There is a paucity of research in the area of women abusing substances and the effects thereof on family cohesion. Lameman (2008:83) has claimed that “women substance abuse is surrounded by secrecy owing to the societal position and history of women in South Africa and worldwide”. Because women abuse substances in private it is reasonable to assume that there is little known on the effects of such abuse on especially the family and society at large. Mammam (2006:55) points out that “families continue to evolve like any other system as a way of adapting to the environment and responding to the changes around it”. Families continue to survive because of the attractiveness the family has to its members. Studies on family cohesion such as by Grisham and Adele (2008) reflect some of the most important reflectors of family cohesion as respect, sharing values and beliefs, emotional support, trust, intimacy and the ability to confide in each other. The survival of the family therefore rests on cohesion. Since a family is a unit there are different roles played by each member and in rural settings where roles, status and perceptions in terms of gender are slow to change, the question was how substance abuse by a woman would possibly affect family cohesion. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) 2011 World Drug Report indicated that South Africa is a major African hub for certain drugs such as heroin and cannabis (marijuana), as well as a major producer of others, including methamphetamines. Large numbers of South African citizens also abuse drugs and alcohol, and the country has one of the world’s highest alcohol consumption levels per drinker. Possibly the greatest negative effect of drug and alcohol abuse is that it slows down or stops emotional and psychological development, preventing people from reaching their full potential, (UNODC, 2011). Added to this is the burden placed on society by health care and criminal justice costs related to substance abuse, as well as the costs associated with decreased productivity in the workplace, increased HIV transmission, domestic violence, injury and death (UNODC, 2011).

M.A. / Western models are often used when treating families in the South African context. However, these models prove to be inappropriate because of the unique South African multi-cultural context. This unique cultural context necessitates the adaptation of models to the diversity of traditional African families. The social functioning of the traditional African family must first be described before a suitable therapeutic model can be developed. The primary purpose of this study was to describe the social functioning of the traditional Tswana family in Bapong. A qualitative research method was used to describe the social functioning of the traditional Tswana family in Bapong. This method was used because little is known about the social functioning of such a family and it was necessary to obtain as much information as possible. The focus was on family functioning within the natural environment. Participatory observation, as well as unstructured interviewing, was primarily used to collect data. Bapong served as population. For the purpose of the study a non-probabilistic purposeful random sample was used, three Bapong families were identified and field notes and audio-cassettes were used for data capturing. The audio-cassettes were transcribed. Data processing was done by means of analysis schedules, which were compiled and categorised by referring to the contents of the transcripts and field notes. Establishing relations within the different categories identified the central themes. The themes were presented as results. These results were compared with relevant literature, to support the trustworthiness of the research. The trustworthiness of the study was also tested on the basis of credibility, transferability, consistency and impartiality. Conclusions concerning methodology, content and context were drawn from the study. The methodological conclusions concern the research method used. Conclusions about the content dealt with the objectives of the empirical study. Contextual conclusions were general conclusions drawn from the specific study. Recommendations are based on the results of, and the conclusions drawn from the preceding study. The recommendations are focussed on enrichment of practice, broadening of training and identifying possible research.

Marriages with differences in religion are a source of misunderstanding, friction, and disharmony, and as a result, such marriages are exposed to a breakdown. Religion is not merely a set of beliefs, but a way of living and thinking. When this differs, it causes misunderstanding in the family and may cause marriage failure as adjustments to each other becomes compocated. D vorce is much more common in mixed marriages whether of different culture, religious or socio-economic background than when the backgrounds are similar. Religious similarity is linked to marital durability. The researcher wanted to indicate through this work that the increase of. marriages between people of different religious faiths does not really matter to people any longer. It is proved in this research that the outcome of such marriages is in most cases disastrous. Mixed marriages are the object of attention in every society because of their life meaning. Marriage is more than a relationship between individuals. It involves many more people, It is suggested in this study that African traditional methods like mahundwane (camping or a miniature village), betrothal and the giving of thakha (bride wealth} in marriage should be used to prevent both mixed marriages and marital problems which usually leads to marriage breakdown. / Religious Studies and Arabic / D. Litt et Phil. (Religious Studies)

The migrant labour practice in South Africa played an important role in the country's development and economy. Although it has benefited many native migrant workers by creating job opportunities, it has had adverse effects on the families of migrant workers. The focus of this study is the phenomenon of migrant labouring and its effects on the family. A literature study has shown that migrant labourers, living in overcrowded city hostels, were subjected to exploitation, malnutrition and crime. The empirical study brought to light the many problems experienced by the families back home: Wives were overburdened by dual roles and responsibilities, lack of support and money, children's development was impeded and academic motivations and performance were low. The ultimate aim of this study was to design practical guidelines to help families cope with the effects of an absent father due to the migrant labour practice. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed.(Guidance and Counselling)

The abuse of and addiction to substances by parents of adolescents, especially in rural areas, is recognised as a major national and international social concern. South African legislation and policy documents provide a framework that emphasises the need to protect and care for children of addicted parents. Literature and recent studies, however, do not focus on how adolescents in rural communities experience dealing with an addicted parent. For this reason, this research study explored and described the experiences and coping strategies of adolescents in rural communities regarding the parents’ addiction. The study was based on a qualitative research approach and made use of the contextual, explorative, descriptive and narrative research designs. The findings illustrate the descriptions of participants’ perceptions and experiences related to living in a farming community, the nature of parental substance addiction, how it affects them, how they deal with it and their perceptions of support needed by them. Recommendations in terms of the micro, mezzo and macro levels serves as guidelines for social workers to assist adolescents of substance-addicted parents with the needed support, protection and care. / Social Work / M.A. (Social Work)

Thesis (M. A. (Sociology)) -- University of the North, 1974 / Refer to the document

Marriages with differences in religion are a source of misunderstanding, friction, and disharmony, and as a result, such marriages are exposed to a breakdown. Religion is not merely a set of beliefs, but a way of living and thinking. When this differs, it causes misunderstanding in the family and may cause marriage failure as adjustments to each other becomes compocated. D vorce is much more common in mixed marriages whether of different culture, religious or socio-economic background than when the backgrounds are similar. Religious similarity is linked to marital durability. The researcher wanted to indicate through this work that the increase of. marriages between people of different religious faiths does not really matter to people any longer. It is proved in this research that the outcome of such marriages is in most cases disastrous. Mixed marriages are the object of attention in every society because of their life meaning. Marriage is more than a relationship between individuals. It involves many more people, It is suggested in this study that African traditional methods like mahundwane (camping or a miniature village), betrothal and the giving of thakha (bride wealth} in marriage should be used to prevent both mixed marriages and marital problems which usually leads to marriage breakdown. / Religious Studies and Arabic / D. Litt et Phil. (Religious Studies)

The migrant labour practice in South Africa played an important role in the country's development and economy. Although it has benefited many native migrant workers by creating job opportunities, it has had adverse effects on the families of migrant workers. The focus of this study is the phenomenon of migrant labouring and its effects on the family. A literature study has shown that migrant labourers, living in overcrowded city hostels, were subjected to exploitation, malnutrition and crime. The empirical study brought to light the many problems experienced by the families back home: Wives were overburdened by dual roles and responsibilities, lack of support and money, children's development was impeded and academic motivations and performance were low. The ultimate aim of this study was to design practical guidelines to help families cope with the effects of an absent father due to the migrant labour practice. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed.(Guidance and Counselling)

The abuse of and addiction to substances by parents of adolescents, especially in rural areas, is recognised as a major national and international social concern. South African legislation and policy documents provide a framework that emphasises the need to protect and care for children of addicted parents. Literature and recent studies, however, do not focus on how adolescents in rural communities experience dealing with an addicted parent. For this reason, this research study explored and described the experiences and coping strategies of adolescents in rural communities regarding the parents’ addiction. The study was based on a qualitative research approach and made use of the contextual, explorative, descriptive and narrative research designs. The findings illustrate the descriptions of participants’ perceptions and experiences related to living in a farming community, the nature of parental substance addiction, how it affects them, how they deal with it and their perceptions of support needed by them. Recommendations in terms of the micro, mezzo and macro levels serves as guidelines for social workers to assist adolescents of substance-addicted parents with the needed support, protection and care. / Social Work / M.A. (Social Work)

How African individuals perceive the family life cycle, is the topic of this research. This qualitative study was facilitated with two individuals. Constructivism was used to explore how individuals create their reality. The Person-Centred Approach was studied to understand the importance of the Self- concept in the individual, and the role played by perceptions created in an ever-changing environment. Systems theory helped understand the interaction of family members as a system (family), especially the creation of stability after a state of disequilibrium – in this case, transitions between stages of the life cycle. Only with one respondent were some differences identified compared to the Western view of the life cycle. It was thus concluded that the family life cycle can be used as a guideline during therapy, regarding difficult transitions people (including African people) have to make, for therapists working from both the Person-Centred Approach and the systems perspective. / Social Work / (M.A. (Social Work (Mental Health))