Bonita Maboeta, Izanette Van Schalkwyk, Retha Bloem
Despite several changes in the workplace, women still face unique challenges with harmful effects on their well-being. Job resources are a crucial buffer between job demands and workplace well-being. The aim of this article is to present the findings of a qualitative study on women academics’ experiences of workplace well-being in relation to job resources. An exploratory and descriptive research design was used to investigate in what ways job resources contribute to women academics’ perceptions of workplace well-being. Purposive sampling was conducted at a top-rated university in South Africa. Data were gathered through twelve semi-structured interviews. Findings revealed that women academics value a variety of job resources associated with psychological, social, physical, and organisational resources. The study also revealed the inherent job resources creating strains on women’s well-being in the workplace. It is recommended that higher education institutions focus on workplace well-being from a practice, organisational, and policy perspective. Keywords: conservation of resources, job demands-resources model, strengths perspective, South Africa, job resources, well-being, women in academia
{"title":"EXPLORING THE ROLE OF JOB RESOURCES IN THE WELL-BEING OF WOMEN ACADEMICS IN THE WORKPLACE","authors":"Bonita Maboeta, Izanette Van Schalkwyk, Retha Bloem","doi":"10.15270/59-3-1137","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15270/59-3-1137","url":null,"abstract":"Despite several changes in the workplace, women still face unique challenges with harmful effects on their well-being. Job resources are a crucial buffer between job demands and workplace well-being. The aim of this article is to present the findings of a qualitative study on women academics’ experiences of workplace well-being in relation to job resources. An exploratory and descriptive research design was used to investigate in what ways job resources contribute to women academics’ perceptions of workplace well-being. Purposive sampling was conducted at a top-rated university in South Africa. Data were gathered through twelve semi-structured interviews. Findings revealed that women academics value a variety of job resources associated with psychological, social, physical, and organisational resources. The study also revealed the inherent job resources creating strains on women’s well-being in the workplace. It is recommended that higher education institutions focus on workplace well-being from a practice, organisational, and policy perspective. Keywords: conservation of resources, job demands-resources model, strengths perspective, South Africa, job resources, well-being, women in academia","PeriodicalId":44671,"journal":{"name":"Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67131130","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Asset-based community-driven development (ABCD) has gained momentum in social work education over the last ten years. This mix-method study presents students’ perceptions of the relevance and application of ABCD in social work education at two universities in South Africa. The students perceived ABCD as a relevant approach that shifts community members from a deficit orientation focused on lack and needs to one in which people utilise their assets and take ownership of their own future. However, students experienced challenges in facilitating community members’ movement from being passive recipients of services and benefits to seeing themselves as change agents driving their own development. The results are intended to contribute to curricular and pedagogical improvements. Keywords: asset-based community-driven development (ABCD), problem-based approach, social work education, social work students
{"title":"PERCEPTIONS OF SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS REGARDING THE ASSET-BASED COMMUNITY-DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT (ABCD) APPROACH: A SOUTH AFRICAN STUDY","authors":"H. Nel, N. Mansvelt, Yolisa Shugu","doi":"10.15270/59-3-1136","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15270/59-3-1136","url":null,"abstract":"Asset-based community-driven development (ABCD) has gained momentum in social work education over the last ten years. This mix-method study presents students’ perceptions of the relevance and application of ABCD in social work education at two universities in South Africa. The students perceived ABCD as a relevant approach that shifts community members from a deficit orientation focused on lack and needs to one in which people utilise their assets and take ownership of their own future. However, students experienced challenges in facilitating community members’ movement from being passive recipients of services and benefits to seeing themselves as change agents driving their own development. The results are intended to contribute to curricular and pedagogical improvements. Keywords: asset-based community-driven development (ABCD), problem-based approach, social work education, social work students","PeriodicalId":44671,"journal":{"name":"Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67131079","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The third edition of 2023 presents a collection of eight articles that delve into four central themes: role players in social work, the interface of Covid-19, gender-based violence, and child rights. The articles engage with diverse challenges and dynamics within the social work landscape, contributing to the advancement of theory and practice in both local and global contexts. In this editorial, we provide an overview of the themes and the contributions each article makes to the broader discourse.
{"title":"Edtorial","authors":"L. Engelbrecht","doi":"10.15270/59-3-1132","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15270/59-3-1132","url":null,"abstract":"The third edition of 2023 presents a collection of eight articles that delve into four central themes: role players in social work, the interface of Covid-19, gender-based violence, and child rights. The articles engage with diverse challenges and dynamics within the social work landscape, contributing to the advancement of theory and practice in both local and global contexts. In this editorial, we provide an overview of the themes and the contributions each article makes to the broader discourse.","PeriodicalId":44671,"journal":{"name":"Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67130991","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Social workers are among key professionals rendering empowerment services to people affected by gender-based violence in South Africa. These services are rendered within the developmental and empowerment approaches that were introduced in the post-apartheid era. Although the introduction of democracy brought a paradigm shift towards a developmental approach, social welfare and social work, there is paucity of research that investigates the utilisation of the concept of “victim” within the empowerment services rendered to people harmed by gender-based violence. The concept of “victim” has not been extensively researched theoretically and empirically. This article critically analyses the usage of the concept of “victim” in the empowerment social work services and posits a deconstruction of the pervasive notion of victimhood in discourses around programmes dealing with gender-based violence. It is hoped that this article will stimulate debates and research focused on the labels adopted in the empowerment services, as well as in developmental and social work in different societal contexts. Keywords: developmental approach, empowerment, social work, survivor, victim
{"title":"FROM ‘VICTIM’ TO ‘SURVIVOR’: DECONSTRUCTING THE PERVASIVE NOTION OF VICTIMHOOD IN DISCOURSES AROUND PROGRAMMES DEALING WITH GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE","authors":"G. Leburu","doi":"10.15270/59-3-1140","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15270/59-3-1140","url":null,"abstract":"Social workers are among key professionals rendering empowerment services to people affected by gender-based violence in South Africa. These services are rendered within the developmental and empowerment approaches that were introduced in the post-apartheid era. Although the introduction of democracy brought a paradigm shift towards a developmental approach, social welfare and social work, there is paucity of research that investigates the utilisation of the concept of “victim” within the empowerment services rendered to people harmed by gender-based violence. The concept of “victim” has not been extensively researched theoretically and empirically. This article critically analyses the usage of the concept of “victim” in the empowerment social work services and posits a deconstruction of the pervasive notion of victimhood in discourses around programmes dealing with gender-based violence. It is hoped that this article will stimulate debates and research focused on the labels adopted in the empowerment services, as well as in developmental and social work in different societal contexts. Keywords: developmental approach, empowerment, social work, survivor, victim","PeriodicalId":44671,"journal":{"name":"Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67131560","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ansley Nonsikelelo Tshugulu, S. Simbine, Sunungurai Charamba, N. Muridzo
The article explores child rights violations emanating from harmful cultural practices in Zimbabwe. A qualitative case study research design was used. The targeted population included people considered custodians of the Ndebele culture in the Nkayi district of Zimbabwe. Social workers familiar with Ndebele culture and working in the child protection field within the Nkayi district also participated in the study. In-depth interviews were used to collect data. The data were analysed using Creswell’s thematic analysis. Whilst culture undoubtedly provides some ecological resources for the realisation of child rights, findings highlight harmful cultural practices which violate children’s rights, and these are the focus of this article. Keywords: Child rights, culture, rights violations, social work, Ndebele, Zimbabwe
{"title":"THE INFLUENCE OF CULTURE ON CHILD RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN ZIMBABWE: A CASE STUDY","authors":"Ansley Nonsikelelo Tshugulu, S. Simbine, Sunungurai Charamba, N. Muridzo","doi":"10.15270/59-3-1141","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15270/59-3-1141","url":null,"abstract":"The article explores child rights violations emanating from harmful cultural practices in Zimbabwe. A qualitative case study research design was used. The targeted population included people considered custodians of the Ndebele culture in the Nkayi district of Zimbabwe. Social workers familiar with Ndebele culture and working in the child protection field within the Nkayi district also participated in the study. In-depth interviews were used to collect data. The data were analysed using Creswell’s thematic analysis. Whilst culture undoubtedly provides some ecological resources for the realisation of child rights, findings highlight harmful cultural practices which violate children’s rights, and these are the focus of this article. Keywords: Child rights, culture, rights violations, social work, Ndebele, Zimbabwe","PeriodicalId":44671,"journal":{"name":"Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67131575","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Resilience has been identified as a protective factor that improves the ability to manage stress, promotes wellbeing and enables individuals to thrive in adverse circumstances. Many social auxiliary workers function independently with sporadic and brief supervision. Considering the stressful work environment that social auxiliary workers must face, it is essential that they be equipped to effectively manage the stressors of social work practice. The study identified how individual, social and environmental factors contribute to the participants’ resilience and their ability to thrive in these challenging circumstances. The participants use their interpersonal, intrapersonal and organisational strengths and coping strategies to manage both their positive and challenging work experiences to remain both productive and resilient. Keywords: coping, intrapersonal strengths, interpersonal strengths, organisational strengths, resilience, social auxiliary work, social work
{"title":"RESILIENCE OF SOCIAL AUXILIARY WORKERS: DEFINED BY STRENGTHS AND COPING ABILITIES","authors":"Anje Crocker, Lizane Wilson","doi":"10.15270/59-3-1134","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15270/59-3-1134","url":null,"abstract":"Resilience has been identified as a protective factor that improves the ability to manage stress, promotes wellbeing and enables individuals to thrive in adverse circumstances. Many social auxiliary workers function independently with sporadic and brief supervision. Considering the stressful work environment that social auxiliary workers must face, it is essential that they be equipped to effectively manage the stressors of social work practice. The study identified how individual, social and environmental factors contribute to the participants’ resilience and their ability to thrive in these challenging circumstances. The participants use their interpersonal, intrapersonal and organisational strengths and coping strategies to manage both their positive and challenging work experiences to remain both productive and resilient. Keywords: coping, intrapersonal strengths, interpersonal strengths, organisational strengths, resilience, social auxiliary work, social work","PeriodicalId":44671,"journal":{"name":"Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67131015","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The 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. Keywords: COVID-19, psychological distress, social work, student interns, university of technology
{"title":"SOCIAL WORK AT THE INTERFACE OF COVID-19: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY AT A UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY","authors":"R. Bhagwan","doi":"10.15270/59-3-1138","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15270/59-3-1138","url":null,"abstract":"The 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. Keywords: COVID-19, psychological distress, social work, student interns, university of technology","PeriodicalId":44671,"journal":{"name":"Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67131185","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The study employed a qualitative research approach and emancipatory framework to explore students’ experiences with blended learning and emergency remote online learning (EROL). Two data sets were collected from two projects using focus group discussions and semi-structured individual interviews. The findings highlighted that although technological advancement in universities increased access to information, the needs of the disadvantaged students remain overlooked. EROL and/or blended learning adopted by the universities did not address the fundamentals of access to teaching and learning for the disadvantaged, but focused on institutional needs and saving the academic year. The utilisation of blended learning prior to COVID-19 was excluding some students, and it was unclear how EROL was transformed to ensure that all students accessed education during COVID-19 induced lockdowns. There is thus a need for research to focus on opportunities for student technological advancement not only for ensuring access to education but also for meaningful service delivery during practice. Keywords: blended learning, COVID-19, online learning, social work and students
{"title":"EXPLORING THE EXPERIENCES OF SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS ON THE USE OF BLENDED LEARNING AND EMERGENCY REMOTE ONLINE LEARNING PRIOR TO AND DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC","authors":"Thembelihle Makhanya, Zwelisha Mfishi","doi":"10.15270/59-3-1139","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15270/59-3-1139","url":null,"abstract":"The study employed a qualitative research approach and emancipatory framework to explore students’ experiences with blended learning and emergency remote online learning (EROL). Two data sets were collected from two projects using focus group discussions and semi-structured individual interviews. The findings highlighted that although technological advancement in universities increased access to information, the needs of the disadvantaged students remain overlooked. EROL and/or blended learning adopted by the universities did not address the fundamentals of access to teaching and learning for the disadvantaged, but focused on institutional needs and saving the academic year. The utilisation of blended learning prior to COVID-19 was excluding some students, and it was unclear how EROL was transformed to ensure that all students accessed education during COVID-19 induced lockdowns. There is thus a need for research to focus on opportunities for student technological advancement not only for ensuring access to education but also for meaningful service delivery during practice. Keywords: blended learning, COVID-19, online learning, social work and students","PeriodicalId":44671,"journal":{"name":"Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67131237","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This article explores the challenges of child and youth care workers (CYCWs) working with children. Children and young people exhibiting attachment and behavioural difficulties present a significant challenge for parents, child and youth care workers, and society. This article reports on qualitative in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted with 16 CYCWs and the data were subjected to thematical analysis. The findings indicate that CYCWs involved in child welfare experience not only a lack of recognition but also conflict, overwork and other negative job characteristics that affect their caring responsibilities, given the complexity and demanding roles of working with children. The study addresses issues not discussed in the literature that affect CYCWs, including organisational and profession-related challenges. A lack of detailed information sharing with other human service professionals threatens the viability and sustainability of the professional care service and remains a challenge. Keywords: child and youth care workers, child and youth care centres, children, South Africa
{"title":"CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED BY CHILD AND YOUTH CARE WORKERS IN CHILD AND YOUTH CARE CENTRES WORKING WITH CHILDREN","authors":"R. Mhizha, Abyshey Nhedzi","doi":"10.15270/59-3-1133","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15270/59-3-1133","url":null,"abstract":"This article explores the challenges of child and youth care workers (CYCWs) working with children. Children and young people exhibiting attachment and behavioural difficulties present a significant challenge for parents, child and youth care workers, and society. This article reports on qualitative in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted with 16 CYCWs and the data were subjected to thematical analysis. The findings indicate that CYCWs involved in child welfare experience not only a lack of recognition but also conflict, overwork and other negative job characteristics that affect their caring responsibilities, given the complexity and demanding roles of working with children. The study addresses issues not discussed in the literature that affect CYCWs, including organisational and profession-related challenges. A lack of detailed information sharing with other human service professionals threatens the viability and sustainability of the professional care service and remains a challenge. Keywords: child and youth care workers, child and youth care centres, children, South Africa","PeriodicalId":44671,"journal":{"name":"Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67131007","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Regardless of the worldwide acknowledgement of the importance of community development, the challenge of professional occupational recognition remains, intensified by the lack of practitioner profile data. Raising practice standards through standardised, cohesive and effective movements drives professionalism, guided by a practice policy framework that describes its practitioners’ ethical code, standardised and quality-assured knowledge and skills to be measured against regulated occupational norms and standards. This article provides a broad overview of the requirements for occupational professionalisation linked to a countrywide practitioner profile survey conducted to inform the South African Community Development Practice Policy Framework that guides occupational professionalism pre- and post-professionalisation. Keywords: community development, community development practitioners, continuous professional development, practice policy framework, practitioner profiling, professionalisation
{"title":"COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PRACTITIONER PROFILING FOR OCCUPATIONAL PROFESSIONALISATION, SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND CONTINUOUS QUALITY ASSURANCE","authors":"Cornel Hart, Frik De Beer","doi":"10.15270/58-4-1078","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15270/58-4-1078","url":null,"abstract":"Regardless of the worldwide acknowledgement of the importance of community development, the challenge of professional occupational recognition remains, intensified by the lack of practitioner profile data. Raising practice standards through standardised, cohesive and effective movements drives professionalism, guided by a practice policy framework that describes its practitioners’ ethical code, standardised and quality-assured knowledge and skills to be measured against regulated occupational norms and standards. This article provides a broad overview of the requirements for occupational professionalisation linked to a countrywide practitioner profile survey conducted to inform the South African Community Development Practice Policy Framework that guides occupational professionalism pre- and post-professionalisation. Keywords: community development, community development practitioners, continuous professional development, practice policy framework, practitioner profiling, professionalisation","PeriodicalId":44671,"journal":{"name":"Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67131163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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