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Family in a changing South Africa

Structures, functions and the welfare of members

Bibliographic Data

ID22336014
AuthorsMonde Makiwane (Human Sciences Research Council), Ntombizonke A Gumede (0000-0003-1834-5405, Human Sciences Research Council, corresponding author), Mokhantšo Makoae (0000-0002-6564-7169, Human Sciences Research Council), Mohammed Vawda (University of KwaZulu-Natal)
Year2017
Volume48
Issue2
Pages49-69
Publication date2017-04-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueSociety in Transition (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1028-9852 • E-ISSN: 2072-1978
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/21528586.2017.1288166
OpenAlexW2645849452
LanguageEN
Citations received27
References cited9

The historical review of South African families reveals that the family has undergone significant transformations, resulting in a mosaic of family formations that have had an impact on family functions. Notwithstanding the importance of the family being one of the fundamental social units, however, there is limited data on how these families function in South Africa. This article analyses the change in family structures and community members’ perspectives about how these structures and living arrangements of members contribute to family functioning and wellbeing of members, with a specific focus on Mpumalanga, South Africa. Literature searches, quantitative analyses of the 2002 and 2009 General Household Survey, and qualitative analysis obtained through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were used. The results confirmed that there is a disaggregation of families with young adults being heads of smaller families, while ageing parents are in charge of large multi-generational families. The role of the extended family has been diminished, and new forms of support such as churches and neighbours’ networks have become more important. The critical role of inter-generational care was confirmed and also the disjuncture between generations attributed to erosion of family norms and values. The results of the study emphasised the importance of attending to a simultaneous and comprehensive family policy that addresses psychosocial and material support, when assessing family wellbeing

Economic growth · Extended family · Focus group · Geography · Political science · Psychosocial · Sociology · Welfare · Gender Studies · Gender, Labor, and Family Dynamics · Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving · Poverty, Education, and Child Welfare · Psychology

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  • Introduction

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Unique citing works27
Citations per year3,86
Citation span2019 - 2026 (8)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 27
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