School of Social Sciences (ETDs)
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Item Tutor-student interaction: how advice is requested, offered, and responded to in an online consultation.(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Tebele, Tebele Sharon; Tam, CatherineIn many university courses, tutors and students engage in online consultations for tutors providing students with academic support. Part of a tutor’s responsibility in such an interaction is to give the student academic advice. Previous studies have been done on how students accept or resist advice in in-person interactions, but the online tutor-student consultation has not been investigated. I focus on advice giving and explore how advice is requested, offered, and responded to in an online tutor-student consultation using an ethnomethodologically informed conversation analytic approach. To do this, I examine a single 27-minute audio recording of an online tutor-student consultation. The session was voluntarily recorded on the online meeting platform and both the tutor and student consented to sharing it with me. Through a tutor-led interrogative sequence, the tutor builds a common ground and establishes an epistemic equilibrium where both tutor and student are knowledgeable about the student’s experiences. Thereafter, the student may issue a troubles telling that shifts the epistemic gradient so that the tutor is in a more knowledgeable position and able to offer advice regarding the trouble. I also investigate an instance where the student does not issue a troubleshooting, and the tutor does not offer advice. My findings align with the recommendations by a previous study that advice-giving can be evaluative: as the tutor only advised after the student had shared their thoughts and knowledge about the topic to determine if there was a need for advice. The findings contribute to the literature on advice sequences in institutional settings by reinforcing prior findings and demonstrating how the tutor used a series of techniques to build common ground and epistemic equilibrium and how the student used a troubles telling to shift the epistemic gradient so the tutor could move into a more knowledgeable position necessary for giving advice. While there has been limited research conducted on advice-giving in face-to-face T-S interactions to my knowledge, there has been no investigation of how advice is accomplished in online T-S consultations to highlight the originality of the current study.Item An ethnographic study of outside-circularity and deconstructive creation from the waste reuse practices of the urban waste precariat(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Reyneke, PierreThe study consists of an ethnographic inquiry into the waste reuse practices performed by the urban waste precariat on the landfill and streets of Pretoria East, City of Tshwane. I analyse the contribution of this social grouping to the urban circular economy and environment by conceptualising of these waste reuse practices as value-production processes not rooted in capitalism, practised outside of state and formal market recognition and support. I term these forms of existing circularity “outside-circularity” and identify an alternative value-production process termed “deconstructive creation”. The deconstructive creation process produces life from capitalist ruins, an alternative form of value to capitalism. This form of value draws on new formations of kinship and exchanges in a subsidiary and care economy, and functions on principles of everyday communism. Life from the capitalist ruins finds expression in two ways. Firstly, urban life that is more than mere material sustenance is produced, and a form of social solidarity as new kinship formations develop between Zimbabwean migrants in the City of Tshwane. Secondly, urban space is produced in the form of street craft markets and garden beautification to transform the suburban aesthetic. I problematise portrayals of waste reclaimers as an undifferentiated group exclusively performing reclaiming and recycling of paper and packaging materials. For this I develop and apply the social categorisation ‘urban waste precariat’, to move beyond the term ‘reclaimer’ with its singular focus on paper and packaging recycling. The term urban waste precariat incapsulates both recycling and reuse practitioners and hereby, I portray the complexity of the urban waste economy to include waste reuse practices, a cluster of waste work excluded from the literature in South Africa, thus far. Methodologically, I identify points of transition that are seminal to the circularity of the practices seen as meshwork. These points are discard, salvage, disassembly, transformation, exchange, and use. In addition, I trace circuits of material flow, both human and nonhuman, to portray the meshwork that entangles to form waste reuse practices. Through critical ethnography and by viewing waste reuse practices through the concept of skill, I show how space is relationally produced by tracing the socio-spatial history of traditional craft making skill development. The ethnographic data illustrate how this skill is employed in waste reuse practices, from artist hubs in Zimbabwe (Mbare and Chitungwisa) to its emergence through migration in Pretoria East’s informal iii street markets and suburban gardens. The study thus argues for the potential of sustainability and circularity to emerge from such skilled waste reuse practices of deconstructive creation.Item Ethics and the Destiny of Being(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Letswalo, Gabe MorokoeAlthough the student experience is commonly praised for its empowerment, learning opportunities, and adventurous nature, it is important to acknowledge that students also face substantial pressure and stress throughout their academic journeys. This has been known to adversely affect student engagement (i.e., vigour, dedication, and absorption) levels, potentially diminishing academic performance and productivity levels, and increasing the likelihood of university dropouts (Jafri, 2017; Kuh et al., 2008). Fortunately, psychological capital (PsyCap); the combination of four psychological capacities (hope, self-efficacy, optimism, and resilience), has been cited as a significant contributor of academic engagement (Luthans et al., 2016; You, 2016). These constructs are explained by the Job Demands- Resources (JD-R) model as well as the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory. However, few studies have considered the relationship between PsyCap and academic engagement amongst first-year university students. This provided a unique and novel context for application, warranting future research. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to examine whether a micro PsyCap intervention had an effect upon the levels of academic engagement experienced by first-year university students. The following three instruments were combined into an online questionnaire and used to collect the necessary data for the current study: 1) A demographic questionnaire was administered to gather information about the sample and sample characteristics; 2) the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale for Students (UWES-S) was used to measure academic engagement; 3) the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ) was used to measure psychological capital and/or personal resources. Data was collected at two different time periods (i.e., pre-intervention/time 0 and post-intervention/time 1), whereby the PCQ was used to measure levels of PsyCap, and the UWES-S was used to measure academic 2 engagement. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, correlational analysis, and mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA). The final sample (N = 319) consisted of both full-time and part-time first-year students across different faculties of study (i.e., Humanities, Health Sciences, and Commerce, Law, and Management) at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. Results of the current study demonstrated that a positive relationship exists between PsyCap and academic engagement. Specifically, the study revealed that students with higher levels of PsyCap tend to show more energy and enthusiasm (vigour), stronger commitment (dedication), and deeper absorption in their learning (absorption). These findings were supported by previous research. However, the current study also revealed that the proposed PsyCap intervention failed to significantly affect the students’ levels of vigour, dedication, and absorption over time. These results were surprising considering previous research but may be attributed to the inherent difficulties of developing an online intervention in South Africa, where there are significant variations in resource availability and economic status (especially amongst university students). Based on these challenges, future studies should incorporate face-to-face interventions to ensure inclusivity and participation from all participants; use larger and more representative samples; and embrace a mixed-methods approach to gain a deeper understanding of participant experiences. Nevertheless, the study’s result does not invalidate prior research that has demonstrated the effectiveness of PsyCap interventions in enhancing academic engagement amongst university students. 3 This study confirms a link between psychological capital (PsyCap) and student engagement, underlining the importance of personal resources in the student-university context. Further research is necessary to develop more effective iterations of the proposed PsyCap intervention aimed at effectively enhancing academic engagement and promoting overall student success.Item Hugging the Crocodile: South Africa’s (RSA’s) tense relationship with the International Criminal Court (ICC)(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Bux – Williamson, Fatima Bee BeeThis qualitative research delves into the Republic of South Africa's (RSA) foreign policy framework concerning its involvement in the International Criminal Court (ICC), focusing on the cases of Uhuru Kenyatta and Omar al-Bashir. Rooted in the constructivist paradigm, from Sikkink and Finnemore's (1998) theoretical framework, the study examines the interplay of RSA’s domestic political considerations, regional dynamics, international pressures, and legal and political considerations, and domestic intricacies that have shaped RSA’s dynamic position vis-à-vis the ICC. The research scrutinises RSA’s initial compliance with and advocacy for the ICC trial, utilising the context of the Uhuru Kenyatta case. It conducts an analysis of the roles played by norm entrepreneurs, civil society actors, and the intricate domestic sociopolitical landscape. The study, equally, engages in a thorough exploration of diplomatic missions and negotiations, critically assessing their effectiveness and influence on RSA’s foreign policy paradigm. Moreover, the research assesses broader regional dynamics, with an acute focus on the African Union (AU) and its pivotal role in guiding (RSA’s) strategic decision-making processes. On the contrary, the inquiry into the Omar al-Bashir case ventures into RSA’s intricate web of domestic political considerations, regional dynamics, international pressures, and legal and political variables. This discussion aims to identify similarities and differences between the cases, shedding light on their implications for the fluctuating relationship between South Africa and the ICC. This research study enriches the academic dialogue by conducting a comprehensive qualitative analysis of (RSA’s) engagements with the ICC. Meticulously examining (RSA’s) diplomatic evolution within the ICC framework, the study offers valuable insights into the dynamics that have influenced its foreign policy development over time. By addressing existing literature gaps, this research contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the factors shaping South Africa’s evolving relationship with the ICC.Item The Cratylus Testimony: Moving Toward Plato’s Ontology of the Human Body(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-03-15) Crowder, Jason Dale; Futter, DylanSocrates’ etymologies for the term σῶμα (human body) in the Cratylus 400b11-c9 excerpt raise a question that is often ignored or under-addressed in Platonic scholarship. That question is the focus of this dissertation. I aim to work out Plato’s definition and ontology of the human body as it unfolds and manifests within the Cratylus dialogue. My goal is to grasp what precisely Socrates’ σῶμα etymologies disclose about Plato’s ontological views toward the human body. Only a careful exegetical analysis of those etymologies can unveil such information. In other words, I want to know what the Cratylus 400b11-c9 testimony reveals about Plato’s ontological views concerning the human body. Hence, my research interest lies in three specific veins: (1) Socrates’ σῶμα etymologies in the Cratylus, (2) the relationship between a given etymology and a proper definition, and (3) the philosophical significance of these precise etymologies on Plato’s ontology regarding the human body. Much more entails each aspect than what appears initially. As the dissertation unfolds, other factors that need attention and require addressing will naturally arise. I propose that a careful and thorough exegetical analysis of the given σῶμα etymologies would reveal not only essential details for moving toward a proper understanding of Plato’s ontology of the human body but also proves that the Cratylus is a good entry point into this discussion itself. For such reasons, I shall argue that these etymologies are, in fact, instrumental in establishing the foundation of Plato’s overall ontological disposition of the σῶμα and, perhaps, Plato’s teleology of the human body too. Socrates’ σῶμα etymologies are not straightforward semantic connections but rather heavily influenced by a philosophical-religious perspective. As such, each seems relatively intelligible, and the statements are prima facie unproblematic at a precursory glance. While Plato’s character Socrates’ three σῶμα etymologies appear intelligible and prima facie unproblematic upon closer examination, that does not appear to be the case.Item Exploring the Impact of a Targeted Mediated Learning Intervention on the Mathematical Ability of Grade 5 Learners Experiencing Mathematical Difficulties(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Cooke, Belinda; Amod, ZaytoonThis preliminary investigation took place in a South African private remedial school and presents the case study of three Grade 5 learners experiencing mathematical difficulties. The study aimed to establish whether a 12-week mediated learning intervention (Feuerstein (2009) From Unit to Group (FU2G)) would have an impact on the learners’ mathematical ability as well as on their deficient cognitive functions related to mathematics. The sample included three learners, a teacher trained in the FIE-Basic programme, and a remedial teacher responsible for remedial mathematics classes with the learners. Class mathematics test marks and scores from mathematics-related Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, Third Edition (WIAT-III) (Wechsler, 2009) subtests were used as a measure of mathematical ability before and after the intervention. Data was also collected through semi-structured interviews with both teachers and the completed FU2G instrument booklets. A qualitative assessment of deficient cognitive functions related to mathematics was based on the Feuerstein list of deficient cognitive functions. Qualitative evaluation of the participants’ performance on the WIAT-III subtests before and after the intervention was not notably different. Due to considerable difference in the content of each term’s class mathematics assessments, qualitative interpretations of the participants’ mathematics class test marks were not pursued in the findings. The findings revealed that the FU2G intervention resulted in some positive changes in each learner’s deficient cognitive functions related to mathematics. The learners’ WIAT-III subtest performance as well as these positive changes are discussed in relation to each participant’s learning difficulties and neurodiversity. Overall, the participating teachers had a positive perception of the use and benefits of the mediated learning experience intervention.Item Exploring Personality Structure in South Africa: A Text Mining Approach(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-03-15) Gama, Beauty; Alence, Rod; Laher, SumayaPhysical expression, behavioural attributes and social relations of an individual can often be studied through personality traits. This has made personality research a relevant aspect of gaining a deeper understanding of people in various contexts, for clinical reasons as well as social relatability. Trait theory has been fundamental in utilizing statistical methods such as factor analysis to construct the personality models that currently exist. The Five Factor Model (FFM) is amongst the most widely accepted of these trait theory models. Personality assessment instruments are developed as operationalisations of these models. These include the Goldberg Adjective Checklist, the South African Personality Inventory (SAPI), and the Chinese Personality Assessment Inventory (CPAI). Recently, naturally occurring data like social media statuses or Facebook Posts are being considered as data examining personality structure. This study aims to explore personality structure data obtained from South African literary texts and text mining techniques. Various techniques of text mining such as parts of speech tagging, and unsupervised and supervised LDA topic modelling were applied to 60 South African literary texts. While topic modelling showed limitations when used in an unsupervised manner, when guided by thematic clusters it presented comprehensible trait classifications that fit with the clusters as defined by the FFM. The instances where there was no fit corresponded with the literature which demonstrates poor fit for those constructs in African constructs. The results also showed that there is a difference in the expression of personality traits between men and women with the differences concurring with those found in the broader literature on gender differences across personality. While the text corpus for this study was small, there is evidence to suggest that text mining techniques could be used to assist in research on personality structure. Text mining is an approach that requires further research as it can be useful in dealing with large data that is naturally occurring to provide a better contextual exploration of personality.Item Violence and protest: A historical analysis of ‘violence’ and community protests in Bethanie, c. 1866 to 2018(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022-10) Makena, Kefuoe Emmaculate; von Holdt, Karl; Lekgoathi, Sekibakiba P.The Bakwena ba Mogopa are a community in the North West Province of South Africa. The capital of this community is Bethanie. In 2018, residents of Bakwena ba Mogopa embarked on a protest. This protest highlighted issues of unemployment, lack of service delivery and underdevelopment. For many, in particular young people, this protest was surprisingly militant. However, for the elders in the community, this reignited memories of the war of Mabidibidi from the late 1920s. This war was about the split of the Lutheran church which resulted in two separate churches, one being the ELCSA and BLC. Moreover, other elders argued that in the 1960s, the conflict within the traditional leadership was also Mabidibidi. This dissertation explores various protests and moments of contention that have manifested in Bethanie and have shaped this rather peaceful community. To provide context for these events, this dissertation looks at the history of Bethanie from 1866 till 2018. For a community that refers to itself as peaceful, perhaps given the events of spectacular protests that have taken place throughout South Africa, this case of Bethanie complicates some of the common understandings of how violent protests manifests.Item The South African Arts Scene and European Cultural Institutions - A Troubled Relationship?(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-02) Heide, Josephine Elisabeth; Tagwirei, CuthbethFramed within the conceptual idea of decoloniality, this research critically investigates the power dynamic between South African artists and European cultural institutions that operate in South Africa. The study examines colonial legacies of exploitative practices, knowledge imposition and neo-colonisation disguised as charity and development aid in the Arts. It highlights the disproportionate dependence on European institutions due to a lack of sufficient sources of funding and support available to artists in South Africa. The study further establishes the legitimate place of European cultural institutions in the cultural landscape and their significant role according to the perspectives of the interview partners who shared their experiences as art practitioners and cultural policy experts. A qualitative research process comprising six semi-structured narrative interviews with South African artists was conducted. The collected data are explored using experienced-centred Narrative Analysis, focusing on the identification of colonial legacies that surface from the narratives. The research uses decolonial theory as a theoretical lens into the investigated power dynamics in the field of cultural cooperation between European institutions and South African partners. Decoloniality helps to unpack and dismantle the underlying complexities. The analysis elicits the perspectives and experiences of art practitioners which indicate perpetuated colonial relations on different levels. The study concludes with a set of recommendations for practitioners on how a more decolonised practice in the field of transcultural collaboration between South African artists and European cultural institutions can be achieved.