M.A. / The success of a child's development from egocentricity to a broader socialization largely depends on the experiences of early childhood. The potential formative value of children's literature has repeatedly been proven by research. Being a cornerstone of children's literary heritage, the fairy tale has led to research being done from various perspectives. The tendency towards contemporary versions of traditional fairy tales has brought a new dimension to this genre and offers a field of research which up to now has been unexplored in South Africa. Apart from keeping them commercially viable, the various techniques used in contemporary versions can also transform them into podiums from which ideologies and viewpoints, feminism included, can be conveyed to children. With this in mind the study was undertaken by means of a literature survey. It concentrates on the different aspects concerning typical characteristics and the possible influence of fairy tales on children. Examples of contemporary versions readily available ill South Africa are discussed. The research has shown concern within feminist circles about possible sexist stereotypes which are brought across in children's literature, including traditional fairy tales, and the possible dangers it holds for the socialization of children. The feminist pursuit of a balanced portrayal of women in children's literature has led to the appearance of many contemporary versions of fairy tales in which the image of the traditional passive heroine is transformed, either subtly or radically. Research concerning the impact of these non-sexist versions on children and their acceptance or rejection of it, is limited and the results are inconclusive. The research has also touched upon the polemic surrounding the rewriting of traditional fairy tales in order to accommodate modern viewpoints. The possible danger involving biased interpretation of a diverse traditional literary genre has also been highlighted.

M.A. (Clinical Psychology) / The present study explores, through means of a selective literature study and the presentation of a descriptive single case study, whether fairy tales can be used as a viable medium or tool in therapeutic work with children. This involves an examination of a central debate between theoretical perspectives that advocate an understanding of fairy tales based on their intrinsic or absolute meaning or those that view fairy tales from a relational perspective where meaning is consensually negotiated and validated through its interpersonal locatedness. A single descriptive case study, in which fairy tale telling was a feature of a therapeutic case conducted with a five-year-old client at a children's home, is presented and evaluated in light of the literature reviewed. It was found that themes similar to those reflected in the review of the literature were present and evidenced by the therapist involved wi th the clinical case study. These themes are conceptualised using a constructivist framework that offers an integrative conceptualisation accommodating both intrapsychic as well as inter-personal theoretical distinctions.