Perceptions of youth regarding their relationships with adults in Ugu North, a rural area in Southern KwaZulu-Natal.

Abstract

The study investigates youth perceptions of their relationships with adults in Ugu North a rural area in Southern Kwa-Zulu Natal. A review of literature revealed that limited research has been done in South Africa and other countries on the nature of relationships that exist between youth and adults in rural areas. From the available literature and the study it became clear that there is no comfortable relationship between youth and adults in Ugu North rural area. Research was conducted at a school and the participants were the learners. The researcher used availability sampling and systematic random sample to select participants. The researcher used two methods of data collection - focus group discussions and questionnaires for individual completion. The study revealed that there is no comfortable relationship between youth and adults in rural areas. By adults the research is referring to parents, teachers, possible caregivers and community members. Conclusions are drawn from the study and recommendations are made on how relationships between youth and adults in rural areas can be improved.