UWCScholar :: Browsing by Author "Spicer, Sharyn"

Browsing by Author "Spicer, Sharyn"

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Animals at work: a multispecies ethnographic study of entanglements of cart-horse labour in Freedom Farm informal settlement, Cape Town.
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Vigeland, Lynné Hazel; Spicer, Sharyn
Human life experiences are closely intertwined with our relationships with other animals and the environment. From the late 19th century to the late 20th century, Cart-horses served as an informal travel market for the community of District Six of Cape Town. However, because of forced migration, the role of horses in the city of Cape Town changed as people`s living experiences changed. Cape Town City Council may have animal laws regulating the ethical treatment of working horses concerning people's living and working conditions. Informal communities like Freedom Farm rely on carthorses, however, this is not necessarily regulated for the benefit of horses. Non-human animals in urban environments offer perspectives for rethinking urban society. Actor-network theory (ANT) is an empirical, research-based interdisciplinary perspective that focuses on the process of translation and the role of non-human actors in various observations and experiences.
Bullying of refugee learners in South African schools: The perspective of parents from Kivu (Democratic Republic of Congo) living in Cape Town.
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Ntagerwa, Adelina Nakatya; Spicer, Sharyn
Bullying victimization in school settings is a serious issue in many countries hosting refugees including South Africa. And even though bullying is an everyday reality among school learners, research in South Africa has not investigated the kind that mostly targets adolescent refugee learners rather than native-born youth. The prevailing atmosphere of bullying in South African school continuously affect refugee learners ‘health and hinders their integration in school. This study explored how and why bullying victimisation is experienced by newcomer adolescent refugee learners from Kivu province who attend school in Maitland and Parow, in Cape Town. The objective of this study was to understand the effect of social connection in the mitigation of bullying victimization. Hirschi’s social bonds concept was used to understand the role of attachment to parents, teachers and peers, commitment in school activities, involvement in social activities and belief in school rules/policies to deal with bullying and help newcomer refugee learners to integrate in school. The research is qualitative and used participant observation and interviews as tools for data collection. Respondents were parents of children who experienced bullying victimization in schools. This research argues that the combination of social support and connection from educators, parents and peers creates a new identity for learner that is important for their effective integration and well-being.
The church and single parenting: perceptions and social support
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Van Staden, Lucrechia Ziana; Spicer, Sharyn
The goal of this study was to investigate how single parenting is perceived within the context of the churches in Kuils River and to establish if any support structures are in place to assist single parents. This research was confined to the Kuils River community and was conducted in three churches of different denominations. A qualitative approach in the form of an exploratory study was used to conduct this research. Participants were recruited from the three churches in Kuils River. Purposive sampling allowed the researcher to recruit suitable participants, comprising single mothers and fathers (20 years old and above) who attended church as well as the respective church leaders. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with these single parents and church leaders. Data was manually transcribed and analysed by means of thematic analysis. Ethical approval was sought from the University?s Ethics Committee and permission was granted by the respective church leaders. Participants were informed and assured of confidentiality, anonymity and that their participation in the study was completely voluntary. Informed consent was obtained and participants were informed of their rights to withdraw from the study. The findings indicated that single parents with immediate family obtained support through their informal support networks, while those without immediate family relied on the church for support. The findings also indicated that while the church provided support to a certain extent, the type of support offered did not fulfil the needs of single-parent families, and that the church should be doing more to support and accommodate single parents. While the church and the church leaders prided themselves on embracing and displaying non-discriminatory attitudes towards single parents, stigma, shame, feelings of inadequacy and failure to acknowledge single parents in the congregation has caused single parents to feel excluded, morally inferior and alienated within the church.
Death ?awayfrom home.? A case study of Cameroonian immigrants living in Cape Town South Africa.
(University of Western Cape, 2019) Fru, Terence Fontoh; Spicer, Sharyn
Death is an everyday occurrence for many urban Africans living in South Africa, and it is expressed through the everyday management of financial and social networks. The purpose of this study is to investigate what happens to African migrants, particularly the Ngemba people of Cameroon living in Cape Town when they die ?away from home?. In this study, I will be exploring the steps followed, the rites that are performed, perceptions regarding death and funerals, as well as the social implications that death has for the group members concerned, and the various challenges faced when someone dies ?away from home?. In other to achieve all this, I used a qualitative research design in which in-depth interviews and participant observation were administered to sixteen (16) participants.
Integration, exclusion, or something in between? A study of Zimbabwean migrants in Gugulethu, Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Kalule, Diplock Samuel; Spicer, Sharyn
According to migrant research in South Africa, after the advent of democracy in South Africa, in 1994, the country has received an influx of foreign migrants, more especially from the African continent. However, much focus has been on the negative outcomes of the host community and its relationship with immigrants. Recent immigration research labelled South Africa as a xenophobic nation, and much emphasis on xenophobia was in Black South African townships. Although townships in South Africa are widely known for their hostile attitudes towards African nationals, in recent years, townships like Gugulethu have become homes for many African immigrants. This study investigates the integration of foreign migrants into the South African community: a case of Zimbabweans living in Gugulethu, Cape Town. Qualitative research methods' adopting an in-depth interpretation of the findings was used to answer the research question posed by this study. The research question posed by this study is, in the absence of a strategic plan to integrate African foreign nationals into South Africa society, how do African migrants living in Gugulethu use their social capital to integrate themselves into the local community, which is widely regarded as xenophobic? Qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews and observations and data was analysed according to the research questions by making codes and themes. In addition, the number of study participants was 30 people; 25 Zimbabwean immigrants and for comparative purposes 2 Ugandan immigrants and 3 local South Africans were also included. Both convenience and snowballing sampling techniques were used. The study found that despite the challenges faced by migrants in their host community, these migrants used their social capital in the form of social networks to integrate themselves into the host community.
An investigation of the integration of foreign migrants into South African community: A case of Zimbabweans living in Luyoloville and New Rest in Gugulethu, Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2016) Kalule, Diplock Samuel; Spicer, Sharyn
According to migrant research in South Africa, after the advent of democracy in South Africa, in 1994, the country has received an influx of foreign migrants, more especially from the African continent. However, much focus has been on the negative outcomes of the host community and its relationship with immigrants. Recent immigration research labelled South Africa as a xenophobic nation, and much emphasis on xenophobia was in Black South African townships. Although townships in South Africa are widely known for their hostile attitudes towards African nationals, in recent years, townships like Gugulethu have become homes for many African immigrants. This study investigates the integration of foreign migrants into the South African community: a case of Zimbabweans living in Gugulethu, Cape Town. Qualitative research methods? adopting an in-depth interpretation of the findings was used to answer the research question posed by this study. The research question posed by this study is, in the absence of a strategic plan to integrate African foreign nationals into South Africa society, how do African migrants living in Gugulethu use their social capital to integrate themselves into the local community, which is widely regarded as xenophobic? Qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews and observations and data was analysed according to the research questions by making codes and themes. In addition, the number of study participants was 30 people; 25 Zimbabwean immigrants and for comparative purposes 2 Ugandan immigrants and 3 local South Africans were also included. Both convenience and snowballing sampling techniques were used. The study found that despite the challenges faced by migrants in their host community, these migrants used their social capital in the form of social networks to integrate themselves into the host community
An investigation of the integration of foreign migrants into South African community: A case of Zimbabweans living in Luyoloville and New Rest in Gugulethu, Cape Town.
(University of the Western Cape, 2016) Kalule, Diplock Samuel; Spicer, Sharyn
According to migrant research in South Africa, after the advent of democracy in South Africa, in 1994, the country has received an influx of foreign migrants, more especially from the African continent. However, much focus has been on the negative outcomes of the host community and its relationship with immigrants. Recent immigration research labelled South Africa as a xenophobic nation, and much emphasis on xenophobia was in Black South African townships. Although townships in South Africa are widely known for their hostile attitudes towards African nationals, in recent years, townships like Gugulethu have become homes for many African immigrants. This study investigates the integration of foreign migrants into the South African community: a case of Zimbabweans living in Gugulethu, Cape Town. Qualitative research methods? adopting an in-depth interpretation of the findings was used to answer the research question posed by this study. The research question posed by this study is, in the absence of a strategic plan to integrate African foreign nationals intoSouth Africa society, how do African migrants living in Gugulethu use their social capital to integrate themselves into the local community, which is widely regarded as xenophobic? Qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews and observations and data was analysed according to the research questions by making codes and themes. In addition, the number of study participants was 30 people; 25 Zimbabwean immigrants and for comparative purposes 2 Ugandan immigrants and 3 local South Africans were also included. Both convenience and snowballing sampling techniques were used. The study found that despite the challenges faced by migrants in their host community, these migrants used their social capital in the form of social networks to integrate themselves into the host community
A microsociological analysis of social support to women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer
(University of the Western Cape, 2016) Kamanga, Thembekile Nokukhanya; Spicer, Sharyn
This study explored the social support provided by family of women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. The aim was to present an account of social support that is solicited by and given to women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. There is a dearth amount of literature on support from families of women with breast cancer in South Africa. Thus, this study can potentially contribute to filling the gap of knowledge in this area in the country. Qualitative method was used and in-depth interviews were utilized to study the women's experience of family social support. The theoretical framework underpinning the study is the relational communicational perspective.
Pets and their people: a sociological investigation into the pet-keeping practices of two demographically diverse samples of South Africans
(University of the Western Cape, 2012) Spicer, Sharyn
This study provides a sociological analysis of pet-keeping among two different samples of South Africans who display divergent tendencies. The demographic variables that shape attitudes, behaviour and practices towards pets such as age, gender, class, race and ethnicity, along with marital status, religion, area of residence and household type and structure are outlined. In addition, various other factors, such as past experiences with pets (particularly during childhood), emotional connections with other animals and the differential accumulation of ?animal capital� are explored. The objective of this thesis is to assess the ways in which pets are integrated into the lives of the two samples of pet owners. This research also examines diverse attitudes toward some important issues within animal welfare. This thesis shows that pet-keeping cuts across social categories and that a complex interplay of factors influences perceptions of pets and pet-keeping rituals and routines. The growth and increased popularity of pet-keeping in contemporary societies can be linked to broader political, economic and social changes and cultural shifts. In particular, it is argued that postmodern conditions have facilitated the growth of pet-keeping as well as the increased emotional intensity associated therewith. Furthermore, an understanding of the motivations underlying pet-keeping and the different roles they play in people�s lives reveal much about our views about one another as well as the broader dynamics characterising our unequal society. Data were collected through a combination of a quantitative survey and qualitative interview methods. The findings of this study both contradict and confirm those made in previous studies. Data analysis shows that there is a correlation between the style of pet keeping favoured and the gender of the primary pet caretaker. It further demonstrates the impact that the participant�s previous experiences, have on their current preferences for a particular type of pet, as well as their favoured style of pet-keeping
Possible causes of Divorce in Asmara
(University of the Western Cape, 2003) Beshir, Nuredin Bushra; Spicer, Sharyn
This research project seeks to account for some of the causes of divorce in Asmara Eritrea. The existing law in this country recognizes adultery, desertion and cruelty as serious grounds for divorce. However, this research, which is based on a sample of forty divorced respondents from both genders, reveals a wider spectrum of reasons for divorce. According to these findings, marital conflict related to money matters was the most frequently cited reason for divorce within the sample. This was followed by in-law difficulties, infidelity, spousal violence and lack of love, respectively. The next most frequently cited reason for divorce was behaviour incompatibility and a lack of effective communication amongst conflicting couples. On the other hand, the sexual side of marriage was the least cited marital problem resulting in divorce, followed by childlessness and heavy drinking. In between ranked behaviour incompatibility and lack of effective communication between conflicting couple. Essentially this study adopts a subjective perspective. It reflects respondents' versions of why their marriages failed. It does however attempt to position the subjective experiences of the respondents within the context in which they lived. The latter includes economic hardship due to the recurrent war and the prevalence of traditional double standards and dominations that favour males. Because of these, gender was a significant social category in the study, which has resulted in differences in reporting patterns. Women respondents were mainly concerned with the issue of money matters, in-law trouble, infidelity, the use and abuse of alcohol and violence by husbands. Men on the other hand were interested in authority, sex and love matters in their marriages. These findings more or less parallel Levinger's (1966; cited in Schulz, 1982) research findings. However, there were in some cases marked differences in the reporting pattern along gender lines, and in the over all picture. What was found to be the most significant reason for divorce in the eyes of the women who took part in the present study (such as in law problems) was among the least of marital complaints in the above quoted literature. In summation, this thesis shows divorce as a significant sociological category in Asmara. In this locally unexplored area of study, it reveals not only some of the major areas of marital conflict that lead to divorce, but also the trend of divorce in the city.
Xenophobia and the media: an investigation into the textual representation of black ?foreigners? in the daily sun, a South Africa tabloid (February 2008 - December 2008)
(University of the Western Cape, 2014) Mbetga, Marius Debonaire; Spicer, Sharyn
This mini-thesis is a discourse analysis of the representations of black ?foreigners? in the media with reference to xenophobia. In this specific context, the study investigates and analyses the textual representations of black ?foreigners? in the Daily Sun, a South African tabloid newspaper during the period February 2008 till December 2008. For the theoretical and systematic framework, the study essentially combined critical discourse analysis (Van Dijk, 1993, Wodak, 2012) and the notion moral panics to explain the language used and subsequent impact of the media in shaping xenophobic attitudes (Goode and Ben-Yehuda, 1994). This investigation into the representations of black foreigners examines the media coverage of black African immigrant stories that appeared in the Daily Sun in the designated time period. A total of one hundred and twenty-four (124) news articles were selected from the files reserved at the South African National Archives in Cape Town. These data are extracts of news articles from the Daily Sun newspaper collected during the progress of the study. The main focus of this investigation is on how the Daily Sun portrayed and depicted black foreigners and the violence perpetuated again them. This study found that, on the one hand the Daily Sun, portrayed black foreigners as victims and on the other hand as aggressors or abusers of the social and legal system in South Africa. This ambiguity reflects the relationship between black foreigners and black local citizens. Black foreigners themselves are a diverse group and the Daily Sun depicts these nationalities in different, often stereotypical ways. This study contributes to our understanding of black African immigration to South Africa as well as the responses of local citizens to this process. By focusing on how representations of African immigrants are constructed in this specific South African tabloid newspaper, we are given insight into the xenophobic attitudes of many ordinary South Africans.

Browsing by Author "Spicer, Sharyn"

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