The purpose of the research focuses on the development of a strategy for the
management of diversity in secondary schools of the North West Province.
The nature of diversity is explained from an ontological point of departure as the
multiplicity of things with distinctive characteristics and qualities. A structure analysis
of diversity emphasises a balanced perspective in which the interdependence and
mutual coherence of all aspects of diversity are acknowledged in all spheres of life.
An analysis of the different perspectives concerning multicultural education as an
approach to deal with diversity leads to the identification of a limited focus on culture
related concerns that fail to account for diversity in totality. Culture related concerns
are not regarded as an exclusive constituent of a complex phenomenon like diversity
and a more inclusive approach of diversity in education is recommended.
A mixed methods research design is chosen for this research to provide a purposeful
research framework in which quantitative and qualitative methods are combined to
meet the demands of a sophisticated research problem. Findings of the research
include inter alia the principles of respect and caring that are in relation to the
concept of Ubuntu with a focus on humaneness and the affirmation of unity in
diversity. Another finding of relevance is that a diversity strategy involves a clear
rationale and policy framework for a process consisting of phases, objectives, action
steps and persons involved. It is recommended that a diversity strategy must be
tailor-made according to situation-specific needs and the unique manifestation of
diversity.
The contribution of this research is seen as a clarification of the concept of diversity
and the development of a generic strategy for the management of diversity. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Education))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/1706 |
| Date | January 2008 |
| Creators | Van Vuuren, Hermanus Jacobus |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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