A path to social development : the contribution of a micro-level programme in reducing poverty and enhancing capabilities: a case study
Master Thesis
2013
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University of Cape Town
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This aim of this study was to explore if and how a micro-level intervention, Jobstart, impacts on the lives of the poor and vulnerable people in the City of Cape Town metropolitan area by reducing poverty and expanding capabilities. Jobstart is a programme in the Economic Development Focus area of the Catholic Welfare and Development (CWD) agency. Jobstart provides accredited courses for the hospitality industry and assists and mentors graduates to find employment in the hospitality industry. The theoretical and operational focus of the study was Sen’s (1999) capabilities approach. A conceptual model was designed that asked the following questions: a) how is poverty conceptualised by CWD and by participants in the programme? Do participants consider themselves poor? b) how is development promoted through a capabilities approach? c) how does Jobstart contribute to development in households and communities? and d) how are participants’ lives changed by expanding their capabilities? The research design was a qualitative, single case study with descriptive and exploratory elements. The sources of data collection were organisational documents, direct observations, semi-structured interviews with seven recent graduates and interviews with three staff members. The sampling approach was theoretical sampling for the selection of the case and purposive sampling for the selection of interview participants. Reliability and construct validity were attained but due to the small sample size, external validity is not attained. Ethical considerations and the promotion of the participants’ dignity were foundational to the study. The data was analysed through manual coding until categories and themes emerged that were linked to the theoretical model. The findings show that Jobstart promotes economic and social development through a capabilities approach; and that Jobstart had an impact on the lives of the participants and their families. A case description and quantitative and qualitative indicators support this finding. The findings also show that many participants do not consider themselves poor for several reasons. Both CWD and participants conceptualised poverty as multidimensional and more than income deprivation. “Lists” of capabilities emerged that were linked with Sen’s (1999) capabilities framework, which in turn highlighted gaps for further research.
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Brooks, E. 2013. A path to social development : the contribution of a micro-level programme in reducing poverty and enhancing capabilities: a case study. University of Cape Town.