Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 205-225).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Delaware, 2009. / Principal faculty advisor: Steven Peuquet, Center for Community Research & Service. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Université de Sherbrooke, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references.

Dissertation (Ph. D.)--University of Akron, Dept. of Public Administration and Urban Studies , 2009. / "May, 2009." Title from electronic dissertation title page (viewed 11/18/2009) Advisor, Raymond W. Cox III; Committee members, RaJade M. Berry-James, Ralph P. Hummel, Michael Nelson, Sylvester Murray; Interim Department Chair, Raymond W. Cox III; Dean of the College, Chand Midha; Dean of the Graduate School, George R. Newkome. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Boston University. / Introduction Social stratification is a well documented phenomenon in sociological literature; however, there is substantial recognition that understanding of the underlying principles is inadequate and incomplete. There is often confusion of general and specific types of stratification, and the most widely accepted stratification indices are based on studies of old, stable, and integrated communities. In the light of these limitations, there is an expressed need for (1) the investigation of various kinds of communities and (2) greater precision in defining the types of stratification studied. A socially heterogeneous, low income housing project, fictitiously designated Project HH, was selected as the field of study because a review of the literature did not reveal any such population as having been previously investigated. Using as a point of departure Max Weber's conceptualization of the three orders of stratification as manifested in political power, economic power and social status, this research confined itself to the question of social status. [TRUNCATED]

Following a stroke, the majority of survivors experience challenges returning to participation, also known as “involvement in life situations” in the International Classification of Functioning, Health, and Disability. Contextual factors, such as low income and linguistic minority status, have been shown to have an impact on participation post stroke; however, the process by which this occurs is poorly understood. The aim of this research was to increase our understanding of how low income and official minority language status influence the experience of return to participation following a stroke. A qualitative multiple case study approach was used with eight francophone stroke survivors living in a low-income situation in eastern Ontario (Canada). Data was collected from several sources: semi-structured interviews with the stroke survivors and with their care partners, participant observations, four measures, and chart reviews. Data was categorised, and patterns that furthered understanding of the experience of return to participation were identified during intra and cross-case analyses. The stroke survivors were all able to access healthcare and social services in both official languages, and the findings suggest that official language minority status had limited influence on the experience of return to participation. Low income, however, influenced precursors to participation by limiting the stroke survivors’ ability to afford housing, goods (e.g., medication, equipment), and services (e.g., transportation, private therapy). Certain personal and environmental factors modulated the experience of return to participation – specifically, age, knowledge of the healthcare and social service systems, support of family and friends, the built environment, and health literacy. The healthcare and social policies of the macro environment, which regulates the healthcare and social services, had a critical influence on the experience of return to participation for these stroke survivors, irrespective of their individual situations, unless wealth or financial support was available.

Firms targeting high-income consumers are finding their markets becoming increasingly saturated and this has caused a shift in focus to the extensive base of low-income consumers. The opportunity and wealth that is present in the low-income segment has been iterated in numerous instances, yet the challenges to compete in this market are plentiful. To better understand the low-income market and their needs, firms need to develop strong market sensing capabilities that allow them to interpret and develop insights into this market. This report seeks to better understand the adaptive and dynamic nature of these market sensing capabilities and how firms are using these to compete in low-income markets. A qualitative design was followed where 12 senior managers from 11 firms competing in the South African low-income market were interviewed. This was facilitated by a semi-structured in-depth interview method. An inductive and deductive analysis approach was used to interpret the findings against existing models, as well as to discover new themes emerging from the data. The findings included three key themes: the use of mixed method market sensing practices to adapt to the market; improving the capability through continuous sensing, responding and learning; and influencing success by creating an adaptive internal environment. Based on these findings, a framework for competing in low-income markets using market sensing capabilities was constructed. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / zkgibs2014 / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / MBA / Unrestricted

Magister Artium (Psychology) - MA(Psych) / There is widespread evidence that exposure to community violence is escalating at an alarming rate, not only in South Africa, but worldwide. The literature indicates that the cohort affected is primarily children and adolescents. Whilst a significant amount of empirical research focuses on exposure to community violence and the identification of risk and protective factors, there is a paucity of initiatives providing in-depth investigations into the dynamics of these factors. An explorative study grounded in the meanings which adolescents assign to risk and protective factors is essential to provide comprehensive and sensitive care to adolescents exposed to community violence. The aim of this study was to explore adolescents’ perceptions and understandings of the risk and protective factors related to community violence exposure in a low-income community in Cape Town. The current study utilised the PPCT model as it allowed the researcher to explore the way in which risk and protective factors function within different systems. Data was collected from 50 adolescents between the ages of 12 and 15. Five focus groups were used to collect the data, consisting of ten participants each, both males and females. Participants were purposively selected from a high school located in a low-income community in Cape Town. The ethical guidelines stipulated by the UWC and the WCED were strictly followed. Prior to the focus group interviews, informed consent and assent were obtained from both parents and participants. Participants were informed of their rights in the research process. The information collected from participants was analysed by means of a theoretical thematic analysis. This type of thematic analysis aims to identify information gathered, examined and described in rich detail, according to themes from the text, as proposed by Braun and Clarke (2006). This study aimed to contribute to the development of effective interventions and to add to the knowledge base of studies focusing on risk and protective factors associated with exposure to community violence among adolescents

This research project investigated the applicability of the 4As framework amongst the lowincome consumers for self-help housing in South Africa based on the study by Anderson and Billou (2007). In their research they established that in the heart of all organisations’ success in serving the low-income consumer; there is development of an approach that delivers the 4As, namely: acceptability, availability, affordability and awareness. South Africa, like the rest of the developing world, has a dire need to address poverty with regards to shelter as a more visible dimension of poverty. The lack of housing delivery has persisted despite South Africa putting in place a number of housing initiatives meant to alleviate the housing backlog. This research was conducted under the assumption that when people have control and responsibility over key decisions in the housing process (self-help housing), that helps break the barrier to alleviation of poverty and lack of reasonable housing. Recognition of any continuous improvement idea in low-cost housing (like the 4As framework), should help strengthen the self-help housing efforts and help the state achieve more with less effort. The study was conducted using quantitative method - focused on the consumer perspective and was confined to household owners whose earnings are less than R3,500 per month. This was the target group in the scope of the study regarded as the lowincome housing consumer and were designated as ‘poor’ for purposes of this study. The study found that the 4As framework does work and can be applied in the low-income consumer market for self-help housing needs. The research also found that affordability and availability were the highest rated by the poor consumers confirming the theory that affordability and availability of products amongst the low-income consumers are the main barriers. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

The housing shortage in South Africa is a major concern for low-income people, due to the disadvantaged communities that were developed under the Apartheid system. The system separated disadvantaged communities from the Central Business Districts, making it difficult to meet their basic needs. The housing shortage and lack of job opportunities became critical after the fall of the Apartheid regime in 1994. The ANC Government came to power in 1994, promising a better life, employment opportunities and housing for all people who were in the struggle during Apartheid. Due to social, economical and political problems in South Africa, the Government could not respond to all the demands in time. Because of the delay of the promises made by the Government, people began to strike, demanding better job opportunities and other social economic services, specifically housing. The Apartheid system had created low-income jobs for the disadvantaged communities with the majority of people working in the Central Business Districts. Their salaries were not enough to sustain their families, transport and others necessities. They travelled by bus, train or taxi and then walked long distances to reach their destinations. / Dissertation (MArch(Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Architecture / unrestricted