The aim of this research was to undertake cross-county comparisons within the UK in relation to cross-border HE study mobility in order to inform understanding of, and raise issues in relation to, social inequalities between students, and the role and effect in this of policy and sectoral conditions associated with where they live. The research examined whether cross-border mobility for study within the UK reinforces inequalities in higher education (HE) participation, in relation to students’ social origin, educational background and ethnicity. It contributes new knowledge on this form of HE participation, to wider research on social inequalities in HE, and on issues of social citizenship in post-devolution UK. Sectoral and policy differences within the UK provided context for the study, which also drew on research evidence on student choice and participation, and theoretically on the concept of situated rationality in both rational action theory, specifically relative risk aversion, and cultural reproduction theory as applied to HE participation. Student and country/region differences in mobility to geographical and institution destinations were analysed using Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data, principally of young full-time undergraduate entrants in 2012 (N=290510; N movers=22155). Key variables were social characteristics, attainment, field of study and tariff level of the institution entered; and additionally field of study supply, average earnings and professional employment rates. Descriptive, logistic regression, marginal effects and average marginal effects analyses provided findings on student differences and inequalities in outward mobility. The findings suggest that cross-border mobility serves different purposes by country of domicile. Established paths in relation to social and geographical origin appeared important in the high outward mobility from Northern Ireland and Wales, as did HE supply within Northern Ireland, and to a lesser extent within Wales. From Scotland, there was less concentration of destinations in relation to place, with patterns of mobility explained better by institution type entered; and from England mobility was defined more strongly by place of domicile for movement to Wales and by institution type entered for movement to Scotland. Mobility was associated with entering an institution with a higher average entry tariff compared to staying in the home country. An overall relationship was found between socio-economic advantage and mobility, but there were important findings that could not be interpreted as simply reproducing wider inequalities in HE participation which sectoral and policy contextual factors helped to explain. Although social class effect on mobility from England was limited, and being ‘first generation’ was positively associated with mobility from Northern Ireland. Despite the extent of mobility from Northern Ireland and Wales of students from a range of backgrounds, social class effects were strong for students from both. Shorter compared to longer distance cross-border mobility appeared less strongly associated with socio-economic advantage and more strongly with movement to lower tariff institutions. Relative field of study under-supply within the home country was associated more with mobility to lower than higher tariff institutions. Some Black and Minority Ethnic students may be mobile to enter an HEI or location with greater ethnic mix than their home area. Inflows from the rest of the UK had the strongest impact on Welsh and Scottish institutions. Cross-border mobility can be conceptualised as reasoned action based on a cost-benefit evaluation influenced both by the students’ cultural and financial resources, and external constraints and opportunities. It reinforces social inequalities in HE participation, but there is under-recognised social diversity in this mobility, as enabling policy conditions also benefit those from less socio-economically advantaged backgrounds. Such students are least likely to have the resources to mitigate any policy changes that increase the cost of or create barriers to cross-border mobility; and would be least likely to have the resources to be mobile to overcome any reduction in the availability and accessibility of HE in the home country. These groups of students that should be the main focus of concern and attention both in further policy development and in future research.

The recent advent of shale gas in the U.S. has redefined the economics of ethylene manufacturing globally, causing a shift towards low-cost U.S. production due to natural gas feedstock, while reinforcing the industry's reliance on fossil fuels. At the same time, the global climate change crisis compels a transition to a low-carbon economy. These two influencing factors are complex, contested, and uncertain. This paper projects the United States' (U.S.) future ethylene supply in the context of two megatrends: the natural gas surge and global climate change. The analysis models the future U.S. supply of ethylene in 2050 based on plausible socio-economic scenarios in response to climate change mitigation and adaptation pathways as well as a range of natural gas feedstock prices. This Vector Error Correction Model explores the relationships between these variables. The results show that ethylene supply increased in nearly all modeled scenarios. A combination of lower population growth, lower consumption, and higher natural gas prices reduced ethylene supply by 2050. In most cases, forecasted CO2 emissions from ethylene production rose. This is the first study to project future ethylene supply to go beyond the price of feedstocks and include socio-economic variables relevant to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Magister Philosophiae - MPhil / The South African Constitution, 1996 has placed the right to sufficient water as a Constitutional right. The provision of this right by the Constitution intends to redress the violation of human rights, to ensure that South Africa’s scarce water resources are protected from pollution and that every South African, including the poor and the marginalised, enjoys them. Consequently, the Constitution has placed a legal obligation on the government to realise the right to have access to sufficient water. In order for the government to fulfil its obligation to provide water as a right for present and future generations, it will need to implement the relevant legislation effectively to protect the country’s water resources. This study analyses Section 27 of the Constitution, which provides for the right to access to water, and the role of sustainability in conserving and protecting water resources, given the recurring water challenges.

O presente trabalho busca compreender e analisar a partir de um ponto de vista conceitual o termo cultura ecológica, que vem sendo usado como sinônimo de uma infinidade de conceitos associados à racionalidade econômica capitalista. O objetivo principal deste trabalho não é definir o quê é cultura ecológica, mas apontar as suas possíveis potencialidades conceituais, já que até agora tem se forjado como um termo mais normativo do que conceitual. Este trabalho propõe uma análise teórica - critica do termo e de vários aspectos ligados a ele, questionando e refletindo sobre a atual crise socioambiental. Primeiramente faz-se uma análise dos termos cultura, ecologia e cultura ecológica, apontando para os usos atuais desta idéia. Baseando-se em alguns aspectos teóricos de Karl Marx, de Max Weber e usando o conceito de cultura política de Gabriel Almond e Sidney Verba, analisaram-se algumas possibilidades de estudo da cultura ecológica. Depois, refletiu-se sobre a relação entre idéias e práticas ecológicas apoiando-se no conceito de práxis, o que levou também a tratar do espaço público, da cidadania e do individualismo. / This study aims to understand and analyze from a conceptual point of view the term ecological culture, which has been used as a synonymous of several concepts associated to the capitalist economic rationality. Thus, the main objective is not to define what ecological culture is, but to point at the possible conceptual potentialities, since it has been shaped as a normative term, instead of a conceptual one. This study suggests a theoretical and critical analysis of the term and of several aspects linked to it, inquiring and reflecting on the current socio environmental crisis. First of all, an analysis of the terms culture, ecology and ecological culture is done, pointing at the current usages of the term ecological culture. Some possibilities of study of the ecological culture are analyzed based upon theoretical aspects from Karl Marx, Max Weber and using the political culture concept from Gabriel Almond and Sidney Verba. Finally, a reflection on the relation between ecological ideas and practices is made using the praxis concept, what leads to treat about public sphere, citizenship and individualism.

Thesis (M.Dev.) --University of Limpopo, 2001. / The aim of this study was to examine the impact of socio-economic factors on scholastic performance (achievement) ofleamers in the secondary school. The study was conducted in the Southern Region of the Northern Province, in the Nebo District. The Southern Regio which is made up of basically Nebo and Sekhukhune, forms part of the former Lebowa and is basically rural. A literature study was-conducted, which unravelled and brought into surface factors of social and economic nature, which are contrary to effective learning and contributes towards poor performance, especially in public secondary schools. Literature study revealed that learners from disadvantaged backgrounds especially in the rural communities have their learning process heavily affected and disturbed by social and economic factors. An empirical survey was also conducted to establish the views and opinions of parents, educators and the learners themselves. A qualitative research method was used. Letebele Marishane Secondary School in Ngwaritsi circuit was used as a case study. Educators completed questionnaire whilst learners and parents were engaged in focus group interviews (discussion groups). Information gathered through observations was also taken into account. Both the literature review and the empirical survey agreed that the learner's background that is his/her family, home environment; his/her neighbourhood and other factors of economic and social nature can impact positively or negatively on performance in the classroom. That is, according to information gathered, learners from advantaged backgrounds stand a better chance in the classroom than learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. It is evident therefore that poverty that prevails amongst the rural communities impacts on learning and performance in the examination and other classroom activities.

This study examined whether cultural factors could predict parents' attitudes toward the use of harsh physical punishment on their children in Akwa Ibom state in Nigeria. Presuming that most people disapprove of child abuse, different cultural groups may define the parental behaviors that constitute abuse differently, and such variances may result in a disparity of identification of parents from some cultures as more abusive than others. Four different independent cultural variables were measured: (a) conflict tactics, (b) nurturance, (c) drinking, and (d) valuing children. Form P, Part E of Dimension of Disciplinary Inventory (DDI) was used to measure parents' perception of physical punishment. Part C of Form P of DDI was used to measure Conflict tactics. Nurturance scale was used to measure the warmth patents display toward their children. Valuing Scale was used to measure the amount of value parents place on their children, while Heavy Drinking Scale measured parents' frequency of drinking. Random sampling approach was used to select 269 parents' who were administered the questionnaires. A multiple linear regression analysis was applied to examine the contributions of the independent variables with the dependent variable of parents' attitudes toward physical punishment of children The results of the multiple regression analysis showed that all 4 cultural variables predicted parental attitudes toward physical punishment. Results will provide greater understanding of the Nigerian attitudes toward physical punishment of children, and thus offer a foundation for future public education with the goal of reducing the use of physical punishment at the individual and community levels.

Thesis (M.Dev.) --University of Limpopo, 2010 / The focus of the study was on the socio-economic impact of illegal Zimbabwean migration in South Africa and the measures taken by the South African government to deal with illegal migration. The study was qualitative in nature and concentrated on illegal Zimbabwean immigrants and government officials from the departments of Health and Social Development, Home Affairs and the South African Police Service as subjects. The area of study was Polokwane City under the Capricorn District. According to the research findings, the majority of Zimbabwean illegal immigrants chose to migrate illegally because they do not have passports to enable them to apply for visas, those who have visas cannot afford to pay the R2000 needed for a visa and also because South African due to the porous nature of South African borders, it is easier to migrate illegally than legally. Illegal immigrants have a serious impact on housing in terms of illegal squatting and the health sector. A positive impact has also been identified through the research findings in terms of cheap labour and on the formal and informal business sectors through the purchasing of goods and commodities for use and resale back in Zimbabwe.

Thesis (MPA.) --University of Limpopo, 2010 / This study focuses on the nature of migration and the socio-economic conditions in the households of Mogalakwena Local Municipality, Limpopo Province. The study investigates the relationship between labour or economic migration and the socio-economic conditions in the households. Mogalakwena Local Municipality was used as a case study and three villages were sampled for this study. A total of hundred twenty (120) households in the three villages were sampled for the survey, using structured questionnaire. The study used the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for analysis of data and derived frequencies, percentages, mean, graphs and charts from various households. The study found that there is a great difference in terms of the living standards, comparing households with and without migrants. It was also found that only 3, 3 % of the respondents are arguing labour migration is affecting the socio-economic conditions negatively in the households. Whereas, 64, 2 % are arguing that labour migration is found to be impacting positively on the socio- economic conditions in the households.Recommendations and conclusions were made on how to address the negative socio-economic impact of labour migration on households in the rural areas. / National Research Foundation

Thesis (M.Cur.) --University of Limpopo, 2013 / Previous research about people living with HIV and AIDS has highlighted social support as an important determinant of health outcomes; i.e. perceived support to be associated with adjustment and coping in relation to HIV diagnosis, as well as its potentially chronic and disability course . The purpose of the study is to determine the effects of HIV and AIDS on the socio-economic status of people infected with HIV and AIDS at the village of Ga-Mathabatha in the Capricorn District of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. In this study, a qualitative, descriptive, exploratory and contextual design is used. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to carefully select the sample based on the knowledge that the participants had about the phenomena studied. Semi-structured, one-on-one, in-depth interview with a schedule guide were conducted until saturation of data was reached. To initiate each interview, a central question was was asked: “Describe the effects that HIV and AIDS have on your socio-economic status”. Participants were given an opportunity to describe their experiences with regard to the effects of HIV and AIDS on their socio-economic status. Field notes of semi-structured, one-to-one, in-depth interview session were recorded. A voice recorder was used to capture all the semi-structured, one-to-one, in-depth interviews. The recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim, using Tesch’s qualitative data analysis method. Trustworthiness was ensured by using Guba’s model criteria; i.e. credibility, transferability, confirmability, and dependability. The results indicate that HIV and AIDS have an effect on the socio-economic status of HIV-positive people. Ethical standards for nurse researchers were adhered to, namely permission to conduct the study was obtained from the Medunsa Research and Ethics Committee. Permission to conduct the research project was granted by the Limpopo Turfloop Campus, Limpopo Provincial Department of Health and Social Development, and the ART clinic management at the Ga-mathabatha Relebogile Wellness and ART Clinic. To ensure confidentiality and anonymity, written informed consent was obtained from each participant before he/she could participate in the study. The quality of the research was also insured. Five themes and their sub-themes, and the literature control are presented in the discussion of the research findings. The findings of this study have a central story line which reveals that participants are sharing similar experiences in terms of socio-economic factors after they have tested HIV-positive which are related to several factors; including the involvement of family and friends in their care, changes encountered which affect their social life, household income, and their living conditions. The following five themes and their sub-themes have emerged during data analysis: Theme 1: Different sources of income of HIV-positive people; Theme 2: Living conditions of HIV-positive people; Theme 3: Consequences related to HIV and AIDS disease progression; Theme 4: Support and care to HIV-positive people; and Theme 5: Disclosure versus non-disclosure of HIV-positive status. The results of this study are limited to the Relebogile Wellness and ART Clinic in the Ga-Mathabatha area of the Capricorn District in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study findings cannot be generalised to all clinics that are issuing ARVs in the Capricorn District. Study conclusions emphasise the fact that there is a need for HIV and AIDS positive patients to receive continuous support from family, friends, and the community with the purpose of enabling them to cope emotionally, socially, and economically. It also reveals the importance of participants to take their treatment as prescribed with the aim of improving their immune systems. The recommendations emphasise the fact that there is a need for HIV and AIDS patients to receive continuous support from family, friends, and the community with the purpose of enabling them to cope emotionally, socially, and economically. TERMINOLOGY Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) HIV is a virus which has a known and distinct capacity to cause Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome once it has entered the body. It attacks a person’s immune system (Kaushik, Pandey & Pande, 2006:43) Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) It is the fourth stage of HIV infection and it is usually characterised by a CD4 count of less than 200. It is not a specific illness but rather a collection of illnesses that affect the body to such an extent that the weakened immune system struggles to respond effectively (Kaushik et al., 2006:43) Effects Effects are consequences that are brought about by a cause (Kaushik, Pandey & Pande, 2006:56). Examples of effects are changes in the health status, and standard of living of a population as a result of a programme, project or activity. In this study, effects refer to changes in the socio-economic status of a population that have occurred as a result of the breadwinner in a family who has become unable to go to work due to a weakened immune system that results from HIV and AIDS. Epidemic It is the occurrence of cases of an illness (or an outbreak) in a specific population with a frequency clearly in excess of the normal probability (Giesecke, 2007:19). In this study, an epidemic refers to the effect HIV and AIDS has on the population. Socio-economic status Socio-economic status refers to the standardised way of grouping a population in terms of parental occupation, income, power, prestige, and education (Kirsh, 2006:287). In this study, socio-economic status defines a person’s monthly income, education, and occupation. Family A group of people living together in a permanent arrangement, separated from the rest of the world by the walls of the family dwelling and by societal guarantees of family privacy (Bachmann & Booyens, 2006:4). In this study, a family denotes those people who are living under the same roof with a breadwinner who is HIV-positive.

Thesis (M.Dev.) --University of Limpopo, 2007 / The study deals with the socio-economic impact of land restoration on the Masha Community. Members of Masha Community opted to relocate to their ancestral land, Kalkfontein, which they successfully reclaimed in the year 2000. The study interrogates if the restoration of land to the Community has made any positive impact on their social and economic well being. It focuses on the key challenges posed by land restoration to both the Community and the different spheres of government. It also deals with the challenges of leadership among the Masha Community which are threatening the attainment of developmental goals at Kalkfontion. The study concludes by making some concrete proposals and recommendations on how the State, the Community and various developmental agencies could resolve the problems faced by Communities such as the Masha after their land has been restored. / the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, and the University of Limpopo.