Esta pesquisa tem como tema central a questão de gênero e trabalho feminino. Traçando como objetivo geral analisar as percepções do trabalho na ótica das cuidadoras sociais de casas lares em Curitiba e Região Metropolitana. Delimitamos como objetivos específicos: identificar o papel das cuidadoras sociais da casa lar, a partir dos significados por elas atribuídos; identificar as fragilidades e gratificações na relação de trabalho das cuidadoras sociais no contexto da perspectiva de gênero; analisar as relações de trabalho as quais são submetidas às cuidadoras sociais, bem como a legislação profissional. Realizamos uma pesquisa com referencial metodológico qualitativo. Como técnica para a coleta de dados, utilizamos a entrevista semiestruturada com 15 cuidadoras sociais das instituições selecionadas. Foi utilizada a técnica de análise de conteúdo. Em relação às análises e interpretações dos dados coletados se verificou que a maioria das entrevistadas se considera de alguma forma mãe das crianças e adolescentes institucionalizados, o que indica, a princípio, que não compreendem a profissão de cuidadoras sociais como um trabalho. Percebe-se ainda, que este fato dificulta a percepção acerca da desvalorização social e financeira da profissão. A pesquisa apontou a importância de se constituir nos espaços das casas lares a implementação de formações continuadas, já que na maioria das entrevistas se identificou que no processo do trabalho as cuidadoras sociais se identificam como mães das crianças e adolescentes acolhidos e não se reconhecem como profissionais do cuidado. Dessa forma, uma das percepções observadas na pesquisa foi a necessidade que haja, por parte dos setores públicos, a responsabilidade de averiguar como as instituições contratantes dessas profissionais estão capacitando essas mulheres, como uma maneira de provocar nesses espaços a materialização de ações que minimizem a desvalorização desta profissão. / This research has as central theme the issue of gender and women's work. The objective of this study is to analyze the perceptions of work from the point of view of the social caregivers of homes of children in disadvantaged or at risks in Curitiba and Metropolitan Region. We define as specific objectives: to identify the role of the social caregivers of the home, based on the meanings assigned by them; Identify the weaknesses and gratifications in the work relationship of social caregivers in the context of the gender perspective; Analyze the labor relations that are submitted the social caregivers, as well as professional legislation. We conducted a qualitative methodological research. As a technique for data collection, we used the semistructured interview with 15 social caregivers of the selected institutions. The technique of content analysis was used. Regarding the analyzes and interpretations of the collected data, it was verified that the majority of the interviewees consider themselves to be somehow the mother of the institutionalized children and adolescents, which indicates, in principle, that they do not understand the profession of social caregivers as a job. It is also perceived that this fact makes it difficult to perceive the social and financial devaluation of the profession. The research pointed out the importance of the establishment of continuous training in the homes of children in disadvantaged or at risks, since in most of the interviews it was identified that in the work process, the social caregivers identify themselves as mothers of the children and adolescents who are accepted and do not recognize themselves as professionals Of care. Thus, one of the perceptions observed in the research was the need for the public sectors to determine how the contracting institutions of these professionals are empowering these women, as a way to provoke in these spaces the materialization of actions that minimize the devaluation of this profession.

Esta pesquisa tem como tema central a questão de gênero e trabalho feminino. Traçando como objetivo geral analisar as percepções do trabalho na ótica das cuidadoras sociais de casas lares em Curitiba e Região Metropolitana. Delimitamos como objetivos específicos: identificar o papel das cuidadoras sociais da casa lar, a partir dos significados por elas atribuídos; identificar as fragilidades e gratificações na relação de trabalho das cuidadoras sociais no contexto da perspectiva de gênero; analisar as relações de trabalho as quais são submetidas às cuidadoras sociais, bem como a legislação profissional. Realizamos uma pesquisa com referencial metodológico qualitativo. Como técnica para a coleta de dados, utilizamos a entrevista semiestruturada com 15 cuidadoras sociais das instituições selecionadas. Foi utilizada a técnica de análise de conteúdo. Em relação às análises e interpretações dos dados coletados se verificou que a maioria das entrevistadas se considera de alguma forma mãe das crianças e adolescentes institucionalizados, o que indica, a princípio, que não compreendem a profissão de cuidadoras sociais como um trabalho. Percebe-se ainda, que este fato dificulta a percepção acerca da desvalorização social e financeira da profissão. A pesquisa apontou a importância de se constituir nos espaços das casas lares a implementação de formações continuadas, já que na maioria das entrevistas se identificou que no processo do trabalho as cuidadoras sociais se identificam como mães das crianças e adolescentes acolhidos e não se reconhecem como profissionais do cuidado. Dessa forma, uma das percepções observadas na pesquisa foi a necessidade que haja, por parte dos setores públicos, a responsabilidade de averiguar como as instituições contratantes dessas profissionais estão capacitando essas mulheres, como uma maneira de provocar nesses espaços a materialização de ações que minimizem a desvalorização desta profissão. / This research has as central theme the issue of gender and women's work. The objective of this study is to analyze the perceptions of work from the point of view of the social caregivers of homes of children in disadvantaged or at risks in Curitiba and Metropolitan Region. We define as specific objectives: to identify the role of the social caregivers of the home, based on the meanings assigned by them; Identify the weaknesses and gratifications in the work relationship of social caregivers in the context of the gender perspective; Analyze the labor relations that are submitted the social caregivers, as well as professional legislation. We conducted a qualitative methodological research. As a technique for data collection, we used the semistructured interview with 15 social caregivers of the selected institutions. The technique of content analysis was used. Regarding the analyzes and interpretations of the collected data, it was verified that the majority of the interviewees consider themselves to be somehow the mother of the institutionalized children and adolescents, which indicates, in principle, that they do not understand the profession of social caregivers as a job. It is also perceived that this fact makes it difficult to perceive the social and financial devaluation of the profession. The research pointed out the importance of the establishment of continuous training in the homes of children in disadvantaged or at risks, since in most of the interviews it was identified that in the work process, the social caregivers identify themselves as mothers of the children and adolescents who are accepted and do not recognize themselves as professionals Of care. Thus, one of the perceptions observed in the research was the need for the public sectors to determine how the contracting institutions of these professionals are empowering these women, as a way to provoke in these spaces the materialization of actions that minimize the devaluation of this profession.

This thesis contributes to two completely unrelated debates in the economic literature, similar only in the relatively high degree of controversy characterizing each one. <p>The first part is methodological and macroeconomic in nature, addressing the question of whether the distribution of income across countries is converging (i.e. are the poor catching up to the rich?) or diverging (i.e. are we witnessing the formation of two exclusive clubs, one for poor countries and another one for rich countries?). Applications of the simple Markov model to this question have generated evidence in favor of the divergence hypothesis. In the first chapter, I critically review these results. I use statistical inference to show that the divergence results are not statistically robust, and I explain that this instability of the results comes from the application of a model for discrete data to data that is actually continuous. In the second chapter, I reposition the whole convergence-divergence debate by placing it in the context of Silverman’s classic survey of non-parametric density estimation techniques. This allows me to use the basic notions of fuzzy logic to adapt the simple Markov chain model to continuous data. When I apply the newly adapted Markov chain model to the cross-country distribution question, I find evidence against the divergence hypothesis, and this evidence is statistically robust. <p>The second part of the thesis is empirical and microeconomic in nature. I question whether observed differences between husbands’ and wives’ participation in labor markets are due to different preferences or to different constraints. My identification strategy is based on the idea that the more power an individual has relative to his/her partner, the more his/her actions will reflect his/her preferences. I use 2001 PSID data on cohabiting couples to estimate a simultaneous equations model of the spousal time allocation decision. My results confirm the stylized fact that specialization and trade does not explain time allocation for couples in which the wife is the primary breadwinner, and suggest that power could provide a more general explanation of the observations. My results show that wives with relatively more power choose to work more on the labor market and less at home, whereas husbands with more power choose to do the opposite. Since women start out from a lower level of labor market participation than men do, it would seem that spouses’ agree that the ideal mix of market work and housework lies somewhere between the husbands’ and the wives’ current positions. / Doctorat en sciences économiques, Orientation économie / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

MSCPNT / Department of Nutrition / Introduction: In the year 2012, South Africa had a prevalence rate of stunting in children aged 1- 3, 4 - 6 and 7 – 9 years at 26.5%, 11.9% and 9.4%, respectively (Shisana et al. (2013). The Greater Sekhukhune District Municipality (GSDM) also showed a high rate of stunting (36%) in children aged 13 to 215 months of age (FIVIMS, 2006). The GSDM had a high unemployment rate of 69% to 82.4% (Statistics SA, 2006; Department of Social Development, 2008).). South Africa has adequate food supplies to feed the entire population at the national level (Labadarios et al., 2011; du Toit et al., 2011); however, there is evidence of under-nutrition caused by lack of purchasing power, and not a shortage of food (Rose and Charlton, 2001). Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the employment status of the mother, household hunger and the nutritional status of children aged one to twelve years (1-12 years) in households of Sekhukhune District in Limpopo Province. Objectives : The objectives of the study were to determine the socio-economic status of the household; to assess the nutritional status of children using anthropometric measurements; to assess dietary patterns of children in households; to determine household food security using food inventories; to determine the prevalence of household hunger using the standardized hunger scale; to determine the coping strategies to food deprivation used in each household and to determine the association between employment status of the mother, nutritional status of children and household hunger. Methodology: The study design was a cross sectional, exploratory and correlational study. The study used both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. A simple random sampling method was used to select nine villages from Makhuduthamaga local municipality and twenty households per village were selected using the systematic random sampling. Data was collected in households and a sample size of 180 children was selected based on the availability of a child within the selected age group. If there were more than one child within the 1-12 years, each child was then allocated a number and the one with the least number was selected. Biological mothers were the preferred participants, however if the mother was unavailable, the primary caregiver was selected and180 mothers or caregivers Results: The majority (92.2%) of mothers were unemployed and 91% of them had an income of less than R500.00 per month, whereas 33.9% of households had total income of less than R1000.00 About 64.4% and 28.4% borrowed food from neighbours/family/friends and bought food on credit from the local shop. The anthropometric status of children indicated a high prevalence of stunting, a medium prevalence of underweight and a low prevalence of wasting. Most caregivers were overweight or obese. About 66% of children ate three meals per day. Almost 44% of households were food insecure, whereas 33.9% were at risk of hunger and only 21.7% were food secure. There was no association between employment status of the mother, household hunger and anthropometric status indicators. Conclusion: Greater Sekhukhune District Municipality has a high rate of unemployment, poor household income and purchasing power and high level of food insecurity. The employment status of the mother was not associated with the level of wasting, stunting and underweight. Furthermore, employment status was also not associated with the level of hunger. Caregivers employed various strategies to cope with periods of food deprivation

MGS / Institute for Gender and Youth Studies / Institutions of higher learning continue to reflect gender biases in their endeavor to create an egalitarian atmosphere in their learning environments. These institutions serve to equip people with the intellectual capacities needed to pursue national and regional development advancements. However, gender inequality persists within them. Women continue to be underrepresented at all levels. Women have proven to be productive, more committed, more focused, more competent in executing whatever roles they are given. This study focused on the experiences of academic employees‟ in relation to gender equality in leadership positions at a semi-urban University in Limpopo province. The main aim of the study was to probe the experiences of academic employees‟ in relation to gender equality in leadership positions at this university. The research design was qualitative in approach. This study was conducted at the University of Venda which is situated in Thohoyandou in the Thulamela Local Municipality under the Vhembe District in the Limpopo province, South Africa. The study used purposive sampling to collect data from the participants. Academic employees were the interviewees. The findings of the study are as follows: Institution should encourage the formation of academic and leadership support networks for women; Deans of faculties should support women who aspire to move up the academic ladder instead of frustrating them; Institutions should formulate policies geared at fast-tracking women with leadership potential; Employment equity policies should be fairly implemented so as not to advantage one ethnic or racial group over another, a larger scale study is needed that will cover a considerable number of institutions to gain deeper insight into the problem. / NRF

The plight of women who reside around the mining communities has not received the necessary attention from a research perspective. This concern prompted the researcher to compose a qualitative research aimed at exploring the experiences and challenges faced by these women. This was a case study research which was conducted among women who reside around the Driekop mining community in Limpopo province and designed from exploratory, descriptive, contextual and phenomenological in designs. The study was guided by the two theories: the feminist theory and the coping theory of Lazarus and Folkman. Relevant research ethical principles were upheld during the plenary phase wherein the research proposal was subjected to review by the Higher Degrees Committee of the UNISA’s Social Work Departmental Research and Ethics Committee and throughout the duration of the study. The data which was collected through the semi-structured interviews was analysed using Braun and Clarke’s six steps of data analysis, gave rise to several experiences and challenges which are presented in a form of nine themes and 13 subthemes. In striving to assure research quality, Guba and Lincoln’s trustworthiness principles were adopted. Some conclusions are drawn from the process of qualitative research as an approach adopted to guide the study as well as the findings based on the collected and analysed data. Based on the conclusions of the research process and the research findings, the reader’s attention is drawn to some recommendations which are proposed to inform practice, training and policy development. / Social Work / M.A. (Social Work)

Participatory development is believed to be an essential ingredient of the development process because it enables the people to influence the policy and decision-making process. It facilitates the designing of and enhances the implementation of plans and programmes or projects and that participation results in the development of ownership and belonging among the people themselves. This feeling in turn goes a long way to ensure the success of a programme or project. This study highlights some of the elements that led to the successful implementation of an income-generating project with women. The study also demonstrates that the people's own ideas are able to command adequate levels of participation, support and commitment to enhance their ability to meet their needs. The study further looks at the ownership of the project as very important for successful implementation and that projects or programmes should be facilitated within the means of the local participants to manage and control them. The elements mentioned in this study are an essential part of participatory development and enable the people to learn to take charge of their lives and solve their own problems. The study further looks at cultural and traditional values as an essential part of human growth, because local action taken by the women is very important in promoting overall success of the project. / Social work / M.A. (SS) (Mental Health)

Participatory development is believed to be an essential ingredient of the development process because it enables the people to influence the policy and decision-making process. It facilitates the designing of and enhances the implementation of plans and programmes or projects and that participation results in the development of ownership and belonging among the people themselves. This feeling in turn goes a long way to ensure the success of a programme or project. This study highlights some of the elements that led to the successful implementation of an income-generating project with women. The study also demonstrates that the people's own ideas are able to command adequate levels of participation, support and commitment to enhance their ability to meet their needs. The study further looks at the ownership of the project as very important for successful implementation and that projects or programmes should be facilitated within the means of the local participants to manage and control them. The elements mentioned in this study are an essential part of participatory development and enable the people to learn to take charge of their lives and solve their own problems. The study further looks at cultural and traditional values as an essential part of human growth, because local action taken by the women is very important in promoting overall success of the project. / Social work / M.A. (SS) (Mental Health)

South African affirmative action law in the workplace is in its infancy. Yet some concepts in this context have already proven to be unclear or in need of interpretation, or are lacking. This thesis focuses on the beneficiaries of affirmative action in employment law. The Employment Equity Act (EEA) creates `designated groups' &#9472; black people, women and people with disabilities &#9472; as the beneficiaries of affirmative action. It lays down two requirements for beneficiaries of affirmative action which are investigated: (a) beneficiaries must be from the designated groups - in this regard, the question that arises is whether, having been categorised as disadvantaged, persons are presumed to be de facto disadvantaged and entitled to benefit from affirmative action, or whether further evidence of actual past disadvantage is required; and (b) beneficiaries must be `suitably qualified'. In addition, citizenship as a third requirement for beneficiaries of affirmative action has been mooted in case law. This is evaluated against modern interpretation theory, the Constitution and discrimination law. Against the background of a comparative investigation of the position in the US and Canada, and under international law, specific findings and recommendations are made in respect of South African affirmative action law. These relate to the interpretation of the concept `disadvantage', to a pragmatic and contextualised approach to the notion `degrees of disadvantage', to the recognition of the concept `multiple disadvantage', to the clarification of the meaning and application of the concept `suitably qualified' in a code of good practice, and to a policy decision by government to ensure that affirmative action measures apply mainly to South African citizens who otherwise qualify to benefit. To this end, certain amendments to the EEA, its regulations and codes of good practice are proposed with the aim of ensuring that affirmative action measures in fact benefit those intended by the EEA. Some projections are made to indicate the way forward for affirmative action in South Africa. / Jurisprudence / LL.D.

Text in English / The transition from traditional to non-traditional marital roles was brought about by changes in the political, social and economic spheres. Within this transition, a new family arrangement has emerged in which traditional marital roles of breadwinning husband and care-giving, nurturer-wife are replaced by a breadwinning wife and a care-giving, nurturer-husband, the so-called stay-at-home husband. Various factors contributed and necessitated this change in marital roles, such as, but not limited to, the feminist movement, the economic recession, changes in legislation, retrenchments and so forth. However, making this transition is not easy. These couples, fulfilling non-traditional marital roles, are faced with stigmatisation and negative attitudes that make them want to conceal their marital roles from family, friends, the community and society as a whole. This state of affairs results in a situation where these couples stay in the closet and as consequence the topic is ill-researched and ripe for further investigation. Using a qualitative, phenomenological approach, this study explored and described the challenges, experiences and coping resources of couples fulfilling non-traditional marital roles in order to propose practice guidelines to support these couples from a social work perspective. A total of ten couples participated in the study. Independently, the working wives and stay-at-home husbands provided separate accounts of realities related to fulfilling the non-traditional marital roles within their respective marital relationships. Themes that emerged from the in-depth description of their experiences reflected the benefits accrued, the challenges experienced, their needs and coping resources. From the information provided suggestions were derived for social workers to assist couples in a similar working wife and stay-at-home husband marriage set-up to deal with situations encountered. In consulting extant literature, research on this phenomenon appeared to be totally neglected both internationally and nationally. Hence this study sought to address this lacuna by specifically investigating the situation in South Africa. It also appeared that existing research tended to focus on either the stay-at-home mother or the dual career family. Research on the experiences of stay-at-home husbands was thus severely lacking as were ways in which such couples in these roles could be supported. Therefore, making use of the ecological and role theory perspectives, attention is given to exposing their experiences, challenges and coping resources with a view to developing practice guidelines for helping social work practitioners to adequately support these couples practising non-traditional marital roles. / Social Work / Ph. D. (Social Work)