of Rights, impacted for the first time on senior secondary schools in 2006, when it was implemented in grade 10, and HE received its first cohort of matriculants with an NCS educational background in 2009. Therefore, this study specifically explores teachers' writing practices within an NCS writing-practice design for grades 11 and 12, and assesses its current implications for academic-writing practices in HE. Critical ethnography was selected as the primary methodology as it is concerned with multiple perspectives and explores local-practice contexts. Therefore, it provides a holistic understanding of the complexity of writing practices by examining the participants' writing-practice perceptions, observing their teaching practices and analysing their written responses or feedback to first and final drafts. The data/study sample consisted of three grades 11 and one grade 12 English Home Language and English First Additional Language teachers as well as selected learners from two secondary schools in the Port Elizabeth district. The data was collected by means of classroom observations, teacher interviews and learner samples of academic writing. Although this study focused on the teaching of academic writing by the four teachers, literacy understandings were also explored by describing what literacy practices subjectively meant to the four teachers by determining the meanings they collectively and individually gave to dominant literacy practices in academic writing, especially feedback practices in text production. A detailed examination of the new NCS requirements suggest that it offers an understanding of knowledge as a social construct, advocates a multiple literacies approach to teaching and learning, and allows for a process approach to cognitively-demanding writing which takes cognisance of the rhetorical, social and cultural dimensions of literacy. Collectively, the ASs in LO3 reflect a process approach to writing, from planning, drafting, feedback, revision to presentation of the final text. It also considers the specific rhetorical dimensions of purpose, audience, and context. Therefore, these NCS writing practices should benefit learners advancing to HE. This study argues that if teachers in secondary schools were to adhere more closely to the NCS's LO3 and its ASs implementation guidelines, learners would be better prepared to cope with HE academic-writing requirements. Instead, the study found that the teachers tended to reduce writing practices to the mastery of discrete sets of technical skills with a focus on surface features of language like spelling and grammar. In addition, the study found that when the teachers' perceptions of the NCS and their own classroom-writing practices were explored, they tended to resist a social-practice approach to academic writing, and, as a result, mostly adapted LO3 of the NCS rather than adopting it as intended by the policy-makers. Similar to other South African studies, this study concludes that teachers remain largely rooted in their autonomous teaching practices favouring traditional methods with which they are familiar over curricula policies which could emancipate learners toward levels of achievement which would better prepare them for both HE and the world of work. In other words, teachers in the sample tend to conserve their traditional methodologies which are predominantly informed by deficit views of learners‟ problems, selectively including new policy requirements which create the impression of compliance, rather than fundamentally altering their approaches pedagogically in the classroom and their academic-writing practices in particular.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The neo-diaspora : examining the subcultural codes of hip-hop and contemporary urban trends in the work of Kudzanai Chiurai and Robin Rhode
- Authors: Stirling, Scott
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Chiurai, Kudzanai, 1981- Rhode, Robin Hip-hop African diaspora Rap (Music) Art, Modern -- 21st century Art, South African -- 21st century Hip-hop dance -- South Africa Hip-hop dance -- United states Hip-hop -- Influence -- South Africa Hip-hop -- Influence -- United states
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2423 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002219
- Description: This thesis is structured around an exploration of the global phenomenon hip-hop. It considers how its far-reaching effects, as a cultural export from the United States,have influenced cultural production in South Africa. The investigation focuses specifically on the work of two visual artists: Zimbabwean born, Johannesburg-based Kudzanai Chiurai, and Cape Town born, Berlin-based Robin Rhode. The introduction familiarises the reader with the two artists and briefly outlines their histories and methods, as well as giving a short history of the development of hip-hop as a subculture from its beginnings in 1970s New York. The first chapter follows this brief introduction to outline some of the parallels, especially concerning race relations, between 1970s America and post-apartheid contemporary South Africa. This comparison aims to highlight similarities that gave rise to the hip-hop phenomenon and which also place South Africa in a prime position to welcome such influences. The second half of the chapter explores how migration theory and issues of diaspora have not only influenced the development of hip-hop, but have also become points of focus for both artists, who are in fact disporans themselves. The second chapter explores ‘ground level’ concerns of everyday life in the city. Issues of crime,gangsterism, politics and activism are characterised as focal elements of Chiurai’s and Rhode’s artwork and also of hip-hop musical content. Inner city contexts in different parts of the globe are compared through a discussion of the art and music that come out of them. This comparison of the philosophical and conceptual content of the art and music is extended, in Chapter three, into a comparison of methods of production, considering how these influence various readings of the artistic output, whether musical or visual. Ideas of authenticity are discussed and finally the focus shifts to explore how both the conceptual and practical concerns of musicians and artists are being shaped by an increasingly ‘globalized’ world. The conclusion explores the challenges that globalization poses to cultural practitioners and seeks to highlight some of the artists’ methods as examples with which to facilitate the growth of a more inclusive global aesthetic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Stirling, Scott
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Chiurai, Kudzanai, 1981- Rhode, Robin Hip-hop African diaspora Rap (Music) Art, Modern -- 21st century Art, South African -- 21st century Hip-hop dance -- South Africa Hip-hop dance -- United states Hip-hop -- Influence -- South Africa Hip-hop -- Influence -- United states
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2423 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002219
- Description: This thesis is structured around an exploration of the global phenomenon hip-hop. It considers how its far-reaching effects, as a cultural export from the United States,have influenced cultural production in South Africa. The investigation focuses specifically on the work of two visual artists: Zimbabwean born, Johannesburg-based Kudzanai Chiurai, and Cape Town born, Berlin-based Robin Rhode. The introduction familiarises the reader with the two artists and briefly outlines their histories and methods, as well as giving a short history of the development of hip-hop as a subculture from its beginnings in 1970s New York. The first chapter follows this brief introduction to outline some of the parallels, especially concerning race relations, between 1970s America and post-apartheid contemporary South Africa. This comparison aims to highlight similarities that gave rise to the hip-hop phenomenon and which also place South Africa in a prime position to welcome such influences. The second half of the chapter explores how migration theory and issues of diaspora have not only influenced the development of hip-hop, but have also become points of focus for both artists, who are in fact disporans themselves. The second chapter explores ‘ground level’ concerns of everyday life in the city. Issues of crime,gangsterism, politics and activism are characterised as focal elements of Chiurai’s and Rhode’s artwork and also of hip-hop musical content. Inner city contexts in different parts of the globe are compared through a discussion of the art and music that come out of them. This comparison of the philosophical and conceptual content of the art and music is extended, in Chapter three, into a comparison of methods of production, considering how these influence various readings of the artistic output, whether musical or visual. Ideas of authenticity are discussed and finally the focus shifts to explore how both the conceptual and practical concerns of musicians and artists are being shaped by an increasingly ‘globalized’ world. The conclusion explores the challenges that globalization poses to cultural practitioners and seeks to highlight some of the artists’ methods as examples with which to facilitate the growth of a more inclusive global aesthetic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The occupational aspirations and gender stereotypes of South African and Australian senior primary school learners
- Authors: Geyer, Tracy Colleen
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Vocational interests -- South Africa -- Research , Vocational interests -- Australia -- Research , School children -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Gender identity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9882 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1239 , Vocational interests -- South Africa -- Research , Vocational interests -- Australia -- Research , School children -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Gender identity
- Description: Increasingly, developmental psychology has emphasized that childhood career development should be viewed as holistic and comprise all aspects of a child’s maturation. This would include an emphasis on the career development of children which is considered vital to the complete education of the child (Brown, 2002). Career development refers to the process of developing beliefs, values, skills, aptitudes, interests, personality characteristics and knowledge of work (Zunker, 2006). Research has indicated that early societal factors and personal preferences associated with gender influence the child’s later occupational aspirations (Stockard & McGee, 1990). There are many ways in which individuals learn about gender roles and acquire “gender-appropriate” behaviour during childhood, some of which manifest in the occupational aspirations of children. As children grow up they learn, through reinforcement and modeling, that society has different expectations and standards for the behaviour of males and females. While family and friends are often the most important agents of socialization in young children, television and other popular media have also played a vital role in gender stereotyping, resulting in children forming perceptions regarding which occupations “belong” to which gender (Taylor, Peplau, & Sears, 2006). The present research aims to explore, describe and compare the occupational aspirations and the occupational gender stereotyping of male and female South African and Australian senior primary school learners. The research approach for the study was descriptive and exploratory in nature and was conducted within a quantitative framework. A survey-type questionnaire, the Career Awareness Survey xiii (McMahon & Watson, 2001), was used as the data collection measure as part of a larger international study. The sample comprised of 511 South African and 372 Australian participants from Grades 6 and 7. Responses to the occupational aspirations questions were coded according to Holland’s (1985) interest typology and status level coding for occupations. For descriptive purposes, frequency counts were computed for the coded typology, status level and occupational gender stereotyping data. The z-test and chi-square test for independence were computed in order to test whether gender groups differed in terms of their occupational aspirations and occupational stereotyping. The chi-square test was also used to compare the occupational aspirations and gender stereotyping of South African and Australian senior primary school learners. The results of the present research indicate that male and female South African and Australian female children tend to aspire towards more Investigative and Social type occupations in the high status level category. The Australian male children, however, tend to aspire towards more Social and Realistic type occupations in the high status level category. Across nation and gender, the majority of the children believed that both males and females could perform certain occupations, with senior primary school children tending to limit the range of occupations which they believe to be predominantly suited to either male or female. Cross-national comparative results yielded interesting findings with few significant differences emerging on occupational aspiration typology, status level and the occupational gender stereotyping of occupations. The results of the present research emphasise the need for further cross-national comparative studies on the occupational aspirations and occupational gender stereotyping of senior primary school children.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Geyer, Tracy Colleen
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Vocational interests -- South Africa -- Research , Vocational interests -- Australia -- Research , School children -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Gender identity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9882 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1239 , Vocational interests -- South Africa -- Research , Vocational interests -- Australia -- Research , School children -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Gender identity
- Description: Increasingly, developmental psychology has emphasized that childhood career development should be viewed as holistic and comprise all aspects of a child’s maturation. This would include an emphasis on the career development of children which is considered vital to the complete education of the child (Brown, 2002). Career development refers to the process of developing beliefs, values, skills, aptitudes, interests, personality characteristics and knowledge of work (Zunker, 2006). Research has indicated that early societal factors and personal preferences associated with gender influence the child’s later occupational aspirations (Stockard & McGee, 1990). There are many ways in which individuals learn about gender roles and acquire “gender-appropriate” behaviour during childhood, some of which manifest in the occupational aspirations of children. As children grow up they learn, through reinforcement and modeling, that society has different expectations and standards for the behaviour of males and females. While family and friends are often the most important agents of socialization in young children, television and other popular media have also played a vital role in gender stereotyping, resulting in children forming perceptions regarding which occupations “belong” to which gender (Taylor, Peplau, & Sears, 2006). The present research aims to explore, describe and compare the occupational aspirations and the occupational gender stereotyping of male and female South African and Australian senior primary school learners. The research approach for the study was descriptive and exploratory in nature and was conducted within a quantitative framework. A survey-type questionnaire, the Career Awareness Survey xiii (McMahon & Watson, 2001), was used as the data collection measure as part of a larger international study. The sample comprised of 511 South African and 372 Australian participants from Grades 6 and 7. Responses to the occupational aspirations questions were coded according to Holland’s (1985) interest typology and status level coding for occupations. For descriptive purposes, frequency counts were computed for the coded typology, status level and occupational gender stereotyping data. The z-test and chi-square test for independence were computed in order to test whether gender groups differed in terms of their occupational aspirations and occupational stereotyping. The chi-square test was also used to compare the occupational aspirations and gender stereotyping of South African and Australian senior primary school learners. The results of the present research indicate that male and female South African and Australian female children tend to aspire towards more Investigative and Social type occupations in the high status level category. The Australian male children, however, tend to aspire towards more Social and Realistic type occupations in the high status level category. Across nation and gender, the majority of the children believed that both males and females could perform certain occupations, with senior primary school children tending to limit the range of occupations which they believe to be predominantly suited to either male or female. Cross-national comparative results yielded interesting findings with few significant differences emerging on occupational aspiration typology, status level and the occupational gender stereotyping of occupations. The results of the present research emphasise the need for further cross-national comparative studies on the occupational aspirations and occupational gender stereotyping of senior primary school children.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The political economy of development aid: an investigation of three donor-funded HIV/AIDS programmes broadcast by Malawi television from 2004 to 2007
- Authors: Mulonya, Rodrick K A R
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Economic assistance -- Malawi -- Management , Public service television programs -- Malawi , AIDS (Disease) and mass media -- Malawi , HIV infections -- Information services -- Malawi , Communication in public health -- Malawi , Economic assistance -- Social aspects -- Malawi , Malawi -- Social conditions , Mass media -- Social aspects -- Malawi , Mass media criticism -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3471 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002926
- Description: Development aid in most of the developing countries can sometimes compromise the principles of public service broadcasting (PSB). This may be true when reflected against the tension between donor financed programmes in Malawi and the mandate of Television Malawi (TVM). Although the donor intentions are noble, the strings attached to the funding are sometimes retrogressive to the role of PSBs. A case in point is how donors dictate terms on the HIV/Aids communication strategies at TVM. Producers receive money from donors with strings attached on how the money should be used and accounted for. If producers deviate they are sanctioned through withholding funding, shifting schedules and reducing the funding frequency. The donors also dictate who to interview on what subject, how to conduct capacity building. Some scholars have researched much on the impact of commercialisation of the media. This study is a departure from these traditional interferences; it interrogates the interest of philanthropy tendencies by international donors in the three chosen HIV/Aids programmes broadcast by TVM. The study investigates the extent of pressure exerted by donors on the producers of HIV/Aids programmes in Malawi. Thus, the study seeks to illicit specifics in the power relationship between the donor and the producer hence the study employs the political economy of development aid as applied to the public service broadcasting and communication for development. The study employed qualitative research methods and techniques (in-depth interviews, case study and document analysis). The study reveals how donor ideologies dominate the Aids messages-content output of the texts constructed. The study argues that cultural alienation of the Malawian audiences retards efforts of donors in combating HIV infection rate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mulonya, Rodrick K A R
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Economic assistance -- Malawi -- Management , Public service television programs -- Malawi , AIDS (Disease) and mass media -- Malawi , HIV infections -- Information services -- Malawi , Communication in public health -- Malawi , Economic assistance -- Social aspects -- Malawi , Malawi -- Social conditions , Mass media -- Social aspects -- Malawi , Mass media criticism -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3471 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002926
- Description: Development aid in most of the developing countries can sometimes compromise the principles of public service broadcasting (PSB). This may be true when reflected against the tension between donor financed programmes in Malawi and the mandate of Television Malawi (TVM). Although the donor intentions are noble, the strings attached to the funding are sometimes retrogressive to the role of PSBs. A case in point is how donors dictate terms on the HIV/Aids communication strategies at TVM. Producers receive money from donors with strings attached on how the money should be used and accounted for. If producers deviate they are sanctioned through withholding funding, shifting schedules and reducing the funding frequency. The donors also dictate who to interview on what subject, how to conduct capacity building. Some scholars have researched much on the impact of commercialisation of the media. This study is a departure from these traditional interferences; it interrogates the interest of philanthropy tendencies by international donors in the three chosen HIV/Aids programmes broadcast by TVM. The study investigates the extent of pressure exerted by donors on the producers of HIV/Aids programmes in Malawi. Thus, the study seeks to illicit specifics in the power relationship between the donor and the producer hence the study employs the political economy of development aid as applied to the public service broadcasting and communication for development. The study employed qualitative research methods and techniques (in-depth interviews, case study and document analysis). The study reveals how donor ideologies dominate the Aids messages-content output of the texts constructed. The study argues that cultural alienation of the Malawian audiences retards efforts of donors in combating HIV infection rate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The presentation of the orphan child in eighteenth and early nineteenth century English literature in a selection of William Blake's 'Songs of innocence and experience', and in Charlotte Brontë's 'Jane Eyre', and Emily Brontë's 'Wuthering Heights'
- Authors: Singh, Jyoti
- Date: 2010 , 2013-07-18
- Subjects: Blake, William, 1757-1827 -- Songs of innocence and of experience -- Characters -- Orphans Blake, William, 1757-1827 -- Criticism and interpretation Brontë, Charlotte, 1816-1855 -- Jane Eyre -- Characters -- Orphans Brontë, Charlotte, 1816-1855 -- Criticism and interpretation Brontë, Emily, 1818-1848 -- Wuthering Heights -- Characters -- Orphans Brontë, Emily, 1818-1848 -- Criticism and interpretation Orphans in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2267 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005628
- Description: This thesis is a study of the presentation of the orphan child in eighteenth and early nineteenth century English literature, and focuses on William Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience, Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, and Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights. It is concerned with assessing the extent to which the orphan children in each of the works are liberated from familial and social constraints and structures and to what end. Chapter One examines the major thematic concern of the extent to which the motif of the orphan child represents a wronged innocent, and whether this symbol can also, or alternatively, be presented as a revolutionary force that challenges society's status quo in Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience. Chapter Two considers the significance of the child "lost" and "found", which forms the explicit subject of six of Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience and explores the treatment of these conditions, and their differences and consequences for the children concerned. Chapter Three focuses on Charlotte Bronte's depiction of the orphan in Jane Eyre, which presents two models of the orphan child: the protagonist Jane, and Helen Burns. The chapter examines these two models and their responses to orphan-hood in a hostile world where orphans are mistreated by family and society alike. Chapter Four determines whether the orphan constitutes a subversive threat to the family in Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights and also explores the notion that, although orphan-hood often entails liberation from adult guardians, it also comprises vulnerability and exposure. The thesis concludes by considering the extent to which orphan-hood can involve a form of liberation from the confines of social structures, and what this liberation constitutes for each of the three authors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Singh, Jyoti
- Date: 2010 , 2013-07-18
- Subjects: Blake, William, 1757-1827 -- Songs of innocence and of experience -- Characters -- Orphans Blake, William, 1757-1827 -- Criticism and interpretation Brontë, Charlotte, 1816-1855 -- Jane Eyre -- Characters -- Orphans Brontë, Charlotte, 1816-1855 -- Criticism and interpretation Brontë, Emily, 1818-1848 -- Wuthering Heights -- Characters -- Orphans Brontë, Emily, 1818-1848 -- Criticism and interpretation Orphans in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2267 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005628
- Description: This thesis is a study of the presentation of the orphan child in eighteenth and early nineteenth century English literature, and focuses on William Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience, Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, and Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights. It is concerned with assessing the extent to which the orphan children in each of the works are liberated from familial and social constraints and structures and to what end. Chapter One examines the major thematic concern of the extent to which the motif of the orphan child represents a wronged innocent, and whether this symbol can also, or alternatively, be presented as a revolutionary force that challenges society's status quo in Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience. Chapter Two considers the significance of the child "lost" and "found", which forms the explicit subject of six of Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience and explores the treatment of these conditions, and their differences and consequences for the children concerned. Chapter Three focuses on Charlotte Bronte's depiction of the orphan in Jane Eyre, which presents two models of the orphan child: the protagonist Jane, and Helen Burns. The chapter examines these two models and their responses to orphan-hood in a hostile world where orphans are mistreated by family and society alike. Chapter Four determines whether the orphan constitutes a subversive threat to the family in Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights and also explores the notion that, although orphan-hood often entails liberation from adult guardians, it also comprises vulnerability and exposure. The thesis concludes by considering the extent to which orphan-hood can involve a form of liberation from the confines of social structures, and what this liberation constitutes for each of the three authors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The relationship between exposure to violence and moral development of adolescents
- Authors: Klopper, Ilana
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Children and violence -- South Africa , Violence in children -- Psychological aspects , Moral development -- Psychological aspects , Violence -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9862 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1526 , Children and violence -- South Africa , Violence in children -- Psychological aspects , Moral development -- Psychological aspects , Violence -- Psychological aspects
- Description: South Africa currently has one of the highest levels of crime in the world. The high prevalence of violence in South African culture has led to the increased exposure to violence of individuals of all ages. The South African Police Service annual report for 2008/2009 reported 48 732 crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder to sexual offences and common assault against children under the age of 18 years. In addition, young people between the ages from 12 to 22 are generally victimized at twice the adult rate and even higher for violent crimes. It is the belief of various theorists that exposure to violence can alter one’s cognitive, affective, and behavioral processes- the three core components that are essential to moral development. The role that exposure to violence has on the development of aggressive behavior has been thoroughly researched; however the implications that this exposure has on the moral development of adolescents remains vague. This study explored and described the relationship between exposure to violence and moral development amongst adolescent learners. A quantitative exploratory descriptive research design was employed and the participants were selected by means of non-probability, convenience sampling. The sample consisted of 53 participants at a coeducational high school in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The demographic data of the participants was gathered through the administration of a biographical questionnaire. The participants’ exposure to violence was explored by using the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire- South African Adaptation (HTQ-SAA), while their moral development was assessed by means of the Moral Judgment Test (MJT). The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and both the Pearson’s correlation coefficient and Chi square test was computed to draw inferences regarding the relationship between exposure to violence and moral development. The results of the study revealed that all of the participants were exposed to violence directly or indirectly on one or more occasion; however the frequency with which the participants were exposed to violence was lower than expected. The results of the MJT further indicated very low to low moral judgement competence scores for the majority of the sample. No significant correlation or association was found between the two constructs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Klopper, Ilana
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Children and violence -- South Africa , Violence in children -- Psychological aspects , Moral development -- Psychological aspects , Violence -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9862 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1526 , Children and violence -- South Africa , Violence in children -- Psychological aspects , Moral development -- Psychological aspects , Violence -- Psychological aspects
- Description: South Africa currently has one of the highest levels of crime in the world. The high prevalence of violence in South African culture has led to the increased exposure to violence of individuals of all ages. The South African Police Service annual report for 2008/2009 reported 48 732 crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder to sexual offences and common assault against children under the age of 18 years. In addition, young people between the ages from 12 to 22 are generally victimized at twice the adult rate and even higher for violent crimes. It is the belief of various theorists that exposure to violence can alter one’s cognitive, affective, and behavioral processes- the three core components that are essential to moral development. The role that exposure to violence has on the development of aggressive behavior has been thoroughly researched; however the implications that this exposure has on the moral development of adolescents remains vague. This study explored and described the relationship between exposure to violence and moral development amongst adolescent learners. A quantitative exploratory descriptive research design was employed and the participants were selected by means of non-probability, convenience sampling. The sample consisted of 53 participants at a coeducational high school in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The demographic data of the participants was gathered through the administration of a biographical questionnaire. The participants’ exposure to violence was explored by using the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire- South African Adaptation (HTQ-SAA), while their moral development was assessed by means of the Moral Judgment Test (MJT). The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and both the Pearson’s correlation coefficient and Chi square test was computed to draw inferences regarding the relationship between exposure to violence and moral development. The results of the study revealed that all of the participants were exposed to violence directly or indirectly on one or more occasion; however the frequency with which the participants were exposed to violence was lower than expected. The results of the MJT further indicated very low to low moral judgement competence scores for the majority of the sample. No significant correlation or association was found between the two constructs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The representation of women's reproductive rights in the American feminist blogosphere: an analysis of the debate around women's reproductive rights and abortion legislation in response to the reformation of the United States health care system in 2009/10
- Authors: Yelverton, Brittany
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Abortion -- Law and legislation -- United States Reproductive rights -- Law and legislation -- United States Fertility -- Law and legislation -- United States Feminism Blogs -- United States Health care reform -- United States -- 21st century Women -- Blogs -- United States Social change -- United States Discourse analysis Feministing Jezebel
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3494 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002949
- Description: This study investigates the representation of women's reproductive rights in the feminist blogopshere during 2009/10 United States health care reform. Focusing on two purposively selected feminist blogsites - Feministing and Jezebel- it critically examines the discursive and rhetorical strategies employed by feminist bloggers to contest the erosion of women's reproductive rights as proposed in health care reform legislation. While the reformation of the U.S. health care system was a lengthy process, my analysis is confined to feminist blog posts published in November 2009, December 2009 and March 2010. These three months have been designated as they are roughly representative of three pivotal stages in health care reform: the drafting of the House of Representatives health care reform bill and Stupak Amendment in November 2009, the creation of the Senate health care bill inclusive of the Nelson compromise in December 2009, and the passage of the finalised health care reform bill, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and supplementary executive order, in March 2010. This study is informed by feminist poststructuralist theory and Foucault's conceptions of discourse and power - an appropriate framework for identifying and analysing the unequal power relations that exist between men and women in patriarchal societies. Foucault conceives of discourse as both socially constituted and constitutive and contends that through the constitution of knowledge, discourses designate acceptable ways of talking, writing, and behaving, while simultaneously restricting and prohibiting alternatives, thereby granting power and authority to specific discourses. However, Foucault also stresses the multi-directionality of power and asserts that though hegemonic discourses are privileged over others, power lays in discursive practice at all social sites; hence the socially and politically transformative power of contesting discourses. Critical discourse analysis is informed by this critical theory of language and regards the use of language as a form of social practice located within its specific historical context. Therefore, it is through engaging in the struggle over meaning and producing different 'truths' through the reappropriation of language that the possibility of social change exists. Employing narrative, linguistic and rhetorical analysis, this study identifies the discursive strategies and tactics utilised by feminist bloggers to combat and contest anti-choice health care legislation. The study further seeks to determine how arguments supportive of women's reproductive rights are framed and how feminist discourses are privileged while patriarchal discourse is contested. Drawing on public sphere theory, I argue that the feminist blogosphere constitutes a counter-public which facili tates the articulation and circulation of marginalised and counter-discourses. I conclude this study by examining the feminist blogopshere's role in promoting political change and transformation through alternative representations of women and their reproductive rights.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Yelverton, Brittany
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Abortion -- Law and legislation -- United States Reproductive rights -- Law and legislation -- United States Fertility -- Law and legislation -- United States Feminism Blogs -- United States Health care reform -- United States -- 21st century Women -- Blogs -- United States Social change -- United States Discourse analysis Feministing Jezebel
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3494 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002949
- Description: This study investigates the representation of women's reproductive rights in the feminist blogopshere during 2009/10 United States health care reform. Focusing on two purposively selected feminist blogsites - Feministing and Jezebel- it critically examines the discursive and rhetorical strategies employed by feminist bloggers to contest the erosion of women's reproductive rights as proposed in health care reform legislation. While the reformation of the U.S. health care system was a lengthy process, my analysis is confined to feminist blog posts published in November 2009, December 2009 and March 2010. These three months have been designated as they are roughly representative of three pivotal stages in health care reform: the drafting of the House of Representatives health care reform bill and Stupak Amendment in November 2009, the creation of the Senate health care bill inclusive of the Nelson compromise in December 2009, and the passage of the finalised health care reform bill, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and supplementary executive order, in March 2010. This study is informed by feminist poststructuralist theory and Foucault's conceptions of discourse and power - an appropriate framework for identifying and analysing the unequal power relations that exist between men and women in patriarchal societies. Foucault conceives of discourse as both socially constituted and constitutive and contends that through the constitution of knowledge, discourses designate acceptable ways of talking, writing, and behaving, while simultaneously restricting and prohibiting alternatives, thereby granting power and authority to specific discourses. However, Foucault also stresses the multi-directionality of power and asserts that though hegemonic discourses are privileged over others, power lays in discursive practice at all social sites; hence the socially and politically transformative power of contesting discourses. Critical discourse analysis is informed by this critical theory of language and regards the use of language as a form of social practice located within its specific historical context. Therefore, it is through engaging in the struggle over meaning and producing different 'truths' through the reappropriation of language that the possibility of social change exists. Employing narrative, linguistic and rhetorical analysis, this study identifies the discursive strategies and tactics utilised by feminist bloggers to combat and contest anti-choice health care legislation. The study further seeks to determine how arguments supportive of women's reproductive rights are framed and how feminist discourses are privileged while patriarchal discourse is contested. Drawing on public sphere theory, I argue that the feminist blogosphere constitutes a counter-public which facili tates the articulation and circulation of marginalised and counter-discourses. I conclude this study by examining the feminist blogopshere's role in promoting political change and transformation through alternative representations of women and their reproductive rights.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010