Research Articles (Social Work and Criminology)

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    “If we don’t work together, there is no pudding” : informal foodways and culinary agency in a South African female prison
    Steyn, Francois; Messif, Krinesha George (Common Ground Research Networks, 2026-02-20)
    Poorly prepared or unpalatable food is often referred to as “prison food,” a term used to describe the tasteless meals served in correctional facilities This article examines the intertwined dynamics of food, emotional experience, innovation, and interpersonal relationships among women who serve prison sentences, with emphasis on the significance of informal foodways within correctional facilities. Personal interviews were conducted with twenty-three women who were imprisoned in a South African correctional center, and the data collected was thematically analyzed. The results show that female inmates often perceive prison food not merely as sustenance but as a symbol of punishment and emotional distress associated with their confinement. The deprivation of the basic human right to prepare and enjoy food exacerbates feelings of powerlessness, igniting a complex emotional response that includes anxiety and frustration. The research delineates four critical aspects of food culture in prisons: the prison shop and purchasing power, food bartering, cooking methods, and the importance of collective cooking in forging relationships among inmates. Given the absence of nutritional guidance and involvement in meal preparation, the study posits that the food experience significantly influences the overall psychological well-being of inmates. Strategies that include improving food quality and promoting culinary engagement are essential.
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    South-African students’ experiences of and reactions to online victimisation : a gender analysis
    Parsons, Sarah; Steyn, Francois; Sadiki, Lufuno (Criminological Society of Africa, 2025-12)
    Technological advances continually shape the world, and technology has become an integral part of everyday life. University students rely on the internet for their academic and social lives, making them vulnerable to online harassment and victimisation. Although there has been a growing interest in cybercrime and online victimisation, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the phenomenon among South African university students. The present study set out to describe undergraduate students’ access to and use of social media and other electronic platforms, their experiences of online victimisation, and how students respond to such events. A total of 1,001 students participated in a correlational survey, using a group-administered questionnaire developed from existing instruments and literature. Since a non-probability sampling strategy was followed, the gender analysis relied on non-parametric procedures, and effect sizes were calculated where significant differences were found. Meaningful differences (p < 0.05) were noted in students’ sources of the internet and their reasons for its use. Female students were significantly more likely to experience online harassment from strangers and to receive unwanted sexual images or messages. Male students, on the other hand, were more likely to fall victim to electronic viruses or malicious software. Not surprisingly, the total online victimisation scores showed meaningful differences between male and female respondents. Gender differences further emerged in how students responded to online victimisation, particularly in reporting incidents to authorities and confronting the harasser.
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    Adolescent sexting policy analysis : paper tigers to practical solutions
    Harris, Tara Farrer (Criminological Society of Africa, 2025-12)
    Adolescence as a developmental phase is characterised by physical, emotional, and sexual maturation, as well as sexual exploration. Adolescents use technology to explore their sexuality and forge their identities. Some adolescents engage in this behaviour through the practice of sexting, which is defined as the exchange of sexually explicit messages, texts, images, or videos across a range of technological devices. Adolescent sexting is problematic because it falls within the ambit of child pornography laws in South Africa and, as such, constitutes illegal behaviour. Internationally, various policies have been implemented to address adolescent sexting, but there is little consensus on the best practices for managing such incidents, especially at the school level. The present article draws on data from a policy analysis of school-based sexting policies and on insights from expert and parent interviews to develop a sexting policy framework for South African schools. The objective is to support South African schools in maximising risk management and reducing sexting. A school-based policy cannot be gendered in nature regarding its response; however, the gendered dialogue surrounding adolescent sexting must be considered when educating young people about the possible negative repercussions of sexting, as well as the gendered motivations for, experiences of, and expectations surrounding sexting.
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    Land degradation's influence on livelihoods of small-scale farmers and land care workers in Ladybrand, South Africa
    Msipa, Alexander Mabunga; Lombard, A. (Antoinette); Aucamp, Ilse; Baade, Jussi (Wiley, 2025-04)
    Land degradation influences the natural resource-based livelihoods of agricultural communities whose livelihoods are dependent on the productivity of the land. South Africa has been and still is considerably affected by land degradation which adversely influences livelihoods and well-being. The article reports on the findings of a study aimed at determining how land degradation in the Ladybrand area, Free State Province, South Africa, influences the livelihoods of small-scale farmers and land care workers, and what land management strategies can mitigate land degradation for sustainable livelihood outcomes. The explorative study adopted a qualitative research approach and an instrumental case study research design. A purposive sampling method was used to select 13 small-scale farmers (general and commonage) and 14 land care workers for the study. Data were collected through focus group interviews and were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings indicated the causes of land degradation in Ladybrand that jeopardise land management practices for sustainable livelihoods, namely, the high volume of invasive plants, land pollution, overgrazing, unsecure land tenure systems and poor access to markets. Strategies recommended to mitigate land degradation and improve land management practices for sustainable livelihoods include rotational grazing, tenure security for small-scale farmers, increasing access to markets and institutional support to small-scale farmers and land care workers. This study documents the insights of small-scale farmers and land care workers on land degradation and their commitment to practise sustainable land management.
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    A snapshot of adult women’s experiences of secondary victimisation within their communities following sexual victimisation
    Swanepoel, Leandri; Coetzee, Laetitia (Criminological Society of Africa, 2025-11)
    This article presents narratives of adult women sexual offence survivors who were subjected to secondary victimisation within their communities. Previous South African research on secondary victimisation focused primarily on the criminal justice system (CJS). The current qualitative study employed availability sampling, and the semi-structured interviews were analysed by means of thematic data analysis. Findings related to the participants’ experiences of societal secondary victimisation included the dismissal or denial of victims’ experiences, minimisation of the victimisation experience, apathy, disempowering reactions, stigmatisation, ostracism, and overt victim blaming. These experiences gave rise to adverse emotional effects, which were internalised and developed into negative internal narratives, which, in turn, manifested in various adverse behavioural outcomes, such as learned helplessness. Many survivors reported that they either ceased disclosing their victimisation or considered doing so, particularly those engaged in the pursuit of justice within the CJS. Measures that were proposed in the reduction of societal secondary victimisation include awareness and education.
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    Glittering hope : evaluating the bicycles for educational empowerment (BEEP) programme as panacea to inclusive education in Zimbabwe
    Muzingili, Taruvinga; Taruvinga, Raymond (Elsevier, 2025-01-28)
    This study evaluates the impact of the Bicycle for Educational Empowerment Program (BEEP) on improving access to education for rural learners in Zimbabwe. Using a quasi-experimental design, the study analyzed data from 1445 learners across 12 schools (6 treatment, six control) over five years (2018–2022). Descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and difference-in-differences (DiD) were employed to assess school attendance, re-enrollment, and dropout rates. Results showed a statistically significant (ρ < 0.05) increase in school attendance re-enrollment and reduced dropout rates among BEEP beneficiaries. However, challenges included inadequate maintenance strategies, safety concerns, and a lack of a disability-sensitive approach. The study concludes that BEEP positively influences educational outcomes but urgently requires an integrated model for sustainability. Future programming should address logistical and equity concerns to ensure long-term success.
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    The contribution of community volunteers in foster care placements of children living with HIV : towards comprehensive and sustainable services
    Khosa, Jeffries Zwelithini; Gutura, Priscilla (University of Stellenbosch, 2025-03-27)
    This article discusses the importance of involving community volunteers to contribute towards meeting the needs of children in foster care living with HIV. This discussion is anchored in Abraham Maslow's theory of the hierarchy of human needs. The findings presented in this article emanated from a broader study that was conducted in the City of Johannesburg with social workers and community volunteers. This article discusses qualitative results which were derived from the semi-structured interviews conducted with community volunteers consisting of eight social auxiliary workers and twelve community caregivers. The participants were selected from drop-in centres using a purposive sampling strategy. The data collected were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that community volunteers offered services such as food/nutrition services, home visits, psychosocial support, homework assistance, HIV support groups, HIV adherence programmes and linking children living with HIV to care. However, very few children who were in foster care placements benefited from these services. It is concluded that the programmes rendered by community volunteers were unable to attract children in foster care, despite the children needing these services. Therefore, the study recommends a collaboration between foster care social workers and community volunteers for children in foster care to benefit from these services.
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    Social service providers' understanding of the consequences of human trafficking on women survivors
    Sibanda, Sipho; Sambo, Juliet Patience; Dahal, Sanjeev (MDPI, 2025-05-12)
    Human trafficking for forced labour or sexual exploitation often takes the form of forced migration. It is the third-largest crime industry in the world and has severe consequences on the women survivors. Trafficking violates the safety, welfare, and human rights of the victims and forces physical and psychological imprisonment on them. Despite the significant number of women being trafficked, little is known about the best ways to address their needs. This article highlights the understanding developed by social service providers in South Africa regarding the consequences of human trafficking on women survivors. Being aware of the complex challenges faced by women survivors of human trafficking enables social service providers to respond to their needs effectively through appropriate interventions and services. Data for this qualitative study were collected through one-on-one interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Social service providers understand the following to be related to women survivors of trafficking: involvement in drugs and sex work, dependency on the perpetrator, lack of self-esteem, self-blame and shame, being disoriented, psychological challenges, lack of financial support, health issues, isolation, and loneliness. To be relevant and effective, services should be packaged in a manner that addresses all the challenges faced by women survivors of human trafficking.
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    Fostering environmental citizenship to address ecological challenges in South Africa : lessons from the circular economy
    Masinga, Poppy; Chiwara, Peggie; Mokgalaka-Fleischmann, Ntebogeng; Shayamano, Molly; Dlamini, Lindiwe (Unisa Press, 2025-07)
    The responsibility to protect the environment and promote sustainable development lies with all people. People’s attitudes, lifestyles, and daily activities have resulted in negative impacts on the environment and its inhabitants. While South Africa’s rich biodiversity can be used to enhance livelihoods, there are unintended consequences to some business initiatives geared towards creating employment opportunities. All sectors in South Africa must embrace environmental citizenship and circular economy principles to mitigate ecological challenges. The involvement of social workers in collaborative efforts that promote sustainable development is limited. Educating communities to engage in environmental citizenship while building circular economy inter-sectoral exchanges and synergies between communities, the government, and private and business sectors may lead to positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes. Environmental citizenship lies in creating environmental consciousness and adopting a culture of sustainability. Towards this end, this integrative review of literature seeks to foster environmental citizenship and address ecological challenges in South Africa while drawing lessons from the circular economy. The authors recommend educating social workers, businesses and communities about environmental citizenship to develop and/or enhance their understanding of the value of circular economy as pivotal in addressing the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality while promoting economic growth within a social, economic and ecological justice framework.
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    Incarcerated women’s experiences of rehabilitation in a South African correctional centre
    Mbonambi, Nokukhanya Neptune; Winfield, Taylor Paige; Mahmoudi, Azar (Adonis and Abbey Publishers, 2025-09)
    The number of incarcerated women in South Africa is steadily increasing. However, as women constitute only 3% of the incarcerated population in South African Correctional Centres, their rehabilitation experiences are often overlooked. Conducted between 2023 and 2024, this study aimed to explore the experiences of incarcerated women regarding rehabilitation in a South African Women’s Correctional Centre. A qualitative research design was employed to enable an in-depth exploration of participants’ perceptions and views. Data collection methods included participatory arts-based research workshops, an 18-month ethnography, and interviews with twenty-nine (29) women incarcerated. The data was analysed thematically, drawing on extensive excerpts from workshops and interviews. The findings reveal significant challenges, including a lack of technical and professional skills among Department of Correctional Services (DCS) staff and insufficient psychological and social service interventions in women’s correctional centres. Furthermore, the women reported gender-based discrimination in correctional employment, skills training, and education, which adversely affected their rehabilitation experiences. These findings underscore the urgent need for the DCS to address these issues by increasing the number of psychologists and social workers in women’s correctional facilities, providing incarcerated women with access to compulsory education and vocational training programmes aimed at enhancing their employability, and improving staff training and motivation to better support rehabilitation.
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    Transformative learning approach for educational gerontology : creating an appropriate teaching-framework for older adults
    Ajayi, Elizabeth Aanuoluwapo; Kazeem, 'Labayo Kolawole; Oyitso, Mabel O. (Hipatia Press, 2025-07)
    ABSTRACT : Educational gerontology provides for changes that occur in later life through transformational learning. From observation, older women tend to have issues with transformational learning from educational gerontology programs, maybe because of the regular facilitation approaches in use. Hence, adopting sequential explanatory mixed method research, this study examined the use of the Transformative Learning Approach (TLA) for educational gerontology to create an appropriate teaching-learning framework for older adults. Guided by two research questions and one null hypothesis, a sample of 154 older women who were 55 years and above were selected for the study using a multistage sampling procedure. Findings revealed that TLA is an effective and efficient teaching-learning procedure that should be used by adult educators involved in assisting older adults to learn. Furthermore, ideas emanating from the perceived best adaptation of TLA had sub-themes revolving around the procedure to include recounting of experiences, dialogue, and acting; and structure there are sub-themes such as continuous learning, types of activities, timing and sitting positions were generated from the theme of structure. This led to the suggestion of a framework titled dialogical transformative learning approach as a teaching-learning procedure. RESUMEN : La gerontología educativa aborda los cambios en la vejez mediante el aprendizaje transformacional. Se ha observado que las mujeres mayores enfrentan dificultades con este tipo de aprendizaje, posiblemente debido a los métodos de facilitación convencionales. Por ello, este estudio adoptó un método mixto explicativo secuencial para examinar el uso del Enfoque de Aprendizaje Transformativo (TLA) en la gerontología educativa, con el objetivo de crear un marco de enseñanza-aprendizaje adecuado para adultos mayores. Se seleccionó una muestra de 154 mujeres mayores de 55 años mediante un muestreo por etapas. Los hallazgos mostraron que el TLA es un procedimiento efectivo y eficiente que deberían emplear los educadores de adultos. Las ideas sobre su mejor adaptación se organizaron en subtemas: en el procedimiento, se incluyeron el recuento de experiencias, el diálogo y la actuación; en la estructura, se destacaron el aprendizaje continuo, los tipos de actividades, los tiempos y las posiciones de ubicación. Como resultado, se propuso un marco titulado enfoque dialógico de aprendizaje transformador como procedimiento de enseñanza-aprendizaje.
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    Developing online considerations for the IASWG standards on social work with groups : a tribute to Charles Garvin
    Macgowan, Mark J.; Gardella, Lorrie Greenhouse; Simon, Shirley R.; Prinsloo, Reineth; Baar, Hilda; Seck, Mamadou; Astray, Andres Arias; Canizares, Catalina; Muskat, Barbara (Routledge, 2025)
    In the spring of 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the remote delivery of health and human services, few social workers were prepared to facilitate online groups. Research on virtual group work was limited, and the IASWG Standards for Social Work Practice with Groups offered minimal guidance for online practice. Charles Garvin encouraged the International Association for Social Work with Groups (IASWG) to enhance the Standards with “online considerations” that would support effective group work in virtual environments. Serving as a mentor and active member of the Task Force on Online Considerations, Charles Garvin inspired a systematic, collaborative, and internationally inclusive process that exemplified principles of socially just research. This paper describes the research and development of the online considerations and the limitations and possibilities of defining international guidelines for social work with groups.
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    Parental involvement in children's school readiness : a role for social workers
    Vorster, Cornelia; Le Roux, Liana (Stellenbosch University, 2024)
    The importance of the early childhood years for school readiness highlights the primary role of parents in preparing their children for school entry. This article reports on a qualitative study that explored parental involvement in children's school readiness in a South African context, with special emphasis on the influence of the social environment on parental involvement. Through purposive and snowball sampling, a sample of 25 parents or caregivers, nine Foundation Phase teachers and four social workers were recruited from communities in Tshwane, Gauteng. Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory as theoretical framework was relevant for understanding contextual influences on parental involvement in school readiness. To account for the evidently inadequate school readiness of many South African children, the findings of the study indicate that parents' knowledge, perceptions and socio-economic contexts influence their ability to effectively prepare young children for school entry; this in turn suggests a role for social workers to empower parents for enhancing their children's school readiness.
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    Lessons from a pilot study of a 'cash plus' family intervention for child support grant recipients in South Africa
    Chiba, Jenita; Patel, Leila (Stellenbosch University, 2024)
    Cash transfers combined with strengthening interventions are widely advocated to respond to the multi-dimensional needs of children and their families. However, few local evidence-based programmes have been developed and tested. This article reports on the lessons learnt from a pilot study of a cash plus intervention, the Sihleng'imizi programme, delivered to child support grant (CSG) beneficiaries and their families in Soweto, South Africa. A qualitative design was employed. Ten CSG beneficiary families received a twelve-week psycho-educational intervention. Positive changes were observed in caregiver knowledge and skills, engagement of caregivers in children's schooling, increased financial knowledge and access to social support. The programme was found to be feasible to implement. The study illustrates the application of developmental social work principles in practice and emphasises the importance of training and supervision of social workers to deliver cash plus programmes. However, structural barriers remain, such as socioeconomic challenges facing poor and disadvantaged families.
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    Preventative strategies to curb school violence : a case study of selected schools in Hhohho District of Eswatini, Mbabane
    Sibisi, Nomathemba Nomakhosi; Sibisi, Nonhle Tracey; Mpofu, Zandile Faith (MDPI, 2024-01-25)
    The violence occurring in schools is a concerning phenomenon with pervasive implications for learners, teachers, and communities. Its impact culminates in fear, stress, and a reduced sense of safety among learners and teachers. Its consequences extend beyond physical harm, thus affecting an individual’s mental well-being. This study provides a precis of the comprehensive nature of school violence and preventative strategies meant to curb this phenomenon. This study employed a case study design located within the interpretative paradigm. A qualitative approach was used to delve into the perceptions of learners and educators on the nature of school violence and measures that could be adopted to prevent it. Thirty (n = 30) participants involving ten learners (n = 10), ten parents (n = 10), and ten educators (n = 10) were purposively sampled. Ten learners participated in focus-group discussions, with five learners representing each school located in Mbabane, Eswatini (Imbabane Central and Mater Dolorosa High Schools). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 teachers and 10 parents (5 parents and 5 teachers from each school). A lack of effective methods of disciplining learners was identified as a cause of bullying and aggressive behaviours among learners. The findings reflect that violence is deeply rooted in harmful social norms, with corporal punishment being widely advocated by the participants. The findings indicate a crucial need for adopting an integrated and collaborative approach to the development and implementation of effective preventative measures.
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    Co-building inclusive social transformation for sustainable development
    Engelbrecht, Lambert K.; Lombard, A. (Antoinette) (Stellenbosch University, 2024)
    The demands made by a rapidly changing society are embodied in persistent issues such as inequality, poverty, hunger, conflict and displacements, all exacerbated by climate change and its impacts. This reflects a world in crisis. Social work, committed to social justice and human rights for all, is at the forefront of social transformation. The International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) strives to enhance the visibility of social work as a global actor in building an inclusive, just, peaceful and sustainable society. Realising this vision requires multi-level partnerships at the international, regional and local levels, facilitated by social work educators and practitioners, in collaboration with marginalised individuals and communities who are disproportionally affected by social and economic exclusion and environmental injustices.
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    Evaluation of a faith-based intervention for intimate partner violence with men and women referred by the court in South Africa utilising the DASS42
    Bernardi, Delia Anastasia; Steyn, Francois (IFE Centre for Psychological Studies, 2023-12)
    Intimate partner violence is a nefarious and major social and public health concern affecting millions of women, men and children globally. The criminal justice system plays a pivotal role in mandating interventions for perpetrators of partner abuse in efforts to eradicate violence and to ensure the safety of victims. The predominant interventions worldwide and in South Africa are based on the Duluth model. However, research indicates that the effectiveness of these programmes are limited, partly due to their theoretical underpinning of patriarchy being seen as the root cause of abusive behaviour. This study used a quantitative research approach to assess the impact of a gender inclusive faith-based intervention for perpetrators of intimate partner violence. It involved administering the full Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales as a pretest-posttest to measure changes in these negative affective states, which are highly correlated with partner abuse. The sample consisted of a cohort of 19 respondents who were court-referred for assault. The results revealed that holistically, all the scores decreased (i.e., indicated lower levels of depression, anxiety and stress), where the score for stress proved to be statistically significant pretest-posttest. This is a noteworthy finding because stress is implicated in the reoccurrence or continuation of abuse. The findings suggest that the intervention has the potential to deter violence between couples.
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    Intimate partner violence: impact of a faith-based biopsychosocio-spiritual approach to intervention
    Bernardi, Delia Anastasia; Steyn, Francois (Routledge, 2025)
    The dominant prevention programs for intimate partner violence are based on Duluth-type models, which attribute patriarchy as the root cause of abusive behavior. The gender paradigm has dominated criminal justice policy and the development of interventions for over four decades. The current study presents a novel theoretical framework grounded in the I-cubed metatheory, as well as evaluates the impact of a faith-based Relationship Violence Intervention Program. The research approach was mixed methods. The aim of the study was twofold. Firstly, to describe and explore factors that may influence partner abuse. Secondly, to evaluate an intervention that falls within the ambit of a biopsychosocio-spiritual approach. The short version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales was administered pre-posttest to assess the effect of the intervention. The sample consisted of a cohort of 35 respondents who were court-referred for assaulting their partners. The qualitative strand of the research revealed that a myriad of factors may contribute to intimate partner violence. The quantitative strand reflected an average reduction in the scores for depression, anxiety and stress, where the scores for depression and stress proved to be statistically significant pre-posttest. The findings suggest that a faith-based intervention has the potential to deter partner abuse.
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    Sadness in young children and the inadequate development of inner outer containment in childhood
    Bezuidenhout, Christiaan; Moen, Melanie (University of the Free State, 2024-12)
    Violent crimes and domestic violence are notoriously high in South Africa, which leaves many children defenceless to struggle with emotions such as loneliness and sadness. The healthy development and socialisation of children can be difficult in a society characterised by domestic tribulations, poverty, crime, single-parent homes, and absent parents. In South Africa, children often do not co-reside with their biological parents, mainly due to labour migration and low marital rates. Divorce and long working hours for parents also contribute to limited family interaction. Many children are raised by grandparents or older siblings and relatives, especially in rural areas. Due to these and other factors, children experience poor parental attachment, loss, sadness and loneliness, which impact their general well-being. These correlator factors often contribute to weak outer and inner containment, which are essential for a young person to develop sustained lawabiding behaviour. Being sad and lonely often prompts issues such as delinquency, violence, insecurity, insufficient self-control, and bullying. Reckless’ containment theory shows that these behaviours often stem from the absence of the inner and outer controls that are necessary for the development of normative behaviour. Healthy bonding with and attachment to significant others are also important to the development of normative behaviour. In this contribution, the findings from a study conducted in Limpopo, South Africa, are discussed. The qualitative research study involved asking 373 children, between the ages of eight and nine years, to draw and narrate what made them sad. The researchers wanted to determine the specific challenges that young South African children face. In line with the interpretivist paradigm, it was also important to determine what these children regarded as sad and challenging situations, to understand their unique perspectives and life worlds. The study was therefore guided by the research question: What challenges do young South African children face in their daily lives? Findings revealed that exposure to bullying, loss, inadequate attachment, and crime can cause the development of weak inner and outer containment, which might lead to future misbehaviour, poor self-control, incorrigible actions, and bullying behaviour.
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    Going home to the gangsters : a preliminary study on the potential link between reintegration support and recidivism amongst female offenders
    Thornton, Jessica Leigh (Emerald, 2024-03)
    PURPOSE – As the subject of female criminology in South Africa has only recently been dealt with in a qualitative manner, this paper aims to explore if there is a potential link between rehabilitation, reintegration support and recidivism as females are often placed back into the environment which prompted their criminal behaviour, further excluding them from rehabilitative reform, which might lead them to recidivate. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH – The research adopted a qualitative approach using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with six participants that were chosen purposively. FINDINGS – The paper notes a potential link between rehabilitation, reintegration support and recidivism as the female prisoners are imprinted with criminal dispositions since rehabilitation within the correctional facility has no implementation process to ensure that restoration can continue after they have been released. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS – Due to the limited number of the incarcerated female population and the scope of the preliminary study, the sample comprised of only six female offenders. As such, it contributes to the larger discourse of female criminality, but does not offer any recommendations. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS – Provides an understanding of the conditions in which the females are released. Allows for the inclusion of the female’s voice on, and reflection of, rehabilitation and recidivism. Notes a link between rehabilitation, reintegration and recidivism. Creates a pathway for further research in the exploration of a gendered reform approach. ORIGINALITY/VALUE – While the subject of female criminology in South Africa has only recently been dealt with in a qualitative manner, this study offers an insight into how females who offend are often placed back into the environment which prompted their criminal behaviour.