Exploring the functioning of families living in the socially disorganized communities of Khayelitsha and Delft: A family resilience perspective

Dyantyi, Nolusindiso

Exploring the functioning of families living in the socially disorganized communities of Khayelitsha and Delft: A family resilience perspective

Master Thesis

2021

Abstract

The end of Apartheid entailed nothing less than a wholly new constitution for South Africa, but the country remained one of the most unequal societies in the world, with a small and wealthy minority dominating a large but impoverished majority, (Sisk, 1995). Minimal efforts have been made at policy level to advance the issue of family resilience, that does not equate it to economic development. Resilience goes beyond just economic stability. Resilience is defined as, “people's internalized capacities and the related behaviours that allow them to maintain a sense of integration in the face of hardships and to recovering from trauma following adverse circumstances”, (Green, 2007). South African families experience a number of unique circumstances that not only affect their family structure but also extend to the socioeconomic and relational dimensions of families, (Roman, Isaacs, Davids and Sui, 2016). The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences and functioning of families living in the socially disorganized communities of Khayelitsha and Delft, from a family resilience perspective. The study made use of the qualitative research method, applying an explorative research design to collect data from 24 families residing in socially disorganized communities. Findings of this study indicate that families living in the socially disorganized communities of Khayelitsha and Delft, experienced hardships and challenges related to severe trauma and loss. Spirituality and transcendental beliefs were found to be deeply imbedded in these families and resources, like support from the church, and practising traditional ceremonies, played an instrumental role in enabling families to be resilient. A sense of connectedness, within these families was present and it contributed in enhancing family resilience. Families needed a level of adaptation and proactiveness in seeking or accessing support outside their communities, because social support in their communities was not readily available. Some families engaged in a process of clear and honest communication while other families did not and in both contexts, the families found ways of being resilient. This finding strongly associated resilience with survival. Problem solving strategies employed by families to enhance resilience included collaborative efforts, rearranging living arrangements and making personal sacrifices. Families in these communities recommended that law enforcement be improved, family related crimes be effectively addressed; families to be provided with relevant services that will aid in enabling their resilience and for the government to engage in a participatory manner with community members in order to understand what hardships are faced by families, in order to develop effective programmes and services.

Keywords

Social Work

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