Convention and invention as factors in the patterns of leisure time utilisation of Zulu adolescents in rural and semi-rural settings in kwaZulu-Natal
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Date
2002
Authors
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Publisher
University of Zululand
Abstract
In this thesis I present the results of a literature study, followed by an empirical surrey, regarding the leisure time activities of Zulu adolescents in rural and semi-rural areas of KwaZuhi-Natal along the northeastern seaboard of South Africa. My findings contextualise the above group's socialisation with regard to leisure time activities, home chores, school homework, school sports activities, communal tribal activities and local community events. I document and explain a variety of neighbourhood activities, including ones played during impromptu-organised neighbourhood get togethers. They include games ranging from the mundane to the innovative. I also analyse the annual Zulu Reed Dance Ceremony as a symbolic female rite of passage to womanhood, and various activities that serve as male rite-of-passage activities to manhood. My major finding is that all forms of social behaviour of Zulu rural adolescents — including their leisure time preferences — are informed by a coherent value-belief system in which religious beliefs play a central integrating role.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Communication Science at the University of Zululand, 2002.
Keywords
Leisure--Social aspects--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal, Rural youth--Recreation--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal