Social Work / Maatskaplike Werk (E-Journal)
Not a member yet
916 research outputs found
Sort by
ENGAGING WITH MIGRANT LEARNERS AS CO-RESEARCHERS THROUGH PHOTOVOICE: GUIDELINES FOR TRANSFORMING SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH
Full text linkIn recent years, photovoice has gained considerable traction as a methodological approach for data collection. This article presents a reflexive account of our utilisation of photovoice for a qualitative doctoral research project that sought to capture the acculturation experiences of 12 immigrant adolescent learners in South Africa. Findings of the study offered rich and thick descriptions of co-researchers’ perspectives on how to foster successful acculturation, which is a testament to how photovoice revolutionises conventional research methodologies. Accordingly, this article argues that by embracing photovoice, social workers can develop more culturally sensitive and effective interventions, rooted in authentic experiences of service users. Therefore, this study aims to educate readers by providing a comprehensive overview of the phases that were undertaken in our photovoice project. In addition, the article, explores the benefits and challenges associated with the application of photovoice, shedding light on the intricacies of participant engagement through visual storytelling and illuminating the ways in which this method can augment research outcomes and amplify the voices of marginalised individuals
CHALLENGING EXPERIENCES OF CUSTODIAL MOTHERS FOLLOWING THEIR DIVORCE: IMPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE
Full text linkAlthough divorce leads to the separation of the parents, it does not proclaim the termination of the relationship between former partners but instead transforms it. Parents usually co-construct their roles to raise their children together. However, many studies have attested that divorce affects women more than men in many respects. This study was driven by the need to explore the challenging experiences of custodial mothers following their divorce. For this qualitative study, eleven custodial mothers who were divorced and co-parenting with former spouses were interviewed. Data were generated through semi-structured face-to-face interviews with open-ended questions in an interview guide. These were subsequently analysed thematically. Through purposive sampling and date collection, six themes emerged from the participants’ narratives. The results revealed that custodial mothers face challenges of strained communication, lone parenting and lack of fathers’ involvement in raising their children. The study recommends educating divorced parents, particularly on family therapy and mediation
THE TALE OF PROFESSIONAL PARENTING: CAREGIVER EXPERIENCES IN DEALING WITH DELINQUENT CHILDREN IN ZIMBABWE’S RESIDENTIAL CARE CENTRES
Full text linkThe objective of this study was to investigate the challenges faced by caregivers in handling delinquent behaviours exhibited by children residing in care centres. The study employed a qualitative research methodology in conjunction with a phenomenological research design. Data were gathered from a sample of 10 caregivers and 3 key informants who were purposefully chosen for the study. The data were analysed through the application of interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA), a qualitative research method that involved the identification and development of themes derived from the participants’ own perspectives. The obstacles encountered by caregivers encompassed a multitude of factors, including the burden of their workload, apprehension regarding potential legal conflicts, limited access to comprehensive information about the child’s origin, and the complexities inherent in carer-child interactions. The report proposes that legislative and regulatory evaluations be conducted in order to reduce the period of placement. Additionally, it suggests the implementation of stronger programmes aimed at reducing instances of family separation, as well as the development of an integrated model to treat delinquent behaviour effectively
PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORK ASSOCIATIONS IN AFRICA: A MIRROR OF HARSH REALITIES OR BEACONS OF HOPE?
Full text linkProfessional social work associations offer opportunities to network with other social work professionals, provide access to training opportunities for professional development, and form part of a representative voice for the social work profession. In this editorial of the 60th volume of Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk, we raise awareness of the Association of Schools of Social Work in Africa (ASSWA) and Social Work Month. Specifically, we reflect on whether professional associations of social workers should mirror scepticism, merely acknowledge existing realities, or foster positive endeavours for the future
WHAT MOTIVATES MOTHERS TO APPLY A POSITIVE PARENTING APPROACH? A QUALITATIVE STUDY
Full text linkFew studies to date have explored the perceptions of parents about positive parenting in general, and none have examined parents’ motivation to apply a positive parenting approach. Consequently, the aim of this study was to explore what motivates parents to apply a positive parenting approach. Participants were recruited in South Africa by means of non-probability purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain the perspectives of sixteen mothers who identified themselves as positive parents. Participants responded to the following open-ended question: “What motivates you to apply a positive parenting approach?” After a thematic analysis, the following four categories (with themes and subthemes) emerged from the data: It is who I am, It just works, Gaining knowledge through learning and resources, and The importance of social support. The findings of the study may be utilised in interventions to encourage parents to adopt a positive parenting approach and may provide guidance on how to maintain these parenting skills to empower themselves and their children
IN THE TRENCHES: A FINANCIAL SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE PERSPECTIVE ON THE PERSISTENT LEGACY OF POVERTY IN THE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT OF SOUTH AFRICA
Full text linkWidespread socio-economic challenges such as high levels of poverty and unemployment continue to plague South Africa. Owing to the nature of social work service delivery, social workers often serve the most vulnerable populations. However, it seems that social workers remain metaphorically in the trenches in the war on poverty, meaning that tangible evidence on the progress of poverty alleviation due to the direct involvement of social workers is meagre in social development. This article argues for the integration of a financial social work practice perspective into South African social work service delivery as a potential means of facilitating more efficient social development. The article is conceptual in nature and draws on the principles of theoretical adaptation. It posits social developmental theory as the dominant theoretical paradigm, and financial social work as the practice perspective. Analysis will highlight the current gaps in social developmental practice, and the appropriateness of financial social work to address it. The discussion aims to activate scholarly discourse on financial social work in South Africa and beyond, and to firmly position this practice perspective within sustainable social development
“I AM TOTALLY ISOLATED”: EXPERIENCES OF ADULTS WITH ACQUIRED PHYSICAL DISABILITIES DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC LOCKDOWN IN SOUTH AFRICA
Full text linkThe sudden onset of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted various sectors, including social work services to persons with physical disabilities. This qualitative study focused on the experiences of adults with an acquired physical disability who needed social work support. To understand these experiences, an ecological perspective was utilised as a theoretical basis. The study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown experienced internationally, including in South Africa. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was found to be challenging for persons with disabilities, specifically in terms of isolation, lack of resources and economic distress. Recommendations for future interventions to address the social needs of adults with a physical disability in disaster situations such as COVID-19 are also presented
SOCIAL WORK AT THE INTERFACE OF COVID-19: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY AT A UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
Full text linkThe aim of the study was to explore the roles of social workers at a university of technology in KwaZulu-Natal during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, the study confirms the pivotal role of social workers in dealing with the psychological distress caused by illness, the loss of loved ones, economic insecurity and violence. While participants expressed a lack of preparedness for the significant mental health burden caused by the pandemic, existing expertise allowed them to offer counselling and support to offset the isolation and anxiety that many students were facing. Participants also noted the importance of social work involvement in educational initiatives
NOW THE SOLUTION IS HERE – SOCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR ORPHANED CHILDREN: THE EXTENDED CHILD SUPPORT GRANT
Full text linkThe current crisis in foster care was precipitated by using the child protection system to meet the social assistance needs of orphaned children. The new parallel system in the form of an extended child support grant system would enable children in the care of relatives to access an appropriate grant without having to go through a time-consuming and resource-intensive statutory process. This article outlines the challenges in the South African foster care system, discusses the reasons for introducing the extended child support grant system and explains how it will be implemented. The paper seeks to contribute to the knowledge base on social work policy changes. The policy shift towards an extended child support grant could ensure that the majority of orphans have access to adequate social protection and free up the formal child protection system, enabling a quicker social work response to cases of child abuse, maltreatment and neglect
SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS AND VALUE CHAIN DEVELOPMENT WITH WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS: EVIDENCE AND LESSONS FROM THE CLOTHING BANK, SOUTH AFRICA
Full text linkFemale-headed households often benefit from engaging in sustainable livelihoods and value chain development approaches to enhance income security. In this article, the researcher employs a qualitative methodology to study how women entrepreneurs (N=20) selected from The Clothing Bank solve poverty-related problems. This article discusses three strategies relevant to value chain development: access to assets, dealing with risks when reinvesting capital, and enabling multiple stakeholder support. The article concludes with some considerations to bridge the gap between social work and social entrepreneurship to advance developmental social work research