Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10539/37990

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Start date: 2020Subject: search.filters.subject.SDG-5: Gender equality

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 28
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    A Qualitative Study Exploring How South African Female Gender-Based Violence Survivors Use Creative Expression to Communicate Their Stories Publicly
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Wright, Mary-Anne Elizabeth; Harvey, Clare
    This study investigated how South African female gender-based violence (GBV) survivors utilised creative expression to communicate their stories of GBV publicly. Within the constructivist paradigm, the study was further interested in how this public communication of GBV from the survivors themselves influenced and acted as a mode of counter-discourse in relation to the prominent discourse around GBV in South Africa. The study was done through conducting a critical narrative analysis (CNA) and visual discourse analysis (VDA) of three selected creative works, which communicated first-hand accounts of GBV, sourced from the public domain. The Pieces were selected through purposive sampling and the modes of creative expression were an artwork, a video of a performed poem, and a short story. The combination of CNA and VDA was chosen for this research as the creative works are a mixture of spoken word, written text, and other visual elements. The VDA allowed for an in-depth analysis of the visual components of the creative expressions with the hopes of providing a complete analysis within the CNA framework. Findings from this research suggest that creative works do potentially offer space for South African female GBV survivors to share their stories publicly. Through exploring social responses to the Pieces it seems that the sharing of these creative expressions further appears to have contributed to the social discourse which elicited engagement and conversation from other members of society. The creative expressions were additionally found to meet the criteria of counter-discourse. The Pieces challenge GBV dominant discourses such as victim-blaming, victimisation of survivors, and shame and stigma through relinquishing shame and blame and highlighting the strength and resilience of survivors.
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    Disability and Masculinity: How Young Men with a Disability Navigate Masculinity in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Moonsamy, Michaela Anne; Langa, Malose
    This research project aimed to contribute to the body of knowledge in the global south literature on masculinity by exploring how young men with a physical disability construct and navigate masculinity. Theories such as Ecological systems theory, Social identity theory and Gender role strain theory served as the theoretical framework. Semi-structured interviews were used as the data collection method. There were seven participants in total, five identifying as black and two identifying as Indian, all with varying degrees of physical disabilities. Participants were selected using purposive snowball sampling. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was used to analyse the data. Five themes were constructed from the data: How young men with disabilities define their masculinity; Challenges of not meeting Hegemonic Masculinity Standards and the coping strategies used to manage these challenges; Disability and its contribution to identity formation; Relationship with others: living with a disability and how this relationship affects masculine identity; and Embodying masculinity. The study revealed that young men with a disability reject/reformulate hegemonic masculine ideals to standards they can meet but can also simultaneously draw from hegemonic ideals. In addition, various challenges faced by men with a disability were explored as well as how relationships affect identity formation while living with a disability. Limitations and future recommendations are discussed.
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    Transgender Identifying People’s Appraisals of Gender- Based Violence & Continuous Traumatic Stress
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Ngakane, Mpho Sharni
    This study aims to explore and understand how transgender people who are at risk of GBV-related continuous traumatic stress experience gender discrimination & traumatic stress and how they appraise this risk. Participants were recruited through purposive snowball sampling techniques. Six transgender participants were interviewed, and the results were interpreted through interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). This analysis found a superordinate theme of Otherness, with subthemes being the other (social deviance and intersectionality), CTS (exclusion and violence), liminality (in/visibility and intrusion), and responses to GBV (maladaptive and adaptive).
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    Life after Rape: Survivors’ Experiences of Parenting Responses through an Attachment Lens
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Govender, Nikita; Esprey, Yvette
    South Africa has one of the highest rates of sexual violence in the world, with an estimated one in four women experiencing sexual assault in their lifetime. It becomes crucial to explore how these post-trauma experiences including resilience and identity are shaped by pre- existing attachment cultures1. This research investigates the nuanced experiences of six South African women following rape, with particular focus on the interplay between attachment cultures and experiences with parental support. Drawing on attachment theory and expansions, qualitative interviews were conducted on the sample who represented diverse attachment cultures. Thematic analysis revealed distinct patterns in how these rape survivors appraised their early attachment experiences, experiences of parental support and the quality of their life post-trauma. Securely attached systems demonstrated adaptive coping strategies and positive experiences with parental support while insecurely attached survivors reported varying degrees of maladaptive coping and perceived parental unavailability or instability. These findings magnified the complex interplay between quality of attachment cultures and response to a traumatic event. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of early attachment experiences in shaping perceptions of support and resilience. These contributions may inform tailored interventions to support sexual assault survivors based on their attachment organization. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on attachment theory and trauma recovery.
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    The experience of family structure and family change on emerging adults: A focus on single parent households
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Naidoo, Noelle; Graham, Tanya
    This qualitative research study explores the complex dynamics between family structure, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and their impact on emerging adults in South Africa. Through semi-structured interviews, the study investigated the experiences and perspectives of eight emerging adults aged 18-25 as they retrospectively journeyed through changes within their family structure and the adverse childhood experiences encountered along the way. The study is grounded within the theoretical framework of the family stress model (FSM); however, Arnett’s (2000) theory of emerging adulthood is also significant to the study's conceptualisation. The study's findings highlighted several themes, namely, 1) the initial family structure and ACEs experienced; 2) the journey through family structure change; 3) the immediate impact following a change in family structure; and 4) the long-term impact following a change in family structure. The study draws attention to the nuances and complexities of nuclear, single-mother, cohabiting, extended, and stepfamilies while challenging the notion of “normal” and traditional nuclear families. Additionally, the study reveals the significance of changes in family structure and dynamics, such as divorce, separation, and emergence of new partners and stepfamilies, in influencing psychological, relational, educational, emotional, and behavioural outcomes in emerging adults. These outcomes ranged from immediate to long-term impacts, embracing adversities such as child abuse and neglect, witnessing intimate partner violence, financial difficulties, premature maturation, and trust issues. However, the study also revealed positive immediate and long-term effects highlighted throughout the findings, such as improved relationships, stability and security, empowerment, self- development, and optimistic self-reflections. The research study provides deeper insights into family structure changes and their consequences for emerging adults in South Africa while laying the foundation for future research.
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    Non-Conformity in a Predominantly Heteronormative Space: Experiences of Lesbian University Students
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Ndaba, Ntombikayise Dolly; Langa, Malose
    The freedom of expression and choice of gender of sexually nonconforming individuals is constantly impacted by restrictive societal norms and heteronormative standards. While there are numerous studies on gender and sexual diversity globally, the majority of these are studies conducted in the global north. There is limited research on sexual orientation and gender identity in the Southern African region and increasing academic inquiry into the experiences of sexual minority students. This research study aimed to understand the experiences of lesbian females within and outside of the university environment in South Africa. This study used a qualitative narrative approach and was informed by theories of heteronormativity, intersectionality, and narrative theory to first investigate and understand how lesbian students define and express their sexuality. The participants of this study all self- identified as lesbians and students from different fields and levels of study at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. The data was collected through semi-structured individual interviews and analysed using narrative thematic analysis. The findings of this study reveal that individuals’ experiences of their sexual orientation identity vary depending on their contexts. In addition to their lesbian identity, individuals are constantly negotiating their intersecting identities, and this influences how they experience and are experienced in different environments. The university campus environment is one where most participants feel free to explore and express their sexuality. However, this freedom did not necessarily equate to feelings of safety or support, as there is a lack of confidence in the adequacy and effectiveness of the services available to assist and support lesbians in issues relating to same-sex relationships. This study contributes to the understanding of lesbian v students’ expression, experiences, and usefulness of the existing university efforts towards inclusivity.
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    Experiences of Transnational Migrant Fathers in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Sekano, Onthatile; Marchetti- Mercer, Maria
    In 1994, South Africa’s apartheid system came to an end, creating new opportunities for cross- border travel and the migration of foreigners from poor and rural areas seeking better economic opportunities. Due to South Africa being an economically stable African country, migration to South Africa has increased dramatically since 1994. However, there are challenges that migrants experience upon arriving in South Africa such as difficulties in acquiring legal documents, inadequate job prospects, appalling living circumstances, high crime rates, and the potential for xenophobia. This study aims to add to the body of knowledge of African migrants to South Africa specifically fathers who left their children behind, by using Bowen’s family system theory to explore their experiences as transnational migrants in South Africa. The sample for the study consisted of 10 Black African migrant men living in South Africa, and Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis was used to analyse the collected data. The findings of this study show that African transnational migrants faced a variety of pull and push factors that prompted their migration to South Africa, as well as a variety of adjustment challenges such as xenophobia and difficulty finding work. The study also found that migration had an emotional and psychological impact on father-child relationships. Separation from their children had an impact on the migrants’ mental health, prompting them to develop a variety of coping strategies. The findings also indicate that not having their fathers present had a psychological impact on some children. Furthermore, the migrants used information and communication technologies (ICTs) to maintain regular contact with their children who had been left behind. The study discovered that, while participants used a variety of communication channels with their families, the majority preferred WhatsApp due to its ease of use and low cost. However, some participants lacked the financial resources to purchase smartphones for communication, while others were unable to cover the costs of staying in touch with their families. Furthermore, the study’s findings show that fathers’ ability to maintain relationships with their children is vii heavily influenced by the mothers of the children. Some mothers supported father-child relationships; others did not. In conclusion, the findings show that sending remittances allowed them to support their family members who were left behind. Furthermore, it was discovered that remittances were sent for a variety of reasons. For example, some fathers sent money to meet their families’ basic needs, while others sent money because they believed that providing for their families financially, fulfilled their role as fathers and breadwinners.
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    The development of gender and sexual identity of gay and lesbian youth in the physical and virtual world
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Makhunga, Philile Cebo; Nkomo, Nkululeko
    South Africa is one of the countries to include sexual orientation in the Bill of Rights (de Wet, 2017), however, the increase in the reported number of homophobic violence and abuse is disappointing (Gordon, 2018). This study seeks to understand the process of gender and sexual identity development among gay and lesbian youth through their interaction with the physical and virtual world. A total of 11 participants were interviewed using a purposeful and snowball sampling, five of whom were lesbian women and six were gay men. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology, and a narrative approach to acquire in-depth stories in order to explore the sexuality of homosexual individuals. Cass’s Model of Sexual Orientation Identity Formation was used as a theoretical framework for the study. This model provides sequenced developmental stages that homosexual individuals may encounter in the process of developing their identity. Although other models appeared vague and lacked a detailed description of the processes that homosexual individuals experience, Cass’s model presented six stages based on two assumptions; identity is acquired through a developmental process and identity formation is influenced by the interaction that occurs between an individual and their environment (Gervacio, 2012). In this study, the Cass model influenced the structure of the interview questions; in essence, the challenges and successes associated with each identity stage were intentionally reflected in the interview questions. The reason for this was to acquire a thorough understanding of the sexual identity development process and to determine whether these stages relate to the participant's experience in the South African context. The formation of the sexual identity of the participants of this study was found to be greatly influenced by religious beliefs, family traditions, and broader societal attitudes. However, each individual found their unique path in formulating their sexual identity to acquire their true 2 identity. Social media provided the least significant effect on their identity formation. Moreover, some of the identity stages in Cass’s Model had a more significant influence while others had the least.
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    Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) within LGBTQ+ Relationships in South Africa: A Systematic Review
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Slabbert, Philip Neethling; Owen, Michael
    Within South Africa, the causes of intimate-partner violence (IPV) among heterosexual couples have been well studied, with various IPV interventions developed over the past decades. This project presents a systematic review of IPV occurring among queer individuals, that is, queer intimate partner violence (QIPV). This systematic review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to increase transparency and track the flow of information. The literature was screened using Rayyan and relevant literature was assessed for eligibility using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) quality evaluation instrument. Descriptive and analytical data were then extracted and analysed using thematic synthesis to aid our understanding of why and how QIPV is taking place in South Africa (SA). The findings reveal a dearth of research focusing on LGBTQ+ individuals' IPV experiences, primarily due to heteronormativity and everyday stereotypes about queer relationships. Myths and fears that obstruct discourse around this phenomenon have caused a silencing within the public sphere creating a cloud of secrecy around QIPV. Six primary themes were identified; these include: (1) silence of QIPV; (2) characteristics of QIPV in SA; (3) barriers to seeking help; (4) successes and failures of protective factors; (5) lack of research and accurate knowledge about QIPV, and; (6) proposed strategies to decrease QIPV. Seemingly, the flawed epistemic foundation of IPV, rooted in heteronormativity, weaves through all these themes. The findings of this systematic review indicate that safe spaces are needed, which allow for QIPV to be openly discussed and approached by queer and heterosexual communities to break the silence around this topic and allow for epistemic and social justice. Here, the potential role of action research is emphasised in producing accurate context specific knowledge and interventions for epistemic justice in SA. Findings accentuate the need for greater inclusion of queer persons in the IPV and mental health discourses and the importance of social support for QIPV victims.
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    Moving in Between Choices and Conflicts: Grandmothers and Granddaughters’ Intergenerational Narratives of Embodied Gender and Race
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Rasodi, Relebogile; Kiguwa, Peace
    The legacy of colonialism and apartheid in South Africa has complicated the construction of racial and gender identities of Black women in this country. Grandmothers play pivotal roles as matriarchs of the family by helping to raise their grandchildren and significantly influencing the transmission of family history, culture, and religious values. Granddaughters then make use of these family narratives to construct their identities as Black women. This study explored the intergenerational narratives of embodied race and gender between grandmothers and their granddaughters to explore the continuities and changes around narratives of Black womanhood pre- and post-democracy. A narrative and Feminist theoretical framework was adopted to guide the interpretation and analysis of the interviews with the cohort of 6 grandmother-granddaughter pairs located in Gauteng. The study reported on the choices that empowered participants to access more opportunities for agency and included narratives about education and careers. The conflicts that participants encountered were primarily in managing their mental health and navigating racism which related to the continuities in the narratives about experiencing adversity. The findings suggested that to navigate these choices and conflicts, the participants shared narratives of evolving womanhood based on traditional and contemporary religious and cultural notions of womanhood. Ultimately, from these narratives, we learn that the construction of the racial and gendered identities of Black grandmothers and granddaughters continue to be significantly impacted by systematic racial and gender discrimination including intergenerational trauma, however, grandmothers and granddaughters embodied resilience, resistance, and agency in pursuing self- determination and changing intergenerational cycles.