Gender violence at Blessed High School : views from learners, teachers and parents at Ugu District in KwaZulu-Natal.
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Date
2015
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Abstract
Based on a qualitative study at a school in Imfume, Ugu district in KwaZulu-Natal, this
dissertation explores the views of learners in Grade 8, teachers and parents in relation to
gender violence. Gender relational theory was used as a lens to explore the views of
participants in order to investigate how relations of power are manifested. The semistructured
individual interviews and focus group discussions were instrumental within the
study with the aim of generating relevant and rich data from the participants. Purposive
sampling was used in order to identify relevant participants for the study.
The findings from the study reveal that gender violence is shaped by family backgrounds
and cultural beliefs. Boys are perpetrators and girls are victims of violence. In some cases
boys are also subjected to violence from older boys and girl-on-girl violence is also
prevalent. Teachers’ views, attitudes and beliefs played a significant role in normalisation
and perpetration of violence in school. Patriarchal and cultural beliefs was evident in the
construction of gender identity within the community which further leads to normalisation
of gender violence. The findings from the study clearly states that there is a relationship
between gender violence occurring at home and the violent behaviour displayed by learners
at school which sometimes is a result of the normalization and tolerance of violence by
parents at home. The study further states that teachers cannot deal with gender violence
alone in schools but a collaborative effort is vital from all relevant stakeholders especially
parental body as they are perceived to be the primary educators.
The study recommends interventions to create awareness and a safe environment in and
around schools with regards to gender violence. This should be done with the purpose to
address the gendered and cultural justification for gender violence at school, at home and
within the community.
Description
Master of Education in Education Studies. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Edgewood 2015.
Keywords
School violence--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal., Violence in adolescents--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal., Sex crimes--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal., Theses -- Education., Gender violence in schools.