Attitudes of heteronormative traditional male circumcision stakeholders towards the emergence of same-sex sexuality in ulwaluko: a case of Mdantsane and New Brighton,Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Zolani, Sonjani
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: National socialism and homosexuality , Men -- Sexual behavior , Circumcision--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27391 , vital:66967
- Description: Although the South African government has drafted policy documents to protect gays, they, year-in-year-out face abhorrence. Notably and shockingly, misunderstanding of the sexual orientation of gays in initiation schools has brought about conflict. It is of great significance for ulwaluko tradition to renegotiate its terms of being a tradition tolerating those with different sexualities within their adored culture. Therefore, this study sought to assess the attitudes of heteronormative traditional male circumcision stakeholders towards an emergence of same-sex sexuality in ulwaluko in Mdantsane and New Brighton, Eastern Cape. The study endeavoured to achieve the following objectives: i to establish the policy insights on same-sex sexuality in South Africa and elsewhere; ii to assess the prevalence of homosexuality in South Africa and other contexts; iii to establish an account of gay men’s intimate behaviour at the initiation schools; iv to examine perceptions and attitudes of selected communities on Xhosa gay men undergoing the rite of traditional male circumcision; v to establish attitudes and perceptions of selected communities on the conflict between homosexual practices and traditional male circumcision TMC and vi to assess perceptions of Xhosa gay men on the use of TMC as an instrument to “convert” them to heterosexuality. The study was informed by Four 4 theoretical lenses: sociocultural theory, anomie theory, queer theory, and intersectionality theory. Methodologically, the objectives were investigated through a qualitative research method and data was collected accordingly. The study adopted a case study as its design. Data was collected through in-depth one-on-one interviews, focus group discussions, and key informants’ interviews. The study purposively selected eighty-two 82 participants and revealed the following findings: different lenses on South African constitution and homosexuality; different attitudinal facets of the development of same-sex sexuality in South Africa, opposed lenses on homosexuality being a natural phenomenon; intimate partner relationships among the gays in the initiation schools; behavioural the difference between gays and heterosexuals in the initiation school; establishing the nature of homosexuals’ dress code; gays downplaying TMC teachings in initiation schools; Intimate partner relationships among gays in the initiation school; homosexuality associated with modernization; effectiveness of TMC as a tool to achieve gays’ heteronormativity; and lastly, gays achieving heteronormativity through rape. This study concluded that TMC needs to renegotiate its terms of being a tradition of the contemporary epoch. Perhaps this may assist in breaking the tension between ulwaluko and same-sex sexuality in society. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Zolani, Sonjani
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: National socialism and homosexuality , Men -- Sexual behavior , Circumcision--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27391 , vital:66967
- Description: Although the South African government has drafted policy documents to protect gays, they, year-in-year-out face abhorrence. Notably and shockingly, misunderstanding of the sexual orientation of gays in initiation schools has brought about conflict. It is of great significance for ulwaluko tradition to renegotiate its terms of being a tradition tolerating those with different sexualities within their adored culture. Therefore, this study sought to assess the attitudes of heteronormative traditional male circumcision stakeholders towards an emergence of same-sex sexuality in ulwaluko in Mdantsane and New Brighton, Eastern Cape. The study endeavoured to achieve the following objectives: i to establish the policy insights on same-sex sexuality in South Africa and elsewhere; ii to assess the prevalence of homosexuality in South Africa and other contexts; iii to establish an account of gay men’s intimate behaviour at the initiation schools; iv to examine perceptions and attitudes of selected communities on Xhosa gay men undergoing the rite of traditional male circumcision; v to establish attitudes and perceptions of selected communities on the conflict between homosexual practices and traditional male circumcision TMC and vi to assess perceptions of Xhosa gay men on the use of TMC as an instrument to “convert” them to heterosexuality. The study was informed by Four 4 theoretical lenses: sociocultural theory, anomie theory, queer theory, and intersectionality theory. Methodologically, the objectives were investigated through a qualitative research method and data was collected accordingly. The study adopted a case study as its design. Data was collected through in-depth one-on-one interviews, focus group discussions, and key informants’ interviews. The study purposively selected eighty-two 82 participants and revealed the following findings: different lenses on South African constitution and homosexuality; different attitudinal facets of the development of same-sex sexuality in South Africa, opposed lenses on homosexuality being a natural phenomenon; intimate partner relationships among the gays in the initiation schools; behavioural the difference between gays and heterosexuals in the initiation school; establishing the nature of homosexuals’ dress code; gays downplaying TMC teachings in initiation schools; Intimate partner relationships among gays in the initiation school; homosexuality associated with modernization; effectiveness of TMC as a tool to achieve gays’ heteronormativity; and lastly, gays achieving heteronormativity through rape. This study concluded that TMC needs to renegotiate its terms of being a tradition of the contemporary epoch. Perhaps this may assist in breaking the tension between ulwaluko and same-sex sexuality in society. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
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The experiences of youth foster care leavers in Makanda town, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Maselana, Tembisa https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-6959-0895
- Authors: Maselana, Tembisa https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-6959-0895
- Date: 2021-11
- Subjects: Foster children -- Services for , Foster home care
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22368 , vital:52031
- Description: This study sought to explore the experiences of foster care youth who had exited the system within a period of three years in Makhanda Town, Eastern Cape. The coping mechanisms employed by foster care youth after exiting the system, and the policies, legislations and support services available were explored. The study adopted a qualitative research method. Non-probability sampling was employed to recruit 23 foster care youth who had exited the system within three years in Makhanda Town. In addition, 6 professionals dealing with statutory cases, three (3) foster parents and one (1) key informant were selected. Data was collected through the use of face-to-face semistructured individual interviews with foster care youth who had exited the system. The focus group discussion was held with professionals dealing with statutory cases and the ward councillor. The researcher analysed the data thematically. The study findings revealed that long term and comprehensive planning was important so as to provide a consistent and all round support to the fostered youth during the pre and post foster care phases. It was established that for most foster care children, the lack of a complete plan affects their transition from their biological home through the foster care system. Consequently, they come out more vulnerable than when there were initially placed in foster care. The study highlighted the serious need for training and job placement for the youths, a structure that is currently non-existent. The study recommended that the Department of Social Development (DSD) should make it compulsory for statutory social workers within the foster care domain to come up with individualized and personalized plans that outline the needs and deliverables for each child placed in the foster care system. Importantly, DSD must create a framework that is endorsed and accepted by all stakeholders so as to achieve the best interest of the child in all situations. Furthermore, the study recommends that DSD should employ more social workers to address the current human resources shortages in foster care units. Lastly, the study recommends restructuring of placement system to be less paper-work for effective and efficient, integrity, and quality of the service provision. , Thesis (MSW) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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- Authors: Maselana, Tembisa https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-6959-0895
- Date: 2021-11
- Subjects: Foster children -- Services for , Foster home care
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22368 , vital:52031
- Description: This study sought to explore the experiences of foster care youth who had exited the system within a period of three years in Makhanda Town, Eastern Cape. The coping mechanisms employed by foster care youth after exiting the system, and the policies, legislations and support services available were explored. The study adopted a qualitative research method. Non-probability sampling was employed to recruit 23 foster care youth who had exited the system within three years in Makhanda Town. In addition, 6 professionals dealing with statutory cases, three (3) foster parents and one (1) key informant were selected. Data was collected through the use of face-to-face semistructured individual interviews with foster care youth who had exited the system. The focus group discussion was held with professionals dealing with statutory cases and the ward councillor. The researcher analysed the data thematically. The study findings revealed that long term and comprehensive planning was important so as to provide a consistent and all round support to the fostered youth during the pre and post foster care phases. It was established that for most foster care children, the lack of a complete plan affects their transition from their biological home through the foster care system. Consequently, they come out more vulnerable than when there were initially placed in foster care. The study highlighted the serious need for training and job placement for the youths, a structure that is currently non-existent. The study recommended that the Department of Social Development (DSD) should make it compulsory for statutory social workers within the foster care domain to come up with individualized and personalized plans that outline the needs and deliverables for each child placed in the foster care system. Importantly, DSD must create a framework that is endorsed and accepted by all stakeholders so as to achieve the best interest of the child in all situations. Furthermore, the study recommends that DSD should employ more social workers to address the current human resources shortages in foster care units. Lastly, the study recommends restructuring of placement system to be less paper-work for effective and efficient, integrity, and quality of the service provision. , Thesis (MSW) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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Experiences of unmarried fathers who are denied access to their biological children among amaXhosa communities in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape province
- Nguma, Aphiwe https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9421-1279
- Authors: Nguma, Aphiwe https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9421-1279
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Unmarried fathers , Fatherhood responsibility movement
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22412 , vital:52052
- Description: This study aimed to explore the experiences of unmarried fathers who are denied access to their biological children among amaXhosa communities in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape Province. This study also endeavoured to answer the following research questions: (i). what are the challenges encountered by unmarried fathers who are denied access to their biological children among amaXhosa communities in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape Province? (ii). what are government official's perceptions on experiences of unmarried fathers who are denied access to their biological children among amaXhosa communities in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape? (iii) What are the implications of denial of access of unmarried fathers to their biological children among amaXhosa communities in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape Province? This study adopted a qualitative approach within a phenomenological case study research design. A sample of forty participants comprising twenty unmarried biological fathers, seven statutory social workers, three presiding officers of children's court and ten cultural custodians was interviewed. The study revealed the following challenges: payment of pregnancy damages and bride price, unemployment, conflict with the maternal family, poverty, psycho-emotional breakdown, cultural responsibilities, terminated intimate partner relationship with the mother of the child, financial constraints, and lack of emotional and moral intelligence. The study recommends the development of a new 'family policy' to ensure integration of customary cultural practices and the legislative frameworks to provide a detailed parental-document to assist the new generation of parents in maintaining good parenting relations. Further, the study recommends the establishment of champions against absent and uninvolved fathers, where young men will explore fatherhood roles and develop educational and preventative strategies. , Thesis (MSW) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nguma, Aphiwe https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9421-1279
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Unmarried fathers , Fatherhood responsibility movement
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22412 , vital:52052
- Description: This study aimed to explore the experiences of unmarried fathers who are denied access to their biological children among amaXhosa communities in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape Province. This study also endeavoured to answer the following research questions: (i). what are the challenges encountered by unmarried fathers who are denied access to their biological children among amaXhosa communities in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape Province? (ii). what are government official's perceptions on experiences of unmarried fathers who are denied access to their biological children among amaXhosa communities in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape? (iii) What are the implications of denial of access of unmarried fathers to their biological children among amaXhosa communities in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape Province? This study adopted a qualitative approach within a phenomenological case study research design. A sample of forty participants comprising twenty unmarried biological fathers, seven statutory social workers, three presiding officers of children's court and ten cultural custodians was interviewed. The study revealed the following challenges: payment of pregnancy damages and bride price, unemployment, conflict with the maternal family, poverty, psycho-emotional breakdown, cultural responsibilities, terminated intimate partner relationship with the mother of the child, financial constraints, and lack of emotional and moral intelligence. The study recommends the development of a new 'family policy' to ensure integration of customary cultural practices and the legislative frameworks to provide a detailed parental-document to assist the new generation of parents in maintaining good parenting relations. Further, the study recommends the establishment of champions against absent and uninvolved fathers, where young men will explore fatherhood roles and develop educational and preventative strategies. , Thesis (MSW) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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Exploring the socioeconomic hurdles faced by older persons: the Case of Marondera, Zimbabwe
- Mbulayi, Shingirai P https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7412-6234
- Authors: Mbulayi, Shingirai P https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7412-6234
- Date: 2021-07
- Subjects: Economics -- Sociological aspects , Welfare economics , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22390 , vital:52039
- Description: Zimbabwe is entering into an era of rapid population ageing and like many other countries in the developing world, the country appears to be oblivion or at least trivializing the importance of setting up systems and infrastructures to accommodate this impending demographic shift. This qualitative study explored the socioeconomic conditions faced by older persons in Dombotombo high density Suburb of Marondera in Zimbabwe. The study aimed to generate credible evidence to stimulate and provoke a serious discourse regarding the welfare of older persons both in the short and long term. The study was predicated on three fundamental objectives stated as: (i) To demonstrate the socioeconomic challenges encountered by older persons in Dombotombo high density suburb of Marondera in Zimbabwe, (ii) To determine the survival strategies used by the older persons in Dombotombo high density suburb of Marondera in Zimbabwe and (iii) To appraise the role played by the government and donor organizations in supporting the welfare of older persons in Dombotombo high density suburb of Marondera in Zimbabwe. Methodologically, the study was designed and undertaken using the qualitative research approach, design and techniques. The total sample size in the study was forty-eight (48) participants’ including twenty (20) older persons who took part in in-depth interviews, twentyfour (24) older persons who took part in three focus group discussions and four (4) key informants who took part in key informant interviews. All participants were purposively selected for inclusion in the study. Data for the study was collected through in-depth interviews, document analysis, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Data collection was guided by predesigned in-depth interview and focus group discussion schedules which included a number of questions. Collected data sets were subjected to thematic data analysis. The study was convienecd through the lens of the Modernisation Theory of Ageing and the Social Exchange Theory of Ageing. Findings demonstrated that older persons in Dombotombo suburb of Marondera were not a homogenous group, they faced multiple socioeconomic conditions ranging from ageism, poverty, abuse, exploitation, geriatric related morbidities, vicarious bereavement, low coverage by social protection programmes, limited support from the government and donor communities. Amid these challenges, findings demonstrated that older persons in Dombotombo were not passive victims of their advanced ages and circumstances; rather, they had devised and embraced various socioeconomic, cultural and religious survival strategies. The study recommended the need for the government and its allied development partners to invest in geriatric welfare by setting up systems and mobilizing communities and families and other social institutions to be companionate and supportive of their ageing members. , Thesis (MSW) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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- Authors: Mbulayi, Shingirai P https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7412-6234
- Date: 2021-07
- Subjects: Economics -- Sociological aspects , Welfare economics , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22390 , vital:52039
- Description: Zimbabwe is entering into an era of rapid population ageing and like many other countries in the developing world, the country appears to be oblivion or at least trivializing the importance of setting up systems and infrastructures to accommodate this impending demographic shift. This qualitative study explored the socioeconomic conditions faced by older persons in Dombotombo high density Suburb of Marondera in Zimbabwe. The study aimed to generate credible evidence to stimulate and provoke a serious discourse regarding the welfare of older persons both in the short and long term. The study was predicated on three fundamental objectives stated as: (i) To demonstrate the socioeconomic challenges encountered by older persons in Dombotombo high density suburb of Marondera in Zimbabwe, (ii) To determine the survival strategies used by the older persons in Dombotombo high density suburb of Marondera in Zimbabwe and (iii) To appraise the role played by the government and donor organizations in supporting the welfare of older persons in Dombotombo high density suburb of Marondera in Zimbabwe. Methodologically, the study was designed and undertaken using the qualitative research approach, design and techniques. The total sample size in the study was forty-eight (48) participants’ including twenty (20) older persons who took part in in-depth interviews, twentyfour (24) older persons who took part in three focus group discussions and four (4) key informants who took part in key informant interviews. All participants were purposively selected for inclusion in the study. Data for the study was collected through in-depth interviews, document analysis, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Data collection was guided by predesigned in-depth interview and focus group discussion schedules which included a number of questions. Collected data sets were subjected to thematic data analysis. The study was convienecd through the lens of the Modernisation Theory of Ageing and the Social Exchange Theory of Ageing. Findings demonstrated that older persons in Dombotombo suburb of Marondera were not a homogenous group, they faced multiple socioeconomic conditions ranging from ageism, poverty, abuse, exploitation, geriatric related morbidities, vicarious bereavement, low coverage by social protection programmes, limited support from the government and donor communities. Amid these challenges, findings demonstrated that older persons in Dombotombo were not passive victims of their advanced ages and circumstances; rather, they had devised and embraced various socioeconomic, cultural and religious survival strategies. The study recommended the need for the government and its allied development partners to invest in geriatric welfare by setting up systems and mobilizing communities and families and other social institutions to be companionate and supportive of their ageing members. , Thesis (MSW) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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Societal attitudes towards previously incarcerated individuals in Mdantsane Township (N.U.2), Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Mathebe, Nosiphiwo
- Date: 2020-06
- Subjects: Prisoners , Ex-convicts , Prisoners' writings, South African (English)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27128 , vital:66305
- Description: The study explored the societal attitudes towards previously incarcerated individuals in Mdantsane Township N.U.2, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The study aimed to achieve the following specific objectives: i. To establish the attitudes of the Mdantsane N.U.2 selected residents towards previously incarcerated individuals ii. To assess the kinds of treatment meted by the selected Mdantsane residents towards the previously incarcerated individuals; and iii). To establish the structural challenges that previously incarcerated individuals experience that impedes integration into their society. The study utilized a qualitative paradigm as guided by the qualitative research approach; and adopted a case study design. It employed interviews with previously incarcerated individuals and key informants, and focus groups with community members. An interview guide was used as a data collection instrument. The study used non-probability sampling, with purposive and snow-ball sampling techniques being utilized. The population of the study was made up of eighteen 18 participants, which comprised of six 6 previously incarcerated individuals, and ten 10 selected community members. The latter included ordinary people within the community, selected because they represent the community and societal attitudes to previously incarcerated individuals within their society. The two 2 key informants (Probation Officers) were selected on the basis of their understanding of offender reintegration, families and society. The data was analysed qualitatively through content thematic analysis. The study revealed the following findings: i. Trust deficits characterized the relations between previously incarcerated individuals and the society; ii. Previously incarcerated individuals were labelled and often called thieves and criminals; iii. Poor socio-economic conditions structural conditions and systemic issues trigger previously incarcerated individual’s recidivism; iv). Previously incarcerated individuals resorted to criminal and corrupt practices for an income; v. Criminal record proved to be a stumbling block in the previously incarcerated individuals’ employment opportunities; vi. Previously incarcerated individuals obtained employment through familial connections and being self-employed; v. Community attitudes ran counter to previously incarcerated individuals’ rehabilitation and reintegration efforts; vi. The community dissuaded previously incarcerated individual’s reintegration; and vii). Integrated state intervention was recommended as a sure way to bolster effective reintegration of previously incarcerated individuals to their community. The following recommendations emerge from the study The need for additional recruitment of a variety of disciplines to work with the Department of Correctional Services to ease the reintegration process of previously incarcerated individuals Using stakeholders’ synergy to expedite previously incarcerated individual’s reintegration Community stakeholders holding awareness sessions on offender reintegration amongst communities and expediting victim- offender-family rehabilitation. The researcher hopes that the accomplishment of objectives will aid the government and the pertinent stakeholders in fighting the negative attitudes that hinder the success of previously incarcerated individual’s reintegration. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2020
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mathebe, Nosiphiwo
- Date: 2020-06
- Subjects: Prisoners , Ex-convicts , Prisoners' writings, South African (English)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27128 , vital:66305
- Description: The study explored the societal attitudes towards previously incarcerated individuals in Mdantsane Township N.U.2, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The study aimed to achieve the following specific objectives: i. To establish the attitudes of the Mdantsane N.U.2 selected residents towards previously incarcerated individuals ii. To assess the kinds of treatment meted by the selected Mdantsane residents towards the previously incarcerated individuals; and iii). To establish the structural challenges that previously incarcerated individuals experience that impedes integration into their society. The study utilized a qualitative paradigm as guided by the qualitative research approach; and adopted a case study design. It employed interviews with previously incarcerated individuals and key informants, and focus groups with community members. An interview guide was used as a data collection instrument. The study used non-probability sampling, with purposive and snow-ball sampling techniques being utilized. The population of the study was made up of eighteen 18 participants, which comprised of six 6 previously incarcerated individuals, and ten 10 selected community members. The latter included ordinary people within the community, selected because they represent the community and societal attitudes to previously incarcerated individuals within their society. The two 2 key informants (Probation Officers) were selected on the basis of their understanding of offender reintegration, families and society. The data was analysed qualitatively through content thematic analysis. The study revealed the following findings: i. Trust deficits characterized the relations between previously incarcerated individuals and the society; ii. Previously incarcerated individuals were labelled and often called thieves and criminals; iii. Poor socio-economic conditions structural conditions and systemic issues trigger previously incarcerated individual’s recidivism; iv). Previously incarcerated individuals resorted to criminal and corrupt practices for an income; v. Criminal record proved to be a stumbling block in the previously incarcerated individuals’ employment opportunities; vi. Previously incarcerated individuals obtained employment through familial connections and being self-employed; v. Community attitudes ran counter to previously incarcerated individuals’ rehabilitation and reintegration efforts; vi. The community dissuaded previously incarcerated individual’s reintegration; and vii). Integrated state intervention was recommended as a sure way to bolster effective reintegration of previously incarcerated individuals to their community. The following recommendations emerge from the study The need for additional recruitment of a variety of disciplines to work with the Department of Correctional Services to ease the reintegration process of previously incarcerated individuals Using stakeholders’ synergy to expedite previously incarcerated individual’s reintegration Community stakeholders holding awareness sessions on offender reintegration amongst communities and expediting victim- offender-family rehabilitation. The researcher hopes that the accomplishment of objectives will aid the government and the pertinent stakeholders in fighting the negative attitudes that hinder the success of previously incarcerated individual’s reintegration. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2020
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