Magister Artium - MA (CISCFS)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10566/19995

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Experiences and perceptions of women in female-headed households as it relates to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Erasmus, Pearl; Erasmus, C. J.
In the wake of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, individuals worldwide grappled with profound uncertainty, often turning to their families for solace and support. Paradoxically, these same family units became potential vectors for viral transmission and epicentres of struggle. This research delved into the lessons gleaned by South African families amidst the COVID-19 crisis. This study aimed to explore the economic and social challenges faced by women in female-headed households during the pandemic, employing an explorative and descriptive design to gain a deep understanding of individuals’ daily subjective experiences and challenges during COVID-19. Furthermore, the explorative design utilised a qualitative methodology, conducting semistructured interviews to unearth a tapestry of experiences that illuminate the multifaceted impact of the pandemic on family life. Self-determination and Social Role theories were applied to deliver a comprehensive analysis of the economic and social challenges faced by female-headed households. Seven key themes emerged from the data: resilience and mental health vulnerability, resilience and personal growth, adapting to the new normal, socio-economic disparities and inequalities, gender roles and societal expectations, and the impact of COVID-19 on family dynamics and coping strategies. The findings indicated a delicate balance between resilience and mental health vulnerability, personal growth arising from adversity, and the complex process of adjusting to a "new normal".
Perceptions, experiences and challenges of in-patient mothers in substance abuse rehabilitation centres regarding the family reunification process: a qualitative study
(University of the Western Cape, 2026) Wareley, Shenaaz; Erasmus, Charlene
Maternal substance use often involves complex issues, particularly the separation of mothers from their children during the reunification period. For most, this separation weakens the mother–child relationship, making it increasingly difficult for them to bond after treatment. This study explored how in-patient mothers perceived and experienced the reunification process, as well as the challenges encountered. Grounded in Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological systems theory, the study confirmed how layers of a person’s environment shape their experiences. A qualitative research approach was used, with data gathered through semi-structured interviews with selected in-patient mothers undergoing the reunification process. Social workers engaged in the reunification process were also interviewed as key informants to offer deeper insight into the hardships experienced by these mothers. The study was conducted in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.
Factors that contribute to first year students selecting social work as a profession
(Univesity of the Western Cape, 2011) Safodien, Mohamed; de Jager, Mariana S.
In post-apartheid South Africa individuals, families and communities continue to be confronted with challenging social conditions that serve to inhibit their social well-being. The social work profession has a crucial role to play in the enhancement of the social well-being of vulnerable individuals and groups. The profession continues to attract high numbers to a career in social work. The study explores the factors that influence first year students in selecting social work as a profession. A qualitative research approach was applied. Focus groups were used in data collection. Availability sampling was utilised and the sample was drawn from the University of the Western Cape 2011 first year social work student population. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the findings of the study. The findings noted that both intrinsic and extrinsic factors impacted on students' decision to select social work as a profession. Insights to training institutions and to the social work profession are generated.
Exploring identity construction among adolescents attending former Model C schools and residing in low-income communities in Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2026) Wippenaar, Melissa
During adolescence, individuals navigate various social contexts to form clear and coherent identities that lay the foundation for adulthood. Constructing a clear and stable identity while navigating contrasting social contexts can be particularly complex, potentially leading to internal conflict or confusion. Therefore, understanding these complexities is significant for informing how adolescents can be better equipped to develop coherent identities, which are essential for psychological well-being and effective functioning in adulthood. This study examined these complexities by exploring how adolescents attending former Model C schools and residing in low-income communities in Cape Town construct their identities. A conceptual framework integrating literature and theory—Stages of Psychosocial Development Theory, Self-Categorisation Theory, and Bioecological Systems Theory—underpinned the study. A qualitative approach, following an interpretivist, exploratory design, was applied. The study purposively sampled thirteen (13) participants who attended a former Model C school and resided in a low-income community in Cape Town. Data were collected through semi structured one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions, and were supported by field notes. Thematic analysis, guided by Braun and Clarke’s six-step framework, was adopted to analyse the data.
Exploring the provision of learning support for adolescents with special needs within an educational setting
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Petersen, Sandy
This study explored the provision of learning support in educational settings for adolescents with special needs, emphasising resources, strategies, and practices that facilitate equitable opportunities for all adolescents. It highlights the significance of delivering learning support to enhance educational outcomes for adolescents with special needs. The primary components of learning support encompass personalised assistance, inclusive practices, and robust collaboration among educators and families. Access to specialised learning materials and assistive technology, such as speech-to-text software and adapted devices, is vital for providing effective learning support to adolescents. Moreover, successful learning support is predicated on teamwork among educators, special education professionals, and healthcare providers, thereby creating a comprehensive support system that addresses diverse needs. Grounded in Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, this research employs an exploratory and descriptive design to attain a profound understanding of the complex interplay between various environmental factors that influence the educational experiences of adolescents with special needs. This methodology facilitates the examination of individual experiences, yielding insights into how learning support can be effectively customised to meet diverse needs. Furthermore, this design promotes a holistic perspective of learning support, which is essential for developing practices that are genuinely inclusive and effective. It aligns well with Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, highlighting the importance of context and the relationships among individuals and their environments in shaping educational outcomes.
Cultural influence on father involvement in rearing of children during early childhood amongst the Bamasaba fathers in Busamaga, Mbale District, Uganda
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Nagudi, Fatinah Gamisha
Although child-rearing is taxing, it is undeniably fulfilling for parents, as watching a child grow is an indescribable experience. Traditionally, child-rearing has been viewed as a feminine role carried out by mothers and women, while fathers are seen as providers and breadwinners. Over the years, this has begun to change, with more fathers actively involved in early child-rearing, although numbers remain low due to various family circumstances and the social norms in which fathers find themselves. The present study investigated cultural influences on father involvement in early childhood rearing among Bamasaba fathers in Busamaga, Mbale District, Uganda. A qualitative methodology using an exploratory and descriptive approach was adopted. A sample of 15 participants was used, comprising 10 Bamasaba fathers and five mothers involved in early childhood rearing, who were randomly and purposively selected. In-depth interviews using unstructured questionnaires were employed to collect data. The findings revealed that culture plays a significant role in father involvement in early childhood rearing; other contributing factors include parental employment, finances, upbringing, education, family background, laws and regulations, and the age of parents. Further research is recommended, as there is little existing work on this topic in Uganda. There is an urgent need to raise fathers’ awareness and provide sensitisation on the importance of father involvement in early child-rearing, especially among the Bamasaba.
Interventions for children with foetal alcohol syndrome within early childhood development: A RE-AIM framework review
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Blouw, Lorenzo; Erasmus, Charlene
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is a widespread global issue, impacting the development of children both in utero and throughout early childhood, up to the age of eight. This leads to lifelong challenges associated with foetal alcohol syndrome for affected children and their families. This systematic review, using the RE-AIM framework, aimed to identify and describe interventions used for children with foetal alcohol syndrome within the context of early childhood development, employing Bronfenbrenner’s ecological system’s approach to understand the influence of prenatal alcohol exposure on child development. The findings of this study highlight the importance of prevention interventions. For effective outcomes, interventions need to be multidisciplinary, potentially combining pharmacological treatments for comorbid symptoms with behavioural interventions. The study also emphasises the adaptability of interventions to meet the specific needs of individual foetal alcohol spectrum disorder cases.
Exploring parents’ experiences of living with a young person between the ages of 18–35 who is a substance abuser
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Fourie-Van Tonder, Dorothea; Rich, Edna
Substance abuse is increasingly recognised as a serious global public health concern, affecting societies and families in South Africa and around the world. This study delves into the experiences of parents living with a young person, aged 18-35, who is a substance abuser in the rural Kannaland region of Western Cape, South Africa. Parents play a pivotal role in their children's lives and are expected to exert a significant influence over them. However, existing research in the field of substance abuse often focuses solely on the individual struggling with addiction. This narrow focus is problematic because it overlooks the profound impact substance abuse has on the family.
Exploring first-time mothers’ knowledge, perceptions, and experiences of attachment in the first 1000 days of their child’s life
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Stoffels, Crystal Bianca Johanna; Rich, Edna
The first 1000 days (FTD) of an infant’s life is a delicate period where rapid growth and development takes place in all domains, namely cognitively, socially, physically, and emotionally. The period fromconception to the age of two years is termed the “first 1000 days” (FTD). During this crucial period, the primary caregiver(s) plays an essential role in creating a secure environment to ensure that children thrive and reach their fullest potential. Therefore, this study aimed to explore first-time mothers’ knowledge, perceptions, and experiences of attachment in the first 1000 days of their child’s life. The study was guided by the attachment theory of John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, which is based on the notion that a child’s first attachment experience (initially to the mother) profoundly shapes the social, cognitive and emotional development that follows. A qualitative methodological framework with an exploratory descriptive research design was utilised in this study.
An exploration of the reasons for self-sabotage by survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) during various stages of an intervention programme from a selected women’s shelter in the Cape Metropole
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Lange, Joy; Gerard, Filies
Shelters for battered women serve as a place of refuge and provide protection. Shelters interrupt the violence against women and their children and act as places of reflection and support and provide women with a bridge out of despair to a life free from violence. Shelters often facilitate opportunities for empowerment so that women can plan for their future and acquire the necessary resources to build a new life for themselves. However, there are women who tend to have internal barriers to personal growth and development and tend to self sabotage their development by returning to the previous situation rather than ‘moving on’. The aim of this study was to explore the reasons for self-sabotage by survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) during various stages of an intervention programme from a selected women’s shelter in the Cape Metropole. The study utilised an explorative qualitative methodological approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five survivor’s and a focus group discussion was held with six shelter staff members. The collected data was analysed using a thematic analysis method. Four themes emerged from the study: IPV survivors’ childhood experience; IPV survivors’ adulthood experiences; IPV survivors’ reason for self-sabotage after receiving services from the shelter and what the perceptions were of services rendered by the shelter in the Cape Metropole. The findings established that the overall outcomes of this study have shown that the reasons for self-sabotage by IPV survivors, who participated in this study, were as a result of the complex interrelationship of adverse childhood experiences, mental ill health, low self-worth and intimate partner violence.
Impact of maternal methamphetamine (“tik”) use on the cognitive development and school readiness of children in early childhood development: a systematic review
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Willemse, Abigail; Erasmus, Charlene
Methamphetamine (MA) is one of the most used synthetic simulants globally and is reportedly the second most prevalent illicit drug. The abuse of methamphetamine among pregnant women is a growing problem worldwide. Exposure to this drug affects children's prenatal and postnatal development, which manifests in the growing child during early childhood development (ECD). Therefore, the current study examined the impact of maternal methamphetamine (‘tik’) use on children’s cognitive development and readiness for school. A systematic review study design was utilised in order to obtain the findings of the study. A systematic review is the reviewing of diverse and inter-related studies in order to provide an interpretive understanding of an issue and present a balanced and impartial summary. The present systematic review critically filtered and evaluated peer-reviewed, full-text studies in the English medium between the years 2010 to 2020 of available research relevant to this particular research question: “What is the impact of maternal methamphetamine use on the cognitive development and school readiness of children in early childhood development?”.
The phenomenon of absent fatherhood: Perceptions, experiences and challenges of absent fathers and adolescent children
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Moila, Witness; Erasmus, Charlene
The escalating statistics of children who are growing up without the involvement of their fathers is a serious social problem not only in South Africa but globally. Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) (2021) indicates that 42% of children is South Africa live with their mothers only as compared to 4% of children who only live with their fathers. The statistics highlight the seriousness of the problem of absent fatherhood in South Africa. The study aimed to explore the perceptions, experiences and challenges of absent fathers and adolescent children regarding absent fatherhood. Bowen’s family systems theory was used as the theoretical framework underpinning this study. The study used a qualitative approach and an explorative and descriptive design. Collected data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) steps of thematic data analysis, and the five themes which emerged were: perceived causes of absent fatherhood, constructions of fatherhood, factors influencing fathers’ absence, adolescents’ experiences of absent fatherhood and challenges faced by adolescents with absent fathers.
Exploring the help-seeking behaviour of mothers with premature babies in public sector hospitals
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Safi, Nazeefah; Roman, Nicolette
Help-seeking behaviour is important so that an individual does not reach a stage of helplessness and hopelessness. For mothers, who had premature babies, this becomes very important because the mother is potentially vulnerable or challenged with the care of her fragile baby. These challenges can cause emotional distress to the mother and can affect her ability to seek help. The information regarding the help-seeking behaviour of mothers with premature babies in public hospitals is not well documented. This study aimed to explore the help-seeking behaviour of mothers who had given birth to premature babies in public sector hospitals.
Exploring whether family involvement and support can assist in substance abuse treatment of relatives
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Mkosana, Thandeka; Rich, Edna
Whilst abuse of substances creates issues at the individual level, its influence has always extended to the entire family of the substance abuser. It has been found that stress and the inability of the person to distinguish between right and wrong should be regarded as the main reason for the person to take illicit drugs. Substances of abuse include taking drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, sedatives, opiates, inhalants, hallucinogens, along with the consumption of alcohol often referred to as alcohol and other drugs (AOD). The effect of substance abuse, as identified from the research, proves that the substance abuser suffers health, social and psychological issues after becoming addicted to licit and illicit drugs.
Exploring the dating experiences of young adult males who have had childhood exposure to family violence (fv)
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Hlomayi, Abygail Wadzanay; Rich, E
Family violence (FV) is recognized globally as one of the most widespread social problems. In most of these cases, children are unseen and vulnerable secondary victims despite the parental effort to reduce the likelihood of witnessing the violence. Consequently, exposure to FV has physical, social, and psychological detrimental effects which, in turn, negatively impact all developmental stages. This study aimed to explore the dating experiences of young adult males who have had childhood exposure to FV
An exploration of parental connection and the human capability of emotion in the first 1000 days of life
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Marshall, Chalmaine C.; Roman, Nicolette
Emotions play an important part in our well-being and connections with others. It contributes to the connection between the caregiver and the baby in the first 1000 days. Experiences provided through the interactions between the caregiver and the baby impact the baby’s emotional and brain development. It creates mental pictures in babies’ brains, which may influence their sense of self-worth and their perceptions about the trustworthiness of other people. Parents’ quality of care may affect the baby’s social, emotional, and intellectual development. Since connectedness with the baby is an essential aspect of parenting, this study explores the human capability of emotion and its contribution to connectedness with the baby in the first 1000 days of life.
An exploration of the management systems supporting learners affected by HIVAIDS in schools
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Mitchell, Frederick Rudolf; Roman, Nicolette
Learners affected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), are particularly vulnerable to poor nutrition, mental and physical health abuse, and poverty. This negatively impacts learning and teaching. For these students to study well, they need support from the educational system. However, how school management systems support orphaned and vulnerable learners affected by HIV/AIDS is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore how the management systems support learners affected by HIV/AIDS in schools. A qualitative research methodology with an explorative approach was utilised to conduct the study.
Exploring the practical implementation of two of the evidence-based parenting programmes in a small rural community.
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Dippenaar, Wilmi; Roman, Nicolette
Many parents in South Africa face difficult obstacles when it comes to parenting. Evidence-based parenting programmes are a key to success to help parents to work in a more positive way with their children. In Touwsranten, the evidence-based Parenting for Lifelong Health (PLH) programmes have been implemented. Although these programmes have been tested in randomised controlled trials, the implementation process of the programmes has not been explored. This research aimed to explore the implementation of the PLH parenting programmes using the four phases of the EPIS framework. EPIS refers to exploration, preparation, implementation and sustainment phases.
Social workers experiences of the implementation of a developmental social welfare approach: An qualitative exploratory study
(University of the Western Cape, 2003) Forward, Denise Kathleen; Terblanche, S.
The White Paper for Social Welfare (1997) introduced a developmental social welfare approach. This document has been drawn up with the participation of key stakeholders in the welfare field. It was however social workers who were responsible for the implementation of the policy. It's important that, after five years, the experience of social workers in the implementation of the policy guidelines be explored. This was necessary in order to give feedback to policymakers. The goal of the research was to explore a selected group of social workers experiences about the implementation of the social developmental welfare approach. The study used the qualitative approach in order to explore what social workers experiences were regarding the implementation of the social developmental approach. The researcher made use of focus groups and interviews to collect data. This enabled the researcher to collect rich information about social work experiences and to stimulate new ideas. The data was analysed by clustering themes and topics as they emerged and coding them. The topics and themes were then reduced and arranged in categories. The data was verified by basing it on four aspects namely: truth value, applicability, consistency and neutrality. The outcome of the research indicated that social workers on all levels and at different organizations acknowledge the need for and potential value of the guidelines for a developmental social welfare approach. The dire need for professional and volunteer human resources and supportive structure for the implementation of the guidelines leaves both professional helpers and client systems frustrated.
Gender masculinities of present fathers: Perceptions, experiences and challenges of fathers living with children
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Nanima, Barbara Rachel; Erasmus, Charlene
Fathers play a key role in the life of a child in a family. In South Africa, statistics indicate that 71% of children who have a male adult living in the family, only 36% live with their biological parents. This predicament is exacerbated by the fact that culture presents gender masculinities as a key aspect that informs how fathers treat their children. Gender masculinities refer to socially constructed stereotypes that inform attributes, behaviours, and roles that are generally associated with boys and men. This study explored the perceptions, experiences and challenges of present fathers with regard to gender masculinities.

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