Cohabitation is a complex phenomenon with a multifaceted trajectory. It carries different meanings for couples. It is not a permanent state but a transition, which is characterised by uncertainty pertaining to its future. Its future lies with men who still have the prerogative to decide its progression. Women can only live in hope. A qualitative, phenomenological, explorative, descriptive, and contextual study was undertaken with 21 participants whose ages ranged from 25 to 35 years. The goals of this study were threefold: (i) to develop an in-depth understanding of the place of cohabitation in the context of changing family patterns and lessons for social work intervention; (ii) to gain insight into the participants’ experiences in cohabiting relationships in relation to the benefits, challenges, and mechanisms to address any challenges; and (iii) to proffer lessons for social work intervention based on the participants’ perspectives. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews and analysed following Tesch’s (in Creswell, 2009) framework. Lincoln and Guba’s model was utilised for data verification. The major findings of this study indicate that the majority of dating couples slide into cohabitation without a clear agreement on the progression of the transition or relationship. The meaning of cohabitation is gendered as most women regard it as a transition to marriage, hoping that one day their partners will propose marriage. Conversely, men simply enjoy the presence of a woman in the house. Surprisingly, none of the participants consulted social workers when they were experiencing challenges in their relationships. / Social Work / D. Phil. (Social Work)

Text in English / In this study the use of the narrative analogy in couple's counselling has been outlined. A literature study situates the narrative analogy within a wider philosophical framework. The underlying assumptions of the narrative analogy, both in general and in the work with couples, as well as the role of the counsellor using the narrative analogy, are explored. A case example is described to illustrate the use of the narrative analogy. / Social Work / M. Soc. Sc. (Mental Health)

Despite the increased focus on men in reproductive research, little is known about male involvement in the initial decision/s regarding parenthood (i.e., to become a parent or not) and the subsequent decision-making that may ensue (e.g., choices about timing or spacing of births). In particular, the parenthood decision-making of “White”, heterosexual men from the middle class has been understudied, as indicated in the existing literature. In South Africa, this oversight has been exacerbated by the tendency for researchers to concentrate on “problematic” men, to the exclusion of the “boring, normal case”. I argue that this silence in the literature is a result of the taken for granted nature of parenthood in the “normal” heterosexual life course. In this study, I have turned the spotlight onto the norm of “Whiteness” and heterosexuality by studying those who have previously been overlooked by researchers. I focus on “White” Afrikaans men’s involvement in parenthood decision-making. My aim was to explore how constructions of gender inform male involvement in decision-making, especially within the South African context where social transformation has challenged traditional conceptions of male selfhood giving rise to new and contested masculine identities and new discourses of manhood and fatherhood. In an effort to ensure that women’s voices are not marginalised in the research, as is often the case in studies of men and masculinity, I conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews about male involvement in decision-making with both “White” Afrikaans women and men. There were 23 participants in total, who all identified as heterosexual and middle-class. The participants were divided into two age cohorts (21 – 30 years and >40 years), which were then differentiated according to gender, reproductive status, and relationship status. Treating the interviews as jointly produced narratives, I analysed them by means of a performativity/performance lens. This dual analytic lens focuses on how particular narrative performances are simultaneously shaped by the interview setting and the broader discursive context. The lens was fashioned by synthesising Butler’s theory of performativity with Taylor’s narrative-discursive method. This synthesis (1) allows for Butler’s notion of “performativity” to be supplemented with that of “performance”; (2) provides a concrete analytical strategy in the form of positioning analysis; and (3) draws attention to both the micro politics of the interview conversation and the operation of power on the macro level, including the possibility of making “gender trouble”. The findings of the study suggest that the participants experienced difficulty narrating about male involvement in parenthood decision-making, owing to the taken for granted nature of parenthood for heterosexual adults. This was evident in participants’ sidelining of issues of “deciding” and “planning” and their alternate construal of childbearing as a non-choice, which, significantly served to bolster hetero-patriarchal norms. A central rhetorical tool for accomplishing these purposes was found in the construction of the “sacralised” child. In discursively manoeuvring around the central problematic, the participants ultimately produced a “silence” in the data that repeats the one in the research literature.

O presente trabalho pretende analisar a possibilidade do reconhecimento jurídico de novas formas de famílias advindas da união entre pessoas do mesmo sexo. Partindo do pressuposto de que a sociedade reclama por uma nova estrutura na prestação das relações jurídicas, além de uma nova estrutura na satisfação do direito pleiteado, a presente pesquisa tem por objetivo traçar um paralelo entre a trajetória das normas jurídicas que disciplinam as relações familiares e os novos arranjos sociais que constituem a família contemporânea em razão dos novos conceitos estabelecidos pela sociedade do séc. XXI, ainda em razão de o Estado possuir a responsabilidade de adequar os meios e os fins, com o intuito de garantir a melhor e plena aplicabilidade do direito. Busca-se identificar o novo conceito de família, a partir do art. 226 da Constituição Federal e dos Princípios Constitucionais, agregado a pluralidade de arranjos sociais identificáveis. Ademais, apresenta a preocupação em estabelecer essas novas regras jurídicas do direito de família em consonância com a realidade social do território brasileiro, para que garanta o acesso pleno à justiça, bem como respeito ao princípio da isonomia e da liberdade nas relações intersubjetivas / This study aims to examine the possibility of legal recognition of new forms of families arising from the union between same-sex. Assuming that society calls for a new structure in the provision of legal relations, and a new structure in the satisfaction of the right claimed, this research aims to draw parallels between the trajectory of the legal rules that govern family relations and new social arrangements that constitute the contemporary family as a result of new concepts established by the society of the century XXI, yet because of the state have the responsibility to adapt the means and ends, in order to ensure the best and full application of the law. Seek to identify the new concept of family, from the art. 226 of the Federal Constitution and Constitutional Principles, attached to the plurality of identifiable social arrangements. Moreover, it presents the concern in establishing these new legal rules of family law in line with the social reality of Brazil, to ensure full access to justice and respect for the principle of equality and freedom in interpersonal relations

Sem resumo / No summary

Master of Science / School of Family Studies and Human Services / Briana S. Nelson Goff / Traumatic events affect not only the primary trauma survivor, but also secondary trauma survivors (e.g., spouses, children). Intimate partner relationships provide unique conditions for examining how the interpersonal and/or systemic impact of trauma exposure and post-trauma responses can impact both the primary and secondary trauma survivors, and the interpersonal dynamics of the couple. Preliminary work has indicated that the extent of trauma disclosure may serve as a buffering effect for relationship adjustment for those below the clinical threshold for PTSD (Monk & Nelson Goff, 2014). Researchers also have found that relationships can suffer effects in direct correlation to trauma disclosure (Creech, Benzer, Liebsack, Proctor, & Taft, 2013; Nelson Goff et al., 2006). The current study explored qualitative and quantitative data from low trauma disclosure individuals (n = 15) and their partners. The Couple Adaptation to Traumatic Stress Model (Nelson Goff & Smith, 2005; Oseland, Gallus, & Nelson Goff, in press) was used to provide the framework for understanding the experiences of low trauma disclosure to spouses in a sample of Army soldiers and their spouses. The low trauma disclosure group reported some positive and negative themes related to relationship functioning. The mixed trauma disclosure partners (n = 7) reported primarily negative themes related to relationship functioning, as well as the positive theme of increased communication. The high trauma disclosure partners (n = 4) reported all positive themes related to relationship functioning. Contrary to the original hypothesis, the results indicated mixed trauma disclosure partners seemed to be functioning at lower levels than the low or high trauma disclosure partners A quantitative analysis demonstrated a number of trends throughout the disclosure groups. The low trauma disclosure group reported scores between the mixed and high trauma disclosure groups for all measures. The mixed trauma disclosure group overall reported the highest PTSD scores and lowest couple adjustment scores, despite experiencing the lowest number of traumatic events and general trauma symptoms. The high trauma disclosure group reported the highest couple adjustment scores, despite experiencing the highest number of traumatic events, trauma symptoms, and lowest PTSD scores. Implications for practice and future research also are described.

No description available.

RESUMO PORRECA, W. Famílias Recompostas: Casais Católicos em Segunda União. 2004. 124f. Dissertação de Mestrado – Faculdade de Filosofia Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP)/ Universidade de São Paulo (USP), 2004. A instituição familiar está passando por mudanças diversas, dentre as quais se inclui o aumento de separações e divórcios e a redução de casamentos legais e religiosos. Diante dessas transformações a Igreja Católica, que defende a indissolubilidade do matrimônio, junto com casais em segunda união procura apoiar a constituição da Pastoral de Casais em Segunda União. Este trabalho tem como objetivo examinar a organização familiar de casais católicos vivendo em segunda união e que participam da Pastoral, para investigar como se deu a primeira união, as causas que levaram a sua ruptura e a uma nova união e as motivações desses casais em continuarem a integrar a comunidade católica. Os participantes da pesquisa são dez casais católicos em segunda união, na faixa etária entre 30 e 50 anos, residentes nas cidades de Aguaí, Mococa, Mogi Guaçu, São João da Boa Vista e São José do Rio Pardo, no estado de São Paulo, todas sob jurisdição religiosa da Diocese de São João da Boa Vista. A coleta de dados foi feita através de entrevistas gravadas separadamente com cada um dos integrantes dos casais, transcritas na íntegra e orientadas por um roteiro semi-estruturado. A análise dos dados indica que os principais motivos da separação estão associados ao alcoolismo, à infidelidade conjugal e ao desgaste da dimensão amorosa. O que mais gera preocupação nos sujeitos ao se separarem são as possíveis conseqüências que os filhos poderão sofrer. A segunda união é contraída com a expectativa de formar uma nova família, ter um(a) companheiro(a) e um relacionamento estável. No entanto, lamentam as privações impostas pela Igreja aos casais em segunda união, principalmente o fato de não poderem receber a comunhão sacramental. A participação na Pastoral de Casais em Segunda União favorece a integração e convivência social e religiosa dos casais na Igreja e fora dela e ainda possibilita a superação do sentimento de discriminação que sentiam. A Pastoral possibilita ainda maior conscientização da hierarquia e dos membros dessa instituição sobre o significado do acolhimento e dos direitos desses casais. / ABSTRACT PORRECA, W. Step Families: Catholic Couples on Second Union, 2004. 124f. Master’s Degree Dissertation – Faculdade de Filosofia Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP)/Universidade de São Paulo (USP), 2004. The familial institution has been going through several changes, including the increase of separations and divorces, and the reduction in the number of legal and religious matrimonies. Facing these transformations the Catholic Church, which defends the indissolubility of matrimony, along with couples that live on a second marital union intends to support the creation of the Pastoral Institution for Couples on Second Marital Union. The present work aims to analyze the familial organization of Catholic couples living a second union and taking part in the Pastoral Institution, to investigate the way through which union occurred, the marital separation, the second marital union and these couples´ motivations to continue being part of the Catholic community. The participants of the research were ten Catholic couples, in which partners live on a second union, with an age range between 30 and 50 years old, living in the cities of Aguaí, Mococa, Mogi Guaçu, São João da Boa Vista e São José do Rio Pardo, in the state of São Paulo, all of which under the religious jurisdiction of the Diocese of São João da Boa Vista. The data gathering was done through interviews that were recorded separately with each of the partners of the couple, transcribed in their entirety and guided by a script. The analysis of the data indicates that the main reasons for couple separation are connected to alcoholism, marital infidelity and the weariness of the affection dimension. The fact that most worries people who are about to be separate are the possible consequences that their children might suffer. The intention of the second marital union is based on the expectancy of constituting a new family, for companion and for a solid relationship. However, they feel sorry for the privations that are imposed by the Church to the couples who live on a second marital union, especially the fact that they cannot receive the Holy Communion. Taking part in the Pastoral Institution for Couples on Second Marital Union favors the interaction and social and religious conviviality of the couples in the Church and out of it and also allows them to overcome the discrimination they used to feel. The Pastoral Institution also allows the members of the Catholic church to have greater awareness about the meaning of welcoming these couples and also about their rights.

Magister Commercii - MCom / Research indicates that approximately fifteen years ago there were over three (3) million dualcareer couples representing 20% of dual-worker couples. It is expected that the amount of dual-career couples will continue to increase, as most college students, both men and women, anticipate participating in a career as well as in a family (Spiker- Miller & Kees, 1995).Individuals and organizations are confronted with a hyper turbulent environment and individuals are also faced with a myriad of challenges and adversity in their work and personal lives. Due to the economy and the changing needs of individuals, today very few families reflect the configuration of a typical family (a husband who worked outside the home, a wife who fulfilled the duties of homemaker and child-carer), as both partners are normally employed. The dual-career couple phenomenon has added to the pressure of managing multiple demands and has a considerable impact on the nature of people's careers(Greenberg & Baron, 2003). Dual-career couples‘ career advancement is largely affected by the career barriers they perceive to encounter. The perceptions of career barriers encountered differ from one couple to another based on factors such as: age, race and parental demand(children). Differences may also exist between partners in a dual-career relationship based on their gender.Most studies that have been conducted have looked at work-life balance of dual-career couples or have focused on the problems dual-career couples face solely from the woman‘s perspective. The aim of this study is to look at dual-career couples not only from female‘s perspective and to tap into their perceptions regarding career barriers encountered in the workplace. The findings could help organisations realize the importance of assisting dualcareer couples and how they could improve their career development. Dual-career couples therefore warrant attention as a special group seeing as the career salience, strategies and transitions of one partner inevitably affects those of the other, which could also have repercussions for their employers (Smith, 1997).A self-developed Demographic Questionnaire and the Career Barriers Inventory (Revised) was used to gather the data. The research was conducted within a large retail organisation. The sample comprised of men and women, permanent and contract employees within the following departments: Human Resources, Marketing, Logistics, Finance, Group Merchandise Procurement (GMP), Buying, Sourcing, Audit, Planning and Group Services.The sampling procedure that was utilised was non-probability sampling. Statistical analyses involved descriptive statistics (Frequencies, Means and Standard deviations) and inferential statistics (T-Test and Analysis of variance). The study revealed that the most highly rated career barriers which respondents perceived to experience or which affected their career advancement were multiple-role conflict, decisionmaking difficulties, sex discrimination and racial discrimination. Whilst, the career barriers which were rated the lowest by respondents included disapproval by significant others, disability/health concerns and discouraged from choosing non-traditional careers.Furthermore, the findings indicated that the perceptions of dual-career couples based on gender regarding career barriers in the workplace is partially accepted because there are statistically significant differences regarding the perceptions amongst females and males in terms of lack of confidence as a career barrier. The hypothesis proposing that there are significant differences in the perceptions of dual-career couples who have and those who do not have children, is partially accepted, as there was a statistically significant difference regarding disapproval by significant others. The findings for the perceptions of dual-career couples based on race regarding career barriers in the workplace is partially supported because significant differences were found for the following career barriers: difficulties with network/socialisation, lack of confidence and race discrimination based on employees‘ race.Lastly, significant differences in the perceptions of dual-career couples based on age regarding career barriers in the workplace was rejected, as no significant differences regarding career barriers based on employees‘ age were found.Amongst others, a limitation of this study is evident. The study may lack generisability as the sampling procedure used was non-probability sampling and only included those employees who were easily accessible. Additionally, a quantitative study was used by making use of questionnaires, but no observation or interviews were used. The present study also only focuses on the differences in perceptions of dual-career couples, based on biographical factors such as; gender, age, number of children (parental demands), race and age. Ideally all research should have a broad speck of people or participants, to ensure higher generalizability.In an effort to deal with the limitations of the current study, the following are recommended, future research should use a large proportionate stratified random sample as this would allow the findings to be reliably generalised to the population. A combination of both quantitative and qualitative methodology would help to develop detailed understanding of dual-career couple‘s and their differences in perceptions of career barriers.It is important for organisations to have continuous negotiations with employees in order to integrate the demands of the organisation and the career needs of its employees. Furthermore,they should respond to the shifting demographics by adopting voluntary policies such as alternative work schedules and child and elder care assistance to help workers meet family needs, which in turn will be beneficial to the organisation by attracting and retaining the best talent.

Voluntarily child free (VCF) individuals face stigmatization in a pronatalist society that labels those who do not want children as deviant. Because of this stigmatization, VCF couples face privacy issues as they choose to reveal or conceal their family planning decision and face a variety of reactions from social network members. Therefore, communication privacy management and communication accommodation theory was use to examine this phenomenon. Prior research found two different types of VCF couples: grounds-based and grounds-free. Grounds-based individuals cite medical or biological reasons for not having children, while grounds-free individuals cite social reasons for not having children. The purpose of this study is to examine how grounds-based and grounds-free VCF couples manage their disclosure of private information and how social network members react to their family planning decision. Findings revealed that grounds-free individuals are more likely to engage in the self-defense hypothesis and grounds-based individuals are more likely to engage in the expressive need hypothesis. Grounds-based individuals were asked about their decision in dyadic situations, whereas grounds-free individuals were asked at group gatherings. Additionally, social network members used under-accommodation strategies the most frequently and grounds-free individuals experienced more name calling than grounds-based. Finally, while grounds-free individuals experienced non-accommodation and over-accommodation strategies, grounds-based did not. Findings suggest that grounds-free individuals are more stigmatized by social network members. Implications for merging CPM and CAT are discussed.