Social development and women : theory and practice

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research investigates the social development approach from theviewpoint of developing an understanding of the applicability thereof in asocial work environment in a South African context.Based on the level of underdevelopment in the country, the socialdevelopment process, which involves a dynamic multi-disciplinary approachwith a strong emphasis on the positive outcomes of growth andempowerment, is thought to offer a wide range of possible fields ofapplication.To provide clarity and gain insight into the dimensions and elementsinvolved, different aspects of the South African and international scenariosprovide a background for the arguments promoting the social developmentapproach as a positive intervention for the helping professions.The purpose of this research is to broaden the field of knowledge forpractitioners and organisations dealing with poverty and deprivation byproviding an extension of options in practice models.The research report includes an investigation of the elements and conceptsassociated with social development, with particular emphasis on the role ofwomen. Knowledge and understanding of these concepts will assist inwidening the horizons of field workers and assist in deciding on appropriateresponses when faced with the problems of South Africa and its apartheidlegacy.Development in the South African context is examined with the focus on themain role players, namely government and the welfare sector. Recurringthemes in development programmes that have been identified as elements forsuccess are described by means of case examples from good international practice models. The applicability of many of these cases should serve asstimuli for instituting initiatives in local situations of need.The empirical research used the qualitative method to examine, by means offocus groups, the effects of the identified elements in five social developmentprojects in the Western Cape. The focus groups were conducted with the aidof open-ended question guides. The findings and responses of the focus grouprespondents were analysed and discussed in relation to findings described inthe literature by various authors.It is believed that the findings of this research can be utilised as practicalguidelines for instituting and running social development projects by socialworkers, as well as practitioners from other fields, to address the problems ofpoverty and underdevelopment in the country by paying special attention tothe role of women in such projects.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University