Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study addresses the sustainable development and employment creation potential of bivalve mariculture with reference to the case of Saldanha. The first section of the study looks at various theoretical perspectives relating to sustainable development. The development of modernist theory is presented, as are its shortcomings. The People-Centred Development theory is presented as an alternative theoretical perspective. This theory is relevant to the present study because it prioritises the participation of local individuals in the development process, rather than prioritising the increase of capital gain. One of the development approaches within people-centred development is the Learning Process Approach. The learning process approach provides a development model through which people-centred development can take place. The study then focuses on empirical cases. The development of four mariculture case studies from different countries and farming different organisms is then considered. The development process of these case studies is used to draw lessons on what factors affect the sustainable development of a mariculture sector. It is shown that five key factors play a role in the sustainable development of each of the four cases. The five factors are the state, the market, funding, the environment and the local community. These five factors provide a typology with which to measure the potential for the sustainable development of the bivalve mariculture sector in Saldanha. Literature on Saldanha is then reviewed, giving a background to rising unemployment in Saldanha and the need to consider the expansion of alternative sectors. This is followed by presenting the methods and results of empirical research involving the collection of primary data in Saldanha. The research methods used in conducting empirical research in Saldanha are presented. This research elicited data on bivalve mariculture employees and bivalve mariculture directors in Saldanha as well as state representatives. The key findings of this study are that the restrictive state policies on mariculture and a lack of funding are the primary limitations to the sector‟s expansion. The sector has the potential to expand by a factor of four, providing employment for over 200 households in Saldanha. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie ondersoek fokus op die volhoubare ontwikkeling en werkskeppingspotensiaal van tweekleppige marikultuur met verwysing na die geval van Saldanha. Die eerste gedeelte van die ondersoek handel oor verskillende teoretiese perspektiewe met betrekking tot volhoubare ontwikkeling. Die ontwikkeling van modernistiese teorie word aangebied, tesame met sy tekortkominge. Die Mens-Gesentreerde Ontwikkelingsraamwerk word as 'n alternatiewe teoretiese perspektief aangebied. Die mens-gesentreerde ontwikkelingsraamwerk is relevant tot die huidige ondersoek omdat dit die deelname van plaaslike individue in die ontwikkelingproses, eerder as die verhoging van kapitaalwins, vooropstel. Een van die ontwikkelingsbenaderings binne mens-gesentreerde ontwikkeling is die Leerproses Benadering. Die leerproses benadering bied 'n ontwikkelingsmodel waardeur mens-gesentreerde ontwikkeling kan plaasvind. Die leerproses benadering word dan gebruik om die ontwikkeling van ander marikultuur gevalleondersoeke te bespreek. Die tweede deel van die huidige ondersoek beskou die ontwikkeling van vier marikultuur gevalleondersoeke uit verskillende lande wat met verskillende organismes boer. Die ontwikkeling van hierdie gevalleondersoeke is gebruik om lesse op te stel oor watter faktore 'n invloed op die ontwikkeling en volhoubaarheid van 'n marikultuursektor het. Dit is getoon dat die vyf belangrikste faktore wat 'n rol in die volhoubaarheid en uitbreidingspotensiaal van elk van die gevalle gespeel het die staat, die mark, finansiering, die omgewing en die plaaslike gemeenskap behels. Hierdie vyf faktore is gebruik as 'n tipologie om die volhoubaarheid en uitbreidingspotensiaal van die tweekleppige marikultuursektor in Saldanha te meet. Die geval van Saldanha word eerstens in die literatuur aangebied vir 'n agtergrond oor stygende werkloosheid in Saldanha en die noodsaaklikheid om die uitbreiding van alternatiewe sektore te oorweeg. Derdens is primêre navorsing oor Saldanha se tweekleppige marikultuursektor onderneem. Data is versamel vanaf werknemers, direkteure en staatsverteenwoordigers. Die belangrikste bevindings van hierdie ondersoek is dat die beperkende staatsbeleid oor marikultuur en 'n gebrek aan fondse die primêre beperkings op die uitbreiding van die sektor is. Die sektor het die potensiaal om met 'n faktor van vier uit te brei. Teen hierdie grootte sal meer as 200 huishoudings in Saldanha 'n inkomste hê.

Thesis (MA) Stellenbosch University, 1955 / No abstract availble / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie is om 'n beeld te verskaf van die Basoeto as plaasarbeiders. Hulle vorm as't ware 'n groep op hulle eie wat heeltemal los staan vie die Basoeto van Basoetoland. Die meeste van hierdie plaasarbeiders is in die Oos-Vrystaat gebore, en het opgegroei te midde van 'n blanke omgewing. Die gevolg is dat hulle deur 'n proses van akkulturasie 'n lewenswyse van hulle eie geskep het, wat in sekere opsigte baie van die Basoeto se ou tradisionele lewenswyse verskil. Die eintlike doel van die studie is dan om meer lig te werp op hierdie besondere lewenswyse van die plaasarbeiders.

Thesis (MA (Sociology and Social Anthropology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / The rise in social disorder in South Africa over the last decade and a half has contributed to the increase of non-government organizations moving to the forefront of social problem prevention. Encounter, a new Pentecostal church in the Dwars River Valley served as a beacon of hope to many people. With the developments in the valley that resulted in vast social changes it can be described as an anchor in a sea of instability and uncertainty. At the same time, however, Encounter served as a wave that rocked the boat of the traditional and church-centered village of Pniel. Encounter presented alternative methods of social problem prevention and alleviation for its members. For the purpose of this study, I placed specific emphasis on the intangible, faith-based actions and strategies of Encounter. These intangible methods characteristic of spiritual organizations had a unique influence on the community regarding their perceptions of- and meanings attached to- social problems, social cooperation and social identity. At the same time, conversion and the alternative „access‟ to spirituality (prophecies, healing, demonology etc.) affected individual identities and in many ways led to their social empowerment. Finally, in this study, intangible spiritual interpretations were not only receptive and re-active phenomena, but could also take on the form of intervention and pro-action. Through the use of ritual, intangible beliefs were turned into weapons of warfare. Encounter created a space for the training and use of these „weapons‟. People gathered there to be trained, to observe and to use these weapons with the belief that it would result in immediate change in their lives and in their communities.

Thesis (MPhil (Sociology and Social Anthropology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / The purpose of this thesis is to attempt to understand the concept of manhood in the context of Xhosa-speaking people; and to investigate why it is significant for them to use traditional circumcision in the male initiation ritual. In the context of the research problem, the aim is to understand: i) why traditional circumcision is important in executing this ritual, ii) people’s beliefs about the concept of manhood, iii) how the initiation ritual is practised in the present day, iv) the controversy and debate around the initiation ritual in the Eastern Cape, and v) the role of the government’s policies in regulating this rite. In terms of research design and methodology, I used qualitative research. The sampling method includes non-probability sampling – that is purposive or judgmental sampling. In the research process I utilized individual interviews, focus group interviews, participant observation, and any literature that was relevant to this study. The field research was conducted in Mchubakazi Township in Butterworth, Eastern Cape. As regards the research findings, the following data came out: firstly, manhood refers to belonging to a group of men who live in a certain village. These men are characterised by having undergone the initiation ritual, especially using traditional circumcision. A man who has undergone hospital circumcision is more likely to experience humiliation and disrespect from the orthodox Xhosa-speakers. Their argument in support of this statement is that he is only half a man. Secondly, traditional circumcision is perceived as being significant in this ritual; it is a necessary adventure a male must go through in order to become a man. It is basically an act of courage. It is not necessarily compulsory in the process of transforming a boy into a man, but it is important for his image in the eyes of the community. Thirdly, the initiation ritual of Xhosa-speakers consists of four phases, namely: the ‘entering phase’ (umgeno), the phase of being an initiate (ubukhwetha), the ‘coming out phase’ (umphumo) and the phase of being a graduate (ubukrwala).

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The goal of this study is to determine, which of two development approaches, i.e., the "bottom-up approach" or the "top-down" approach (or social development and social engineering, respectively) have been successful in determining the felt needs of the community of Zwelihle. For this purpose a needs assessment was executed in Zwelihle community, close to Hermanus, in September 2001. The assessment procedure was done according to the Priority index and Community profile method (P+C-index), applying the Schutte scale during semi-structured focus group interviews. "Qualiquantitative" data (quantifies a qualitative response) was gathered from five different neighbourhoods in Zwelihle, each with different priority needs. Previously to this study, another community development project, the "housing project", was conducted in 1998 in the community of Zwelihle and more specifically in Thambo Square, presently named Airfield, fulfilling a housing need. The present study only considered the first three phases of the development process (needs assessment, problem identification and planning) to be relevant, of which all these phases have been executed and completed by the "housing project". However, no further follow-up phases of the community development process have been executed since the completion of the P+C index needs assessment. Each of these two involvements in the Zwelihle community had a different approach to development. The former, the P+C index needs assessment, had a social development approach (bottom-up), and the latter, the "housing project", had a social engineering approach (top-down). By applying a measuring tool, the principles and features of effective community development (Swanepoel, 1997:3) during the initial, needs assessment phase, an attempt was made to determine which of the two approaches have been successful in determining the community's "felt" needs and in so doing have managed an effective community development process. The finding was that the P+C-index method, as far as the first phase of community development was concerned, applied all the community development principles and reflected the features of effective community development. Although the outcome or characteristics of these applied "principles and features" may not be recognised or measured, this present study has realised these principles and features during the needs assessment phase. The "housing project" has fallen short in applying any of these principles and did therefore fail to reflect any characteristics of an effective development process. The differences between the two approaches essentially are that the P+C index empowered the community, by allowing the members at "grassroots" level participation in order for them to personally express their "felt" needs during focus group interviews. The 'housing project' on the contrary has allowed the community at "grassroots" level participation but only to a certain extent, by filling out questionnaires identifying a "real" need ("top" down need identification). The community leaders, though, were allowed to speak on their behalf. In conclusion, it may be possible to determine which of the two mentioned approaches have been successful in determining the "felt" needs of the community of Zwelihle and in doing so have been effective, by socially developing the people. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel met hierdie studie is om te bepaal watter twee ontwikkelingsbenaderinge, m.a.w., die "bottom-up" benadering of die "top-down" benadering (of sosiaal ontwikkelings en sosiaal manipulasie, onderskeidelik) suksesvol was in die bepaling van die "gevoelde behoeftes" (felt) van die Zwelihle gemeenskap. Vir hierdie doel is 'n behoeftebepaling uitgevoer in Zwelihle gemeenskap, aangrensend aan Hermanus, gedurende September 2001. Die behoeftebepalingsprosedure wat gevolg is, is uitgevoer volgens die Prioriteits indeks (P-Indeks) en Gemeenskapsprofielmetode (C-indeks), waartydens 'n Schutte skaal aangewend is, gedurende semigestruktureerde fokus-groep onderhoude. Voor die aanvang van hierdie studie is 'n ander gemeenskapsontwikkelingsprojek , bekend as die "behuisingsprojek", in 1998 in dieselfde gemeenskap uitgevoer. Hierdie projek het 'n behuisingsbehoefte aangespreek en was meer spesifiek gerig op die woonbuurt, Thambo Square (tans bekend as Airfield) van die groter Zwelihle gemeenskap. Die huidige studie beskou alleenlik die eerste drie fases van die ontwikkelingsproses, nl. behoeftebepaling, probleem identifikasie en beplanning, as toepaslik en is weliswaar deur die genoemde behuisingsprojek uitgevoer en voltooi. Daarenteen, is geen verdere opvolg-fases, na die uitvoering en voltooing van die P+Cindeks behoeftebepalingsfase, gevolg nie. Beide hierdie twee betrokke metodes of projekte het verskillende ontwikkelingsbenaderinge gevolg. Eersgenoemde, die P+C-indeks behoeftebepalingmetode het 'n sosiaal-ontwikkelingsbenadering (Bottom-up) en laasgenoemde het 'n sosiaalmanipulerings benadering (Top-down) gevolg. Deur die toepassing van 'n meetinstrument, die beginsels en karaktertrekke van effektiewe gemeenskapsontwikkeling (Swanepoel, 1997:3) gedurende die aanvangs, behoeftebepalings fase is 'n poging aangewend om te bepaal watter van die twee benaderinge suksesvol sou wees in die bepaling van die gemeenskap se "gevoelsbehoefte" (felt). In die uitvoering hiervan kan bewys gelewer word dat 'n effektiewe gemeenskapsontwikkelinsproses deurgevoer is. Die bevinding derhalwe was dat die P+C index metode, ten opsigte van die eerste fase van gemeenskapsontwikkeling, al die gemeenskapsontwikkelings beginsels toegepas het en ook die karaktertrekke van effektiewe gemeenskapontwikkeling, reflekteer het. Alhoewel die resultaat van die genoemde, toegepaste "beginsels en karaktertrekke" nie erken of gemeet kon word nie, het die huidige studie hierdie "beginsels en karaktertrekke" gerealiseer en erken tydens die eerste behoeftebepalingsfase. Die wesenlike verskil tussen hierdie twee genoemde benaderinge is dat die P+C-indeks metode, die gemeenskapslede bemagtig het deurdat die lede op grondvlak deelname toegelaat is om gedurende die fokus-groepsonderhoude, persoonlik uitdrukking te kon gee aan hul "gevoelsbehoeftes". Die "behuisingsprojek" daarenteen het die gemeenskapslede op grondvlak wel deelname toegelaat, maar net tot so 'n mate waar vraelyste deur laasgenoemde voltooi is vir die identifisering van 'n "ware (real) behoefte", ("top-down" behoeftebepaling). Verder is gemeenskapsleiers toegelaat om die gemeenskapslede op grondvlak te verteenwoordig en namens hulle op te tree. Die gevolgtrekking kan dus gemaak word dat dit wel moontlik is om te bepaal watter van die twee genoemde benaderinge suksesvol was in die bepaling van die gemeenskap van Zwelihle se "gevoelsbehoefte" en gevolglik effektief was om die gemeenskapslede sosiaal te ontwikkel.

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Discourse about the human world has, since Socrates, been structured around the assumption that one view of a given matter is better than competing views, and that argumentation, if carried out correctly and systematically, will favour the view which has the preponderance of reasons and evidence on its side. If this supposition were dropped, the nature of social scientific inquiry would change significantly. For many commentators in the social sciences the ineliminable interpretative dimension of social inquiry and the standpoint-bound character of interpretation lead to the conclusion that we have to abandon any notion of objective truth in the social sciences. The central question raised in this thesis is whether this abandonment is inevitable or even plausible. Is it plausible to conflate objectivity and truth? Is objectivity a possible characteristic of the individual researcher or a characteristic of the scientific research process? Does the cultural environment of the researcher impact on the validity of research findings? If science is a social phenomenon, are scientific beliefs different from other beliefs? How do the interests of the individual researcher or the formal organisation of scientific practice impact on the validity of findings? What role does power play in the shaping of knowledge? These are the questions that will be addressed in the following thesis. The methodology of Max Weber serves as a point of departure and divergences and similarities to the work of Weber are explored in the writings of Kuhn, the Edinburgh School, Latour, Foucault, Habermas, as well as contemporary postmodernist and feminist writers. The analysis of these various concepts and approaches is not presented chronologically, but rather as an exposition of the contributors of various commentators in the fields of both the sociology of science and knowledge, and the philosophy of science. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Diskoers oor die menslike wêreld is, sedert Socrates, gestuktureer rondom die aanname dat een siening van 'n gegewe saak beter is as mededingende sienings, en dat argumentasie, indien korrek en sistematies uitgevoer, ten voordeel sal wees van die siening wat gesteun word deur die oormaat van redes en bewyse. As ons hierdie aanname sou laat vaar, sal die stand van sosiaal wetenskaplike ondersoek ingrypend verander. Vir menige kommentator in die sosiale wetenskappe lei die onafwendbare interpretatiewe dimensie van maatskaplike ondersoek, en die standpunt-gebonde aard van interpretasie, tot die gevolgtrekking dat ons enige opvatting van objektiwiteit in die sosiale wetenskappe moet laat vaar. Die kernvraag in hierdie tesis is of hierdie verskuiwing onvermydelik of selfs aanneemlik is. Is dit geldig om objektiwiteit en waarheid saam te snoer? Is objektiwiteit 'n moontlike eienskap van die individuele navorser, of 'n eienskap van die navorsingsproses? Watter impak het die kulturele omgewing van die navorser op die geldigheid van die navorsingsbevindinge? As wetenskap 'n sosiale fenomeen is, is wetenskaplike oortuigings enigsins anders as ander oortuigings? Watter impak het die belange van 'n individuele navorser, of die formele organsiasie van wetenskaplike praktyk, op die geldigheid van bevindings? Watter rol speel mag in die vorming en skepping van kennis? Hierdie is die vrae wat aangespreek word in dié tesis. Die metodologie van Max Weber dien as vertrekpunt, en ooreenkomste tot en afwykings van die sienings van Weber word ondersoek in die werk van Kuhn, die "Edinburgh School", Latour, Foucault, Habermas, sowel as kontemporêre postmoderne en feministiese skrywers. Die analise van hierdie verskeie konsepte en benaderings word nie kronologies aangebied nie, maar eerder as 'n uiteensetting van die bydraes van verskeie kommentators op die gebied van die sosiologie van die wetenskap en van kennis, sowel as die filosofie van wetenskap.

Thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Anthropology at the University of Stellenbosch / Thesis (MA (Sociology and Social Anthropology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis is an exploration of how a new development culture has been cultivated at the end of the 20th century in reaction to the ‘crisis of development’ and the need to bring relief to impoverished communities in an environmentally sustainable manner. I uncover the key constraints on and opportunities for sustainable development and Community-Based Natural Resource Management that have emerged in land restitution claims in conservation areas in South Africa. I look at how inherited socio-political pasts poise actors and influence the relationships and interactions between them, how the current nature-tourism industry works to the detriment of some and the benefit of other actors in terms of gaining economic success and ultimately how these two factors influence conservation-based CBNRM projects. I examine three cases, namely: the Aboriginal community in Kakadu National Park, the Khomani San in the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and the Makuleke in Kruger National Park. Through this examination I draw specific conclusions: the repercussions of racial segregation policies puts community actors at a disadvantage when engaging with their partners; specific dynamics of the tourism industry threatens the success of CBNRM projects because the expected substantial benefits are not always guaranteed; and the lack of sound local governance impedes sustainable development at community-level. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis is ‘n verkenning van hoe ‘n nuwe ontwikkelingskultuur gekweek is aan die einde van die 20ste eeu deur die ‘krisis van ontwikkeling’ en die noodsaaklikheid om verligting te bring aan verarmde gemeenskappe op ‘n omgewings-volhoubare wyse. Ek lig die beperkings en kerngeleenthede tot volhoubare ontwikkeling en Gemeenskaps-Gebaseerde Natuurlike Hulpbronbestuur uit wat in grondhervormingseise in bewaringsgebiede in Suid-Afrika na vore gekom het. Ek kyk na hoe die historiese sosio-politiese erflating rolspelers posisioneer en verhoudings en interaksies tussen hulle beïnvloed, hoe die huidige natuur-toerisme industrie tot die nadeel van sommige en voordeel van sekere ander rolspelers werk in terme van die verkryging van ekonomiese sukses en uiteindelik hoe hierdie twee faktore bewarings-gebaseerde GBNHB beïnvloed. Ek bestudeer drie gevallestudies, naamlik die Inboorling-gemeenskap in die Kakadu Nasionale Park, die Khomani San in die Kalahari Gemsbok Nasionale Park en die Makuleke in die Nasionale Kruger -Wildtuin. Analise lei my tot spesifieke gevolgtrekkings: die nagevolge van rasse-segregasie-beleid plaas gemeenskapsakteurs in ‘n benadeelde posisie wanneer hulle in interaksie is met hulle vennote; die spesifieke dinamika van die toerisme-industrie bedreig die sukses van GBNHB projekte omdat die verwagte noemenswaardige voordele nie altyd gewaarborg kan word nie; en die gebrek aan effektiewe plaaslike bestuur belemmer volhoubare ontwikkeling op gemeenskapsvlak.

Thesis (MPhil (Sociology and Social Anthropology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / The contemporary evaluation literature advocates for and recommends a pluralistic approach to programme evaluation, with some writers contending that the use of multiple and/or mixed methods for the practice is inevitable. The rationale for such an approach encompasses aspects of both the ‘technical’ and the ‘political’ requirements of evaluation practice. A review of evaluation research literature underscores the important role of mixed methods research towards realizing richer evaluation findings, and addressing the pragmatic, democratic and political facets of the evaluation practice. However, it is observed that there is a dearth of literature that focuses on how the use of a mixed methods evaluation approach facilitates the realization of richer conclusions or inferences about programme merit/worth. Thus, the overarching aim of the thesis is to establish how the perception and implementation of mixed methods research among evaluation practitioners influences the nature of inferences they make. This thesis aims at identifying patterns and relationships within and between conceptions and practices of mixed methods evaluation through a descriptive process. The selection of cases is therefore purposive and includes fourteen published evaluation articles on projects/programmes. An analytical framework is developed on the basis of a literature review on mixed methods research and background literature on evaluation research. This framework guides the qualitative content analysis of each case study and the cross-case analysis across the fourteen studies to identify common patterns. The findings reveal two prominent perspectives of mixed methods evaluation prevailing among evaluation practitioners. The first (labeled a ‘strong’ conception) has the intention of and places emphasis on the integration of the qualitative and quantitative components, with the primary objective of obtaining richer evaluation inferences. In this conception, the use of the methods and the data/inferences thereof are synthesized to achieve this goal. This conception is congruent with mixed methods purposes of: - ‘complementarity’ and ‘triangulation’ and is responsive to the ‘technical’ needs of evaluation. The second perspective (labeled a ‘weak’ conception) is silent about the integration of the respective methods or data/findings/inferences, qualifying the use of multiple methods and data in a single study as sufficing for a mixed methods approach. It resonates with justifications of mixed methods research that address issues of: - comprehensiveness, multiple view points, inclusiveness and democracy and seems more tailored to the ‘political’ needs of evaluation. The findings also reveal that the resulting multiple inferences from this ‘weak’ conception can weaken each other when contradicting or inaccurate qualitative and quantitative findings result, especially when the complimentary function of either method is not planned a priori. Therefore within the context of realizing richer and more valid evaluation findings/inferences, it is recommended that the purposes and qualification as mixed methods research of the second perspective be re-considered. It is apparent that in embracing the ‘political’ needs of evaluation practice, this conception seems to eschew the ‘technical’ requirements initially intended for a mixed methods approach. This has implications particularly for the mixed methods purpose of ‘expansion’ and rationales of pluralism, inclusiveness and democracy, which are seemingly popular within programme evaluation practice.

Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis explores the existence of misperceptions regarding the peer‐drinking norm among undergraduate students at Stellenbosch University and the role of these misperceptions in explaining students’ drinking behaviour. A more permissive perception of the drinking norm has been associated with heavier alcohol consumption and negative consequences for oneself, others and property. Perceptions of the academic norm and its relation to personal academic and drinking behaviour are also investigated. Furthermore, the study examines the role of perceptions of the drinking norm in personal drinking behaviour in the context of other cognitive factors (perceptions), experiences prior to enrolling at university, as well as socio‐demographic and contextual factors. The theoretical framework used to understand the origin, occurrence and perpetuation of misperceptions regarding the social norm includes Bourdieu’s theory of habitus, social norms theory, social learning theory and attribution theory. Data were collected from 640 students out of a random sample of 3 177 who had been invited to participate in a web‐based survey during September 2009. In addition, 18 personal semi‐structured interviews were conducted with students.   Similar to findings of research in other countries, the results of this research show that students at Stellenbosch University tend to perceive other students’ drinking behaviour (descriptive norm) and approval of drinking behaviour (injunctive norm) as more permissive than their own. The degree of misperception increases as the social distance of reference groups increases and is also significantly related to personal alcohol consumption. There is also evidence of misperceptions regarding the academic norm and its association with personal drinking behaviour and academic behaviour. Multiple regression analysis reveals that the perceived drinking norm of close friends is the best predictor of personal drinking behaviour, followed by personal approval of drinking and drinking behaviour during the last year of high school. The data presented here for Stellenbosch University students extend the evidence that peer drinking norms are misperceived and highlights the importance of a student’s experiences before enrolling at university. Furthermore, it provides evidence that misperceiving the drinking norm is a pervasive problem that may have behavioural consequences. Various American higher education institutions have developed and implemented campaigns aimed at correcting these misperceptions. This has resulted in significant reductions in misperceptions as well as in heavy drinking among students. Students at Stellenbosch University and elsewhere might also benefit from these types of intervention strategies. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis ondersoek die bestaan van wanpersepsies aangaande die portuurgroep‐drinknorm onder voorgraadse studente aan Universiteit Stellenbosch en die rol daarvan in die verduideliking van studente se drinkgedrag. ’n Meer liberale persepsie van die drinknorm hou verband met swaarder alkoholgebruik en meer negatiewe gevolge vir die persoon self, ander en eiendom. Die studie ondersoek ook persepsies van die akademiese norm en die verband daarvan met persoonlike akademiese en drinkgedrag. Verder word die rol van persepsies van die drinknorm in persoonlike alkoholgebruik in die konteks van ander bewussynsfaktore (persepsies), ervarings voor inskrywing by die universiteit, asook sosiaal‐demografiese en kontekstuele faktore ondersoek. Die studie maak gebruik van die teoretiese raamwerke van Bourdieu se habitus, sosiale norm‐teorie, sosiale leer‐teorie en attributasieteorie om die oorsprong, aanwesigheid en voortsetting van wanpersepsies te verstaan. Data is versamel onder 640 studente uit ’n ewekansige steekproef van 3 177 studente wat uitgenooi was om gedurende September 2009 aan ’n webgebaseerde opname deel te neem. Daar is ook 18 in‐diepte semi‐gestruktureerde onderhoude met studente gevoer.   Soortgelyk aan bevindinge van navorsing in ander lande, toon resultate van hierdie navorsing dat studente aan Universiteit Stellenbosch geneig is om ander studente se drinkgedrag (beskrywende norm) en goedkeuring van alkoholverbruik (injunktiewe norm) as meer liberaal as hulle eie waar te neem. Die graad van wanpersepsie neem toe namate die sosiale afstand van verwysingsgroepe toeneem en hou ook betekenisvol verband met persoonlike alkoholgebruik. Daar is ook bewyse van wanpersepsies aangaande die akademiese norm en die verband daarvan met persoonlike drink‐  en akademiese gedrag. Resultate van ’n meervoudige regressie‐ontleding wys dat die waargenome drinknorm van goeie vriende die beste voorspeller van persoonlike drinkgedrag is, gevolg deur persoonlike goedkeuring van alkoholgebruik en drinkgedrag gedurende die laaste jaar van hoërskool. Die data van Stellenbosse studente lewer verder bewys dat portuurgroep‐drinknorme verkeerdelik waargeneem word en beklemtoon die belangrikheid van studente se vorige ervarings. Dit bewys ook dat die verkeerde waarneming van die drinknorm ’n konstante probleem is wat gedragsgevolge kan hê. Verskeie Amerikaanse universiteite het al veldtogte ontwikkel en geïmplementeer gemik op die regstel van dié wanpersepsies, en dit het wanpersepsies en swaar drankgebruik onder studente betekenisvol verminder. Studente aan Universiteit Stellenbosch en elders sal waarskynlik ook by soortgelyke intervensiestrategieë baat vind. / jfl2011 / Imported from http://etd.sun.ac.za

Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / Please refer to full text to view abstract.