Issues relating to racial integration in white schools in South
Africa during the period 1976-1992 are explored within the South
African (historical, social, political) context. The introduction
by the state of alternative school models, and in particular the
'Model B' option, is studied with specific reference to its
implementation in one high school.
Using a generative research design, issues and concerns of
participants are fleshed out, and form the basis of surveys and
interview schedules administered to 103 students and 33 teachers
within the school.
Major themes that emerge from student and teacher responses include
positive and negative views on racial mixing, and views on
curriculum change and development. A major finding of this study
is that there is broad support for racial integration within a
range of assimilationist rather than integrationist assumptions.
Accounts of racial mixing also reveal the pervasive influence of
institutionalised apartheid. A further finding of this study is
that the experience of racial mixing in this single institution
does not necessarily lead to a greater understanding and acceptance
of racial and cultural diversity. However, while the introduction
of the 'Model B' option can be regarded at best as mildly
reformist, it has provided a 'space' wherein racial tolerance and
understanding can be enhanced, and has encouraged, to a limited
extent, the breakdown of racial and cultural stereotypes.
An important conclusion of this study is that schools should be
pro-active in providing special programmes that foster cross-cultural
understanding, tolerance, and empathy. Recommendations
are made concerning academic and social programmes that might
promote meaningful integration in moving students away from
assimilationist notions that are paternalistic, proprietory, and
patronising.
While the findings of this case study cannot be generalised to
include other schools, it is hoped that given similar circumstances
shared by many schools, this study will assist these schools in
addressing current issues relating to school integration. / Thesis (M.Ed.) - University of Natal, 1994.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ukzn/oai:http://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za:10413/3305 |
| Date | January 1994 |
| Creators | Seager, David H. |
| Contributors | Graham-Jolly, Michael. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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