In 1996, socio-economic rights were included in the Constitution of South Africa as fundamental human rights. The state is thus compelled to give attention to the protection of people's socioeconomic rights. The question is: Is it the duty of the state alone, or does the church also have a calling with regard to socio-economic rights? In this study, the calling of the church with regard to the protection of socio-economic rights in South Africa is researched. Firstly, socio-economic rights as ethical principle are evaluated in the light of the Scripture. The conclusion is that socio-economic rights are important human rights that can be grounded as fundamental human rights. Thereafter, the history of the origin of socio-economic rights is researched and evaluated. In the history of socio-economic rights, it is grounded in the natural dignity of a human being. However, the Bible teaches that God gave people dignity. The history of socio-economic rights in South Africa is also researched and evaluated. South Africa has a long history of colonialism, segregation and apartheid, and the church has not always been an effective advocate for socio-economic rights. To understand the calling of the church with regard to socio-economic rights, the calling of the church in society is researched. Views of different church and theological traditions are researched and evaluated. The reformed view focuses on the kingdom of God, and the calling of the church with regard to socio-economic rights is described as worship, fellowship, testimony and service. In conclusion, concrete guidelines of how to be an advocate for socio-economic rights are given to the church. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Ethics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007

Literature on ecotourism and sustainable tourism emphasises the responsibilities and opportunities in protecting national parks through appropriate tourism development. National parks assist in addressing the economic and social challenges facing local, and mostly small, rural communities adjacent to the national parks. Most of South Africa's national parks are situated in rural areas giving tourists access to villages and towns surrounding the park, contributing to the economic and social upliftment of local communities such as in the case with Karoo National Park (KNP). National Parks in South Africa are seen as major tourism assets due to the wildlife and various activities for international and local visitors, but little is known about the socio-economic impact (contribution) of these parks on their respective local economies and communities. This was first realised by Saayman and Saayman who developed a socio-economic impact model that can be used to do socio-economic impact studies on national parks. Tourists to national parks frequently visit local communities. These tourists then spend money on aspects such as crafts, lodging, food and entrance fees, thus enhancing the economy of the villages/towns in the area. These tourists also have a social impact which can contribute positively or negatively on the quality of life of the local community. The aim of this research is to determine the socio-economic impact of the Karoo National Park in South Africa. The research was conducted from 27 March 2007 to 1 April 2007. To achieve the goal of the research, three surveys were conducted: a community survey (240 questionnaires), a business survey in Beaufort West (86 questionnaires) and a visitor survey (104 questionnaires) of tourists visiting the Karoo National Park. The community survey included questions relating to demographic aspects, impact questions pertaining to specific park impacts in the community and personal impacts on residents. A descriptive analysis, statistical analysis and factor analysis was done to interpret the social data and to determine the most relevant social impact factors. The business survey asked questions regarding employment creation, leakages, and income changes as a result of the park. The visitor survey included questions relating to demographic aspects and expenditures. The factors influencing the economic impact of tourism were identified in the study and include the following: production factors, politics, expenditure, inflated processes, leakages and seasonality to name but a few. The results indicated that the Park has an impact on employment, production and general income in the region. Only 4% of businesses' existence is due to the Karoo National Park, yet many of these businesses rely on tourists spending. Guest houses and Bed and Breakfast establishments indicated that they benefit most from the Park. Curio shops indicated that 8.8% of their business is due to the Park, with restaurants indicating 15%. Retailers and service stations also indicated that they give 8% and 20% respectively of their turnover to the Park and tourism and recreation services estimated this contribution at 15%. The results confirm that rural areas face high leakages. However, in terms of employment creation, the fact that 98% of all workers live in the area under consideration, is an indication that the benefits of the park reach the locals. The total economic impact of the Park on the local economy is R4 187 378. The community felt that the park does have a positive to very positive effect on the quality of life of the community. The positive aspects of the Karoo National Park are the fact that the park attracts tourists and assists in conservation. The appearance and image of the town has improved due to property value increase, a significant drop in crime levels, an improvement in entertainment opportunities, an increase in interaction between locals and tourists which is perceived to be positive, an increase in social and moral values and an increase in pride among members of the community. The results show that the park has a greater social impact than an economic impact on the community of Beaufort West. The Karoo National Park impact is not as significant as that of larger National Parks such as Addo Elephant National Park due to its size. From this it is learned that the smaller the operation the lesser the socio-economic impact. This research adds to the much needed research regarding socio-economic impacts of national parks in South Africa. / Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Socio-economic status form a big part of each person's physical development. Socio-economic status is defined by house income, house standards, family size, physical activity level and parents education level and occupation. Socio-economic status influence posture as well as physical activity levels of adolescents. Adolescents living in low socio-economic areas show delayed growth with an influence on posture. Posture is mainly influenced by genetics as well as some socio-economic variables such as diet, malnutrition en obesity. Posture development is also related to physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle is more common under adolescence in low socio-economic areas than those in high socio-economic areas. This incidence can be due to the fact that a lack of equipment and safety are more common in low socio-economic areas, subsequently the lack of organised physical activity. The benefits of physical activity are endless and should be integrated as part of our daily living. Different studies of socio-economic status, physical activity and posture deformities were found although none compared all three valuables with each other. Literature is only used as a guideline and not for a comparison with this study. The goal of this study was firstly to determine the influence of socio-economic status on posture deformities on black African adolescence and secondly to determine the influence of socio-economic status on physical activity levels of black African adolescence. A total of 251 pupils participated in the study. Questionnaires were completed on socio-economic status as well as on physical activity levels. Posture screening was done according to the New York posture test and a posture grid. Pupils were evaluated from anterior, posterior and lateral sides together with evaluation of foot deformities and a more defined scoliosis screening by the Adams forward bending test. The prevalence of posture deformities and insufficient organised physical activity are high in black African adolescence. The most common posture deformity is lordosis (84%) and a protruding abdomen (67%). These deformities are closely correlated to socio-economic status especially diet because it influences growth and development of children. Physical activity levels are influenced by a lack of transport and organised physical activities. A total of 87,5% of pupils use walking as transport, based on which can conclude that little time is left for organised physical activity. Socio-economic status does have an influence on posture and participation in physical activity. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Literature on ecotourism and sustainable tourism emphasises the responsibilities and opportunities in protecting national parks through appropriate tourism development. National parks assist in addressing the economic and social challenges facing local, and mostly small, rural communities adjacent to the national parks. Most of South Africa's national parks are situated in rural areas giving tourists access to villages and towns surrounding the park, contributing to the economic and social upliftment of local communities such as in the case with Karoo National Park (KNP). National Parks in South Africa are seen as major tourism assets due to the wildlife and various activities for international and local visitors, but little is known about the socio-economic impact (contribution) of these parks on their respective local economies and communities. This was first realised by Saayman and Saayman who developed a socio-economic impact model that can be used to do socio-economic impact studies on national parks. Tourists to national parks frequently visit local communities. These tourists then spend money on aspects such as crafts, lodging, food and entrance fees, thus enhancing the economy of the villages/towns in the area. These tourists also have a social impact which can contribute positively or negatively on the quality of life of the local community. The aim of this research is to determine the socio-economic impact of the Karoo National Park in South Africa. The research was conducted from 27 March 2007 to 1 April 2007. To achieve the goal of the research, three surveys were conducted: a community survey (240 questionnaires), a business survey in Beaufort West (86 questionnaires) and a visitor survey (104 questionnaires) of tourists visiting the Karoo National Park. The community survey included questions relating to demographic aspects, impact questions pertaining to specific park impacts in the community and personal impacts on residents. A descriptive analysis, statistical analysis and factor analysis was done to interpret the social data and to determine the most relevant social impact factors. The business survey asked questions regarding employment creation, leakages, and income changes as a result of the park. The visitor survey included questions relating to demographic aspects and expenditures. The factors influencing the economic impact of tourism were identified in the study and include the following: production factors, politics, expenditure, inflated processes, leakages and seasonality to name but a few. The results indicated that the Park has an impact on employment, production and general income in the region. Only 4% of businesses' existence is due to the Karoo National Park, yet many of these businesses rely on tourists spending. Guest houses and Bed and Breakfast establishments indicated that they benefit most from the Park. Curio shops indicated that 8.8% of their business is due to the Park, with restaurants indicating 15%. Retailers and service stations also indicated that they give 8% and 20% respectively of their turnover to the Park and tourism and recreation services estimated this contribution at 15%. The results confirm that rural areas face high leakages. However, in terms of employment creation, the fact that 98% of all workers live in the area under consideration, is an indication that the benefits of the park reach the locals. The total economic impact of the Park on the local economy is R4 187 378. The community felt that the park does have a positive to very positive effect on the quality of life of the community. The positive aspects of the Karoo National Park are the fact that the park attracts tourists and assists in conservation. The appearance and image of the town has improved due to property value increase, a significant drop in crime levels, an improvement in entertainment opportunities, an increase in interaction between locals and tourists which is perceived to be positive, an increase in social and moral values and an increase in pride among members of the community. The results show that the park has a greater social impact than an economic impact on the community of Beaufort West. The Karoo National Park impact is not as significant as that of larger National Parks such as Addo Elephant National Park due to its size. From this it is learned that the smaller the operation the lesser the socio-economic impact. This research adds to the much needed research regarding socio-economic impacts of national parks in South Africa. / Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Socio-economic status form a big part of each person's physical development. Socio-economic status is defined by house income, house standards, family size, physical activity level and parents education level and occupation. Socio-economic status influence posture as well as physical activity levels of adolescents. Adolescents living in low socio-economic areas show delayed growth with an influence on posture. Posture is mainly influenced by genetics as well as some socio-economic variables such as diet, malnutrition en obesity. Posture development is also related to physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle is more common under adolescence in low socio-economic areas than those in high socio-economic areas. This incidence can be due to the fact that a lack of equipment and safety are more common in low socio-economic areas, subsequently the lack of organised physical activity. The benefits of physical activity are endless and should be integrated as part of our daily living. Different studies of socio-economic status, physical activity and posture deformities were found although none compared all three valuables with each other. Literature is only used as a guideline and not for a comparison with this study. The goal of this study was firstly to determine the influence of socio-economic status on posture deformities on black African adolescence and secondly to determine the influence of socio-economic status on physical activity levels of black African adolescence. A total of 251 pupils participated in the study. Questionnaires were completed on socio-economic status as well as on physical activity levels. Posture screening was done according to the New York posture test and a posture grid. Pupils were evaluated from anterior, posterior and lateral sides together with evaluation of foot deformities and a more defined scoliosis screening by the Adams forward bending test. The prevalence of posture deformities and insufficient organised physical activity are high in black African adolescence. The most common posture deformity is lordosis (84%) and a protruding abdomen (67%). These deformities are closely correlated to socio-economic status especially diet because it influences growth and development of children. Physical activity levels are influenced by a lack of transport and organised physical activities. A total of 87,5% of pupils use walking as transport, based on which can conclude that little time is left for organised physical activity. Socio-economic status does have an influence on posture and participation in physical activity. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Communities on Canada’s east and west coasts have experienced profound changes as a result of environmental and economic restructuring associated with the decline of traditional resource-based industries, principally fishery, forestry and mining. This restructuring has resulted in social changes with potentially major implications for the health and well-being of individuals and communities. Coasts under Stress (CUS) examines the effects of restructuring on coastal communities in British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador. Within the CUS project, this study examines the relationship between socio-economic restructuring and health in four BC coastal communities―Port Hardy, Prince Rupert, Tofino and Ucluelet―by a community health survey and in-depth interview studies. The survey which was conducted in the summer of 2002 (N=1,204), collected information on individual health status and stress levels, lifestyles, socio-demographics, social capital and social cohesion in the four communities. Follow-up in-depth interviews were conducted with 41 survey respondents and an additional 25 key informants in early 2003 to explore the factors influencing people’s ability to cope with the impacts of restructuring on individual and community health. The findings of the survey analyses indicate that: the communities lag behind the province of BC and Canada as a whole in terms of self-reported health status; health status differs significantly among the communities as do recent changes in health status and stress level; the main predictors of general and emotional health status and stress are a healthier lifestyle and higher socio-economic status (SES), along with a higher level of community satisfaction. Combining the results from the in-depth interviews and the survey, it is clear that differences in health status are plausibly attributable to restructuring processes and major events in each community. There is a clear linkage between economic downturn and poorer health in the interview study. Furthermore, the interview and survey analyses reveal factors that may affect the vulnerability or resilience of individuals and communities. Employment opportunities are central to the vitality of communities and the quality of life of their residents, and are key factors related to individual and community resilience or vulnerability. The study concludes that socio-economic restructuring has had an impact on the health of BC coastal communities and their residents in the last two decades, especially in the last ten years. While traditionally resource-dependent industries have declined, the emergence of new alternative economic activities has not been strong enough in the coastal communities to withstand the economic downturn brought about by the restructuring process that has increased employment stress for both residents and their communities. Employment stress resulted in poorer health for residents vulnerable to the economic changes, such as people who have lost jobs, who lack social/family support, and who possess low SES. Such employment stress has also affected community health in vulnerable communities, like Prince Rupert and Port Hardy, which have experienced population decline, family break-ups and a variety of social problems. This study adds to the growing population health and health geography literature on the social determinants of health with specific application to advancing the understanding of the complex relationships between socio-economic change in coastal communities and the health and well-being of their residents. The research demonstrates the value of combining quantitative and qualitative methods as complementary approaches to the study of community and individual health. From a policy and planning perspective, the findings inform the debate on factors fostering resilience to restructuring in communities.

This qualitative research seeks to improve our understanding of the relatively under-researched phenomenon of repeat teenage pregnancies, by exploring the underlying factors and meanings that teenagers ascribe to their pregnancies. The study uses a comparative approach to provide a comprehensive psychosocial and economic understanding of the factors leading to repeat teenage pregnancies. This is achieved by exploring both the diverse and similar experiences of two groups of teenagers within different socio-economic environments - one group of 26 respondents from the Caribbean islands of Jamaica and Barbados and the other group of 26 respondents from London. The research also capitalises on a unique opportunity to contextualize the welfare dependency/teenage pregnancy discourse. The behaviours, motivations, values and attitudes of young women who become repeatedly pregnant in a Welfare state such as England, are compared with those living in countries with limited state resources and few state benefits. The comparison shows that in the latter case, the lack of state intervention can have the disempowering impact of fostering dependency in many insidious forms. The findings demonstrate the very powerful influence that both intentional and hidden or masked factors can have on a young woman's decision to repeat a pregnancy. The intrinsic relationship between the personal driving forces of the young women and their repeated pregnancies is convincingly highlighted. These driving forces are accompanied by very strong and deep-rooted beliefs in the importance of motherhood and fertility, as well as anti-abortion views. When these factors are added to economic stringency, they provide the fuel for a young woman's journey into repeat pregnancies. The findings therefore caution against a reliance on a mechanistic understanding of both single and repeat teenage pregnancies and emphasise the fact that social, psychological, and emotional processes, as well as the economic influences, are also crucial to our understanding of repeat teenage pregnancies.

Thesis (M.Ed.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Education, 1976.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1970. / Vita. Typescript. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Princeton University, 1978. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 532-545).