Research Articles (Social Work)

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A peoplecentred perspective on peoplecentred community development
(School of Social Work, Zimbabwe, 1995) Schenck, Catherina (Rinie); Louw, Huma
This article uses the concept of 'people centredness' to stress the fact that development requires that the people themselves - who are meant to be the beneficiaries of development initiatives - be placed in the forefront and fully involved in any projects or programmes which aim to assist them. The authors see this people centred perspective as providing a new paradigm which is vital in the process of learning, growth and development If empowerment of local people is to be achieved, this requires their complete participation - which implies sharing and working together and most importantly, for outsiders working with them, to trust their skills and abilities. The author's stress that development can only take place when agencies provide the services that people really want, rather than imposing pre-conceived policies and programmes on people.
Participatory learning: a people centred way of working in community development
(Unisa Press, 1995) Schenck, Catherina (Rinie); Louw, Huma
In this article the authors propose a participatory learning approach to skill and knowledge acquisition in people centered community development knowing that it isn't always quick and easy but exciting and worth it.
Praktykillustrasie van die vorming en terminering van n terapeutiese sisteem volgens ekosistemiese denke
(Unisa Press, 1996) Conradie, A.; Schenck, Catherina (Rinie); Collins, K.J.
This article presents an illustration of how an ecosystemic perspective was used in a family therapy case study. Two ecosystemic concepts were used to discuss the case study. They are: the language determination of the therapeutic system as described by Anderson & Goolishian 1988; and the therapeutic formula: stability/ change/meaningful noise as used by Keeney & Ross 1985. The value of the language determination of the system is that a system such as a family does not determine the therapeutic system but that the system is determined by a problem. The system exists as long as meaning is given by that problem. A therapeutic system can therefore be described as a problem-determined and a problem-solving system. The therapeutic change is a process of co-construction of ideas/meaning that simultaneously makes the co-construction of new realities possible for all members of the therapeutic system. One possible application of the ecosystemic perspective in social work practice is indicated.
Video conferencing in Unisa social work practicals: structure and strategies
(Unisa Press, 2000) Wilson, Hentie; Schenck, Catherina (Rinie); Grobler, Hanka
This article describes participatory research by lecturers using video conferencing systems and an instructional designer. This research article sets out to describe a project during the consolidation stage of using video conferencing to support learners: the establishment of quality dialogue, strategies and methodologies in Social Work practicals at the University of South Africa (Unisa). The researchers found that this study confirmed the importance of a number of presentation aspects concerning lecturer-student "apartness and psychological distance". During this study, different types of video conference interactions emerged: those related to evaluation, needs analysis, guidance, discussion, and examination preparation of the students. The combination and repetition of these interaction sessions proved the contact via video conferencing to be succesful as a medium for focused guidance in social work studies. The experiences of lecturers and students are described. However, interaction has to be planned and deliberately implemented between individual students, student groups at a site, students at different sites, or students and the lecturer; it does not just happen, either in audio or video conferencing.
Revisiting Paulo Freire as a theoretical base for participatory practices for social workers
(University of Stellenbosch, 2002) Schenck, Catherina (Rinie)
Learning through rediscovery and reclaiming local/ indigenous knowledge and skills
(Unisa Press, 2002) Louw, Huma; Schenck, Catherina (Rinie)
In this article the authors explain some of the attempts they make to ``in- digenise'' the training of students in social work, paying special attention to community work to assist the students in discovering the richness of their own knowledge base and in integrating and symbolising the theories so that they learn from within ± to grow their own horns because, as they say in Northern Sotho ``Naka tsÏa go rwesÏwa ga di gomarele hlogo'' (``One cannot stick the horns of one cow on another. The horns have to grow from within'').
Problems rural social workers experience
(University of Stellenbosch, 2004) Schenck, Catherina (Rinie)
The research was an exploratory study of the views and experiences of 45 social workers related to their work and working conditions in rural communities This article describes the research results around aspects regarding problems that social workers experience when working in rural communities e.g problems of the rural community that the social worker needs to attend to and problems the social workers experience connected to their work situation in rural areas. It is hoped that this study will bring about an awareness and concern for the rural people and rural social workers who have to take up the challenges.
Working conditions of social workers in rural areas in South Africa
(Unisa Press, 2004) Schenck, Catherina (Rinie)
This article presents the results of one of the aspects of an exploratory study that was conducted by the author with rural social workers. The working conditions of 45 social workers are described.
An exploratory study on day labourers in Elardus Park, Pretoria
(University of Stellenbosch., 2005) Schenck, Catherina (Rinie); Louw, Huma
On Barnard Street, Elardus Park in Pretoria men are standing, raising a finger or miming a skill to attract the attention of potential employees. It is also common to see men swarm around a car, pointing to themselves in an effort to get noticed ad thus hired. This study deals with these people, who are day labourers leading a difficult life as they manage to survive in an entrepreneurial way. Their main need is to access work more easily. Skills training would make this possible. Social work could make a contribution in this respect.
Risk factors associated with the intervention of perpetrators of domestic violence
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Londt, Marcel P.; Terblanche, Susan S.; Kotze, Theunis
INTRODUCTION: South Africa has the highest incidence of violence against women and a woman is killed every six hours by an intimate partner. Furthermore, women in South Africa are more likely to be killed by an intimate partner than a stranger. It seems apparent that not much is known about the men who will continue to use violence in an intimate relationship or those who would kill their partners. International trends have indicated that intervention with either the survivor or the batterer in isolation is futile and greater recognition has been given to the development of comprehensive and co-ordinated responses. These co-ordinated responses must include community, social as well as criminal justice interventions. Yet, intervention programmes for batterers are in their infancy in Africa, with a special interest developing really only over the last five years. The initial development of any intervention for batterers emerged from the observation that the beatings or killings did not stop simply because the survivor received an intervention. Yet the batterer programmes that developed were not always in the best interest or safety of the women. METHODS: This study used the methodological framework of intervention research and design to develop a technology for intervening with the batterer himself. The different phases of this methodological framework was used to analyse the problem, gather and synthesize information through a literature review, study functional elements of successful batterer intervention programmes and then to design a risk-based assessment and intervention guidelines. The writer implemented an existing risk assessment guide, called the Spousal Assault Risk Assessment guide (SARA) to this end and the outcomes informed the design of the framework. The writer used purposive sampling to include the 53 male respondents and 47 female respondents in this study. RESULTS: The main findings of this study concur with the overall trends reflected in literature on domestic violence and the management of batterers. The implementation of the SARA guidelines further confirmed that treatment providers must assess batterers very thoroughly prior to the commencement of batterer intervention programmes. The identification of risk markers must clearly be taken into consideration when programmes are developed to manage the batterer as a means to stop ongoing domestic violence. Specific findings that emerged from the different phases of the research methodology are presented in greater detail in this final research report. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study concur with the main trends detected in the literature regarding the risk markers for continued violence. Batterers who have a history of violence, were exposed to violence during childhood, are impulsive and present with poor anger management skills appear to continue using intimate violence. Those men who tend to ignore or violate protection orders and restraining orders also appear to be more committed to using continued intimate violence.
The perception of the professional self of social workers in private practice
(University of Stellenbosch, 2006) Davidson, C.; Schenck, Catherina (Rinie)
Introduction: The professional self is that part of the social worker that is guided and informed by the values, ethics and principles of the social work profession. It represents a way of conducting oneself as a social worker. The manner or style in which this is done is informed by the personality and creates a certain image which is presented to the public and communicates a message of who this professional person is. The professional self is also that part of the social worker in private practice that has acquired knowledge, skills and experience used in the rendering of the service offered. These skills include, amongst other things, counselling expertise, and organisational and managerial abilities. The professional self aims to be trustworthy, reliable, responsible and accountable. The professional self engages in self-evaluation and personal growth on an ongoing basis. The professional self has the clients’ interests at heart and regards human beings as valuable and worthy of dignity, respect and the right to be self-determining.
The employment history of day labourers in South Africa and the income they earn - a case study of day labourers in Pretoria
(University of Pretoria, 2006) Blaauw, Phillip (Derick); Louw, Huma; Schenck, Catherina (Rinie)
Introduction: With the opening up of the South African economy, following its successful democratisation and adherence to a strict programme of trade liberalisation, the number of highly-skilled (professionals, managers and technicians) persons employed showed strong growth, while the number of less skilled persons in employment declined (Whiteford & van Seventer, 1999: 3). Unemployment remains one of the major macroeconomic problems facing this country. The official unemployment rate in September 2005 was 26,7 per cent (Statistics South Africa, 2006a: iv). In spite of the recent positive news on the unemployment front, the foreseeable future is evidenced by large numbers of unemployed people.
The socio-economic reality of being a day labourer in Pretoria
(University of Stellenbosch, 2006) Blaauw, Phillip (Derick); Pretorius, Anmar; Louw, Huma; Schenck, Catherina (Rinie)
Introduction: The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the circumstances which day labourers, and their families, have to face in Pretoria. The results of this study are compared with studies on the day-labour market that were done in the United States. Some of the results are analysed and compared with trends that have been observed internationally and conclusions are drawn on the social impact of this activity.
Conceptual research on the term facilitation: reducing an elephant to chewable chunks
(University of Stellenbosch, 2007) Schenck, Catherina (Rinie); Louw, Huma
Aim of the article: With this article the researchers used a conceptual research process to: explore the meanings of the concept of facilitation; identify the key facilitating actions/behaviours of the facilitator and the potential/purpose of these actions; provide a theoretical base explaining and understanding facilitation.
The Expanded Public Works programme: Opportunities and challenges for the ECD sector
(University of Johannesburg, 2007) September, Rose
The author reflects on the findings of a study commissioned by the Human Science Research Council (HSRC). A qualitative research methodology was used to explore the perceptions of service providers in the early childhood development (ECD) sector on job creation through government’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). The EPWP is aimed at drawing significant numbers of unemployed people into productive work by increasing their capacity to earn a sustainable income through training. In response, the national departments of Social Development, Health, and Education developed a Social Sector Plan (SSP) for EPWP in which the ECD sector was identified as one of the key areas for expansion. From a developmental social work perspective, both Early Childhood Development and productive employment are important strategies to alleviate persistent poverty. This article is intended to create dialogue, further research and action towards realizing the potential of the ECD sector to create more sustainable jobs in order to improve the quality of people’s lives.
Ethics @ http://www.kewl.uwc.ac.za : The potential for e-learning to democratise the social work curriculum
(Department of Social Work, University of Johannesburg, 2007) Bozalek, Vivienne
This article describes the design and implementation of a module on Advanced Social Work Ethics using a blended learning approach and relying substantially on e-learning as a pedagogical tool. The design is contextualised by elaborating on the parameters in which the module was developed – viz. the minimum standards of the Bachelor of Social Work pertaining to ethics, as well as the e-learning and assessment policies at UWC. The module design and implementation was informed by constructivist pedagogical principles, and made use of the notion of ‘critical friends’ as a means of providing opportunities for students to interact as peers and provide input on each others’ learning, thus decentralising the traditional role of the university lecturer. Examples of assessment tasks devised for the module to illustrate the pedagogical principles are also provided. Students’ responses to their experiences of undertaking the module are drawn from their final journal entries and provide an indication of how the module was operationalised.
Exploring psychological well-being among South African mothers and children
(University of the Western Cape, 2008) Phillips, Julie; Roman, Nicolette V.; Mwaba, Kelvin; Lens, Willy
INTRODUCTION: A review of the literature indicates a growing interest among researchers seeking to understand psychological well- being. However, relatively few studies on the subject have been conducted in South Africa. AIM: The aim of the study was to ascertain self-esteem and life satisfaction as indicators of psychological well-being among a sample of South African mothers and their children. METHODS: Participants were a convenience sample of 245 mothers and their children residing in Cape Town, South Africa. Data was collected using the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory and Satisfaction with Life Scale. RESULTS: The results showed that the majority of mothers and children attained medium scores on measures of self-esteemand satisfaction with life. CCONCLUSION: The data also showed a significant positive relationship [r = .14, p < .05] between mother and child self-esteem levels. For both mothers and children, satisfaction with life levels was significantly related to self-esteem levels. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Gearing up for implementation: A new Children's Act for South Africa
(Taylor & Francis, 2008) September, Rose; Dinbabo, Mulugeta
The South African Government is presently processing a new comprehensive Children's Act, which is expected to be promulgated in 2008. The primary purpose of the Act is to give effect to the rights of children as contained in section 28 of the Constitution as well as other international child rights instruments ratified by South Africa. The implementation of the new Act holds extensive implications for the targeted beneficiaries, the mandated implementers and the capacity of the relevant organisations. Drawing on the perceptions of 700 social workers who participated in a Children's Act orientation training programme, the authors draw attention to several implementation challenges needing to be addressed if the objectives of the new legislation are to be realised.
Day labourers in Pretoria, Windhoek and the United States - a comparison of two capitals and a different world
(AOSIS OpenJournals, 2008) Schenck, Catherina (Rinie); Blaauw, Phillip (Derick)
Purpose: The aim of this paper is to compare the economic dynamics of day labouring in two Southern African capital cities, namely Windhoek and Pretoria, against the background of the experiences of day labourers in a developed country such as the United States. Problem investigated: People waiting at the side of the road, hoping to obtain a piece job for the day, is a typical phenomenon in a situation where people are forced to venture into the informal sector to generate an income. Day labour is a national and international phenomenon that seems to be on the increase. Literature on the similarities and differences across different geographical areas and levels of economic development is limited, however. Approach: For the purpose of this study, day labourers in Pretoria were the subject of a case study which was compared with studies done in Windhoek and the United States during the same period, namely 2003 to 2004. The general demographics of day labourers in these two cities were investigated, as well as their employment history and the income earned. Findings and implications: Day labourers in Pretoria and Windhoek were mainly male, fairly young, generally low skilled, earning low and uncertain levels of income and working under harsh conditions. This corresponds to the demographic characteristics of day labourers in the United States. In both the United States and Southern Africa, day labour pays poorly. It was found that day labourers seldom earn more than the subsistence level of income for the respective countries discussed in this paper. A significant portion of day labourers in Pretoria, Windhoek and the United States previously held formal sector jobs. The biggest difference is to be found in the future prospects of day labourers. The opportunity for day labourers in the United States to make the transition into the formal sector of the economy is far better than for their counterparts in Southern Africa. Value of the research: The paper expands existing knowledge of day labouring as part of the informal labour market. This is important given the significance of the informal sector in South Africa and Africa at large. It provides a comparison between experiences of the same activity in a developed country and in two cities in developing countries, illustrating important similarities and differences in this regard. Conclusion: Day labour is a complex phenomenon, and a number of problems, violations and abuses may be found in this sector of the labour market. In order to address these issues successfully, the particular set of circumstances facing day labourers in different areas must be accounted for.
Children’s perspectives on child well-being
(University of Johannesburg, 2009) September, Rose; Savahl, Shazly
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) through its reporting framework for nation states has prompted increasing interest on the measuring and monitoring of child well-being. The domains and indicators included in the repertoire of country measures of child well-being have mostly been constructed and monitored by adults, usually social scientists and government officials. This study explored children’s own understandings of children’s well-being. Sixteen focus groups were conducted with 200 children between the ages of 9 and 16 years. The study identified protection and safety, basic needs, community resources and psychosocial issues as the key domains of well-being. The study further highlighted the importance of perceiving well-being as an integrated whole consisting of closely interacting components rather than as a discrete multidimensional phenomenon.

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