Navorsing oor die beleefde ervaring van vroue-adjunkhoofde: ʼn studie van vier skole in die Overberg Onderwysdistrik

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT : This research study investigated the lived experience of a selected group of four women deputy principals in the Overberg Education District. In South Africa and globally, women hold the majority of posts in education but men are appointed in the promotion posts. Research has shown that there are numerous barriers that prohibit women from being appointed in promotion posts. These barriers are for instance socio–cultural factors, expectations of their communities and women's perceptions of themselves. This research study was an attempt to investigate how the lived experiences of women deputy principals could illuminate the reasons women are under–represented in promotion posts in a specific South African context.A qualitative phenomenological study was used to construct the data to respond to the main research-question and sub-questions. The data was constructed from four women deputy principals in the Overberg Education District and the interviews took place at their respective schools.The study found that women in promotion posts, and especially deputy principals, experience several challenges and barriers in their work. To understand the lived experiences of these four women, eight themes have evolved from this research. These themes are: 1) Experience as deputy principal in the leadership and management of the school; 2) Leadership experience with regard to gender; 3)Experience with the principals and school management team; 4) Family and worklife; 5) Support from the principal, district office and education department; 6) disempowerment of women; 7) Support that is needed and networking.This study has shown that despite policies and legislation, women – and especially women deputy principals – are still at a disadvantage. I have come to the conclusion that the Department of Basic Education, the provincial education departments, and the education districts have failed women deputy principals with regard to development, support and empowerment, but that these women also need to take responsibility for their own growth and development.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University