Ph.D. (Social Work) / The problem stated by the candidate is twofold: * family planning programmes throughout the world have generally been unsuccessful; * the question arises as to whether social workers can contribute to family planning and population programmes and what such contribution should comprise. Family planning organisers are confronted with various problems when initiating a family planning programme and trying to ensure that it will function effectively - identifying the target group in terms of numbers and demographic and social characteristics; motivating the target group towards active participation in the family planning programme; motivation for active participation in the family planning programme by the target group, and maintaining of the contraceptive regimen by those already engaged in the family planning programme. Official statistics and research findings in respect of the first two problems are available in South Africa; no adequate information exists in regard to the latter problem according to which programme organisers can plan and operate. A review of research on family planning and population programmes conducted in South Africa and other countries was undertaken. This includes a study of the findings of various KAP investigations. An empirical investigation was undertaken on an aspect in the field of study of which there is insufficient knowledge - a study that is an individual contribution towards existing knowledge. On numerous occasions in this thesis it becomes evident that social workers, by virtue of their special knowledge, values and skills, can make a unique and professional contribution to the dissemination of family planning. One of the particular skills of the social worker is that of conducting interviews. The social worker also has the ability to motivate people towards change in their behaviour. The social worker can therefore, through personal interviewing, guidance and motivation of people, contribute to the expansion of the population programme in general and the family planning programme in particular...