Browse
Recent Submissions
Now showing 1 - 5 of 90
- ItemSocial work in the 21st century: scholarship and praxis reimagined towards vulnerability(Avarsity, 2024) Shokane, A. L.; Keet, A.; Danesan, V.
- ItemPatriarchal influence on HIV transmission among women in abusive heterosexual relationships in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa(University of Zululand, 2023) Mthembu, Charles Ntokozo; Shabalala, M. M. and Rautenbach, J.This study aimed to explore the role of patriarchy in the spread of HIV among women in Esikhawini, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Patriarchy is considered as a social system that grants men primary power and predominance in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property. Some patriarchal societies are also patrilineal, meaning that property and titles are inherited by the male lineage. This study was guided by three research objectives namely: understanding women's experiences related to HIV transmission, identifying challenges arising from patriarchy, and proposing methods to mitigate its impact on HIV infections in women. This study is qualitative in nature since it used interpretivism paradigm. Using purposive and snowball sampling, the study focused on ten women experiencing patriarchal abuse in relationships within eSikhaleni township, more particularly at Gobandlovu. Informed by Feminist Theory opposing women abuse, semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore participants’ experiences, perceptions, observations and opinions on the patriarchal abuse. The researcher used thematic analysis for data analysis. Findings reveal a clear understanding of patriarchy among women, which is characterised by male dominance and woman’s diminished power in relationships. Causes of patriarchal abuse included gender inequality, women voicelessness; cultural norms and traditions; ingrained gender roles; and societal expectations. Participants reported various levels of patriarchal abuse including sexual violence, HIV and Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) infection, public degradation, and work restrictions. Notably, societal bias often overlooked reported abuse, leading to psychological issues such as stress and depression for women lacking support. Organizations like the Tears Foundation and POWA were identified as supportive resources. Recommendations to address issues in patriarchal relationships included regular check-ups, educating men on safe sex practices, free distribution of condoms, and encouraging women to use Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) within 72 hours of potential HIV exposure.
- ItemThe development of social work intervention guidelines for victims of gender-based violence in Umhlathuze Municipality, Kwazulu-Natal(University of Zululand, 2023) Myeni, Sithuthukile SibusisiweGender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive and alarming violation of human rights, reaching epidemic proportions in South Africa with a prevalence rate exceeding 50%. This study addresses the urgent need for effective social work interventions by developing comprehensive guidelines tailored to the unique challenges faced by GBV victims in Umhlathuze, KwaZulu-Natal. Resilience theory was used as the study's theoretical framework, the research unfolds through a phenomenological design involving social workers as purposively selected participants for this study. The study's objectives encompassed a situational analysis of current social work interventions, exploration of social worker expertise in GBV, evaluation of stakeholder roles in victim empowerment, and the ultimate development of social work intervention guidelines for assisting victims of GBV. The Design and Development model, adapted from Rothman and Thomas (1994), guided the study through four phases: problem identification, data collection and literature synthesis, guideline design, and guideline development. The key findings revealed a generalist approach in existing social work services for GBV victims, prompting the need for specialized intervention guidelines. The guidelines, informed by resilience theory, combined insights from existing programmes and literature, emphasising the integration of social work theories and legislation. Recommendations underscored continuous training for social workers to enhance their capacity in navigating policies and legislation pertinent to GBV interventions. This study contributes a vital resource for social workers engaged in GBV intervention, offering a comprehensive framework informed by both theoretical underpinnings and practical considerations. The proposed guidelines address critical gaps in current practices, emphasising the importance of specialised training to strengthen the multifaceted role of social workers in combatting the pervasive issue of gender-based violence.
- ItemContributions of community education to community development: a case study of a community education and training centre, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa(University of Zululand, 2024) Xulu, Thokozani Sifiso Mpilo; Mulqueeny, Delarise M. and Ntini-Makununika, ThobekaThe aim of the study was to explore the role played by community education as a catalyst for community development through the lens of students and lecturers at a community education and training centre in eNkanjini Village, located in the Big Five Hlabisa Municipality of Northern KwaZulu-Natal. This qualitative study is embedded in an interpretive research paradigm as it allows for the collected data to be packaged and presented according to the participants’ world views and interpreted according to their own words. The research design assumed a case study format to secure in-depth knowledge on the study phenomenon. The study setting was a Community Education and Training Centre (CETC) in the eNkanjini Village where the target population were identified and recruited because they could relate to the phenomenon under study from where conclusions to be drawn from. The sample included the centre manager, lecturers and students, who were all above the age of 18 and attended and worked at the centre as they were best able to provide rich information on the role of community education as a catalyst for community development. The centre manager was purposively sampled because he is the only manager employed at the centre and has extensive knowledge on the community, community education and community development in the area. The data collection instrument was semi-structured interviews with an open-ended interview guide because they allowed for probing to secure thick and broad information on participants experiences, perspectives and thoughts on the topic. The data analysis method used was thematic analysis because it facilitates flexibility in sorting and categorises data into themes that highlights differences and similarities of a phenomenon. The trustworthiness of the qualitative data was assuring through the use of dual recordings, comprehensive notes, a reflexive journal, purposive sampling and participants information saved to the iCloud, debriefing and the two-month data collection period. The theoretical framework of the study was the empowerment theory which argues that community participation promotes and empowers community development. It was adopted to this study to explain evidence related to the concepts of community education and development. The literature review, and the theoretical framework informed the discussion of the results. The findings of the study revealed that getting a second educational opportunity and securing a certificate after successfully completing an exam was motivation for most participants as they perceived they could use their acquired skills to earn a living, improve their lives, pursue additional learning opportunities, and attend TVET colleges and universities. However, a lack of adequate classrooms and furniture, coupled with student absenteeism and limited books, were major challenges in the participants’ learning experiences at the CETC. Nevertheless, most of the participants were grateful for the second chance to improve their skills and qualifications and for the stipend they received. The sentiments of life improvement are aligned with the empowerment theory framework because it addresses social, political, policy, economic, educational and health issues and challenges. The views of participants regarding community education and community development was also supported by the framework in terms of procuring sustainable change and it explained why they are relevant. The study concluded that community education and training programmes are a valuable contribution to improving students’ skills and qualifications, their lives and communities. Community education and community development are complementary practices that act as catalysts for addressing community challenges and social ills and improve communities. The study recommended that that the government builds libraries and student accommodation and supplies all the recommended and prescribed books, that the media showcase success stories to promote community education. These recommendations also came from the participants. Additionally, multidisciplinary teams that include non-profit organisations, private and public companies, funders, and the government should raise funds to improve the community education and training centre’s to ensure that they are adequately resourced for effective learning to ensue. Further collaborative research with political activists, traditional and cultural leaders, civic societies, and community development practitioners is also recommended to generate more data.
- ItemMales experiences of female partner abuse in intimate relationships in Jozini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal(University of Zululand, 2024) Tembe, Silindokuhle Shika; Mulqueeny, D.M. and Shabalala, M.M.The study aimed to explore males’ experiences of female partner abuse in intimate relationships in the Jozini Municipality, of KwaZulu-Natal. The study considered abuse as any incident or threatening behavior, violence, or psychological, physical, sexual, financial, or emotional abuse between adults who are or have been intimate partners or are family members. The study also considered IPV as a subset of domestic violence since it is an act of violence perpetrated against intimate partners, spouses and dating partners, either in current or former relationships. The study was informed by three main research objectives: to explore men’s experiences of intimate partner violence IPV in the Jozini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal; to identify the types of intimate partner violence IPV experienced by men in the Jozini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal; and to develop strategies to reduce IPV experienced by men in the Jozini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal. The Social Learning Theory by Bandura (1963) underpinned this study that used the interpretivism research paradigm to enable the study participants to narrate their daily lived experiences. Hence, the study used the qualitative research approach during data collection. The qualitative data were gathered through interviews with open-ended questions among men who had experienced abuse by their intimate partners. The study adopted purposive and snowball sampling to identify the targeted population, who were twelve (12) men who had experienced IPV by their female partners to participate in interviews conducted by the researcher. The study also used an in-depth literature review and document analysis, as part of the qualitative content analysis. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis whereby themes and narrations were extensively used to explain the men’s experiences of IPV. The study recognized the wealth of knowledge on the concept of ‘IPV’ by the participants. The findings revealed that men are abused by women in an intimate relationship. Additionally, the terminology ‘IPV’ among men had a common meaning, even though it was explained in many different ways. For example, the findings showed that IPV means an intimate partner who may use insulting words, deprive the other partner of sexual intercourse and not allow the other partner to see and be visited by his/her family members. The findings demonstrated that men do not report cases of IPV to the relevant authorities but only to the in-laws and family members. Additionally, it was discovered that men do not report cases of IPV to authorities because they are not taken seriously and end up being ridiculed in the very centers from which they seek help. It was noted that in instances where men do report cases of IPV to the police station, they tend to receive gender-stereotyped treatment because IPV is widely viewed as an issue affecting women only. The issue of confidentiality also becomes a factor as police personnel are members of the community, therefore the absence of discretion means that the men with cases of IPV end up being mocked in the community. It was also established that one of the main causes of IPV against men is the hunger for power by women; women deprive men of sexual intercourse, due to insufficiency of money to support the family, cheating, just to mention a few. The study demonstrated that there were solutions that could work effectively in their suffering. Firstly, the public should believe that IPV against men is not a joke, but a reality. Secondly, the police stations, where men report cases of IPV, should treat their complaints with the seriousness and urgency they deserve; and should not make it a laughing matter. Thirdly, government should take cases of IPV against men as a serious act by addressing it with the same enthusiasm and tenacity used when addressing violence against women and children. The study recommended that the most crucial strategies for eliminating IPV against men is to conduct additional research on this phenomenon, and raise awareness through campaigns on IPV against men, to mention a few. More studies can be conducted in Jozini as there are high incidents of IPV against men in the municipality. The full mini-dissertation is available in the University of Zululand Institutional Repository.