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Submission information
Submission Number: 256
Submission ID: 1455
Submission UUID: da44ccbd-aa0f-48fd-8ec8-0ff1a53d6e94
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts
Created: Sat, 07/05/2025 - 10:00
Completed: Sat, 07/05/2025 - 10:02
Changed: Tue, 08/12/2025 - 20:47
Remote IP address: 41.140.98.206
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
Presenters
Dr.
Human-hendricks
Anja
University of the western cape
ACADEMIC BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Anja Human-Hendricks is a trained and registered Social Worker. She has a Masters in Child and Family Studies, and a PhD focused on understanding the intergenerational transferences of parenting taking place between generations, obtained in 2021, from the University of the Western Cape (UWC). Her research interests include child and youth well-being, strengthening families, building capacities for youth and parenting, and intergenerational parenting. These research interests are also linked to her community engagement collaborations and post degree work. She is a Lecturer and member of staff within the Department of Social Work, UWC.
Dr. Anja Human-Hendricks is a trained and registered Social Worker. She has a Masters in Child and Family Studies, and a PhD focused on understanding the intergenerational transferences of parenting taking place between generations, obtained in 2021, from the University of the Western Cape (UWC). Her research interests include child and youth well-being, strengthening families, building capacities for youth and parenting, and intergenerational parenting. These research interests are also linked to her community engagement collaborations and post degree work. She is a Lecturer and member of staff within the Department of Social Work, UWC.
No
Abstract
Social Issues Affecting Social Cohesion in Low-resource Communities in South Africa
THEME 3: Policy and Advocacy for Peace building, Environmental and Social Justice
Sub 3.5 Strategies for promoting environmental activism within the profession.
Oral Presentation
Title: Social Issues Affecting Social Cohesion in Low-resource Communities in South Africa
Authors: Leoba Nyathi¹, Tolulope Balogun², Janine de Lange², Anja Human-Hendricks²*, Fundiswa Khaile², Kezia October², Nicolette Roman²
Affiliations:
¹ University of Cape Town, South Africa
² University of the Western Cape, South Africa
*Corresponding author: ahuman@uwc.ac.za
Presentation format: parallel session presentation
Abstract:
South Africa’s rural and low-resource communities continue to face deep-rooted social and economic challenges that undermine social cohesion and inclusive development. This study explores the lived experiences and perceptions of residents in four South African communities—Philippolis, Lamberts Bay, Caledon, and Grabouw—regarding the social issues that affect cohesion. Using a qualitative, phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 25 participants, including family members and community stakeholders. Thematic analysis revealed that social cohesion is significantly disrupted by complex family dynamics, high levels of violence, substance abuse, and limited access to education and basic services. Participants highlighted how dysfunctional family structures, historical legacies of apartheid, and contemporary issues such as urban migration and unemployment contribute to social fragmentation. Crime and violence, often rooted in socio-economic deprivation, were found to be both symptoms and drivers of weakened community bonds. The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive, context-sensitive interventions that address the structural and interpersonal dimensions of inequality. Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 10—reducing inequality within and among countries—requires coordinated efforts from government and civil society to foster inclusive, resilient communities. This study contributes to the limited body of research on rural social cohesion in South Africa and emphasizes the importance of addressing systemic barriers to unity and inclusion.
Keywords: Social issues, Social cohesion, Low-resource communities, Sustainable Development Goal 10, South Africa
Authors: Leoba Nyathi¹, Tolulope Balogun², Janine de Lange², Anja Human-Hendricks²*, Fundiswa Khaile², Kezia October², Nicolette Roman²
Affiliations:
¹ University of Cape Town, South Africa
² University of the Western Cape, South Africa
*Corresponding author: ahuman@uwc.ac.za
Presentation format: parallel session presentation
Abstract:
South Africa’s rural and low-resource communities continue to face deep-rooted social and economic challenges that undermine social cohesion and inclusive development. This study explores the lived experiences and perceptions of residents in four South African communities—Philippolis, Lamberts Bay, Caledon, and Grabouw—regarding the social issues that affect cohesion. Using a qualitative, phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 25 participants, including family members and community stakeholders. Thematic analysis revealed that social cohesion is significantly disrupted by complex family dynamics, high levels of violence, substance abuse, and limited access to education and basic services. Participants highlighted how dysfunctional family structures, historical legacies of apartheid, and contemporary issues such as urban migration and unemployment contribute to social fragmentation. Crime and violence, often rooted in socio-economic deprivation, were found to be both symptoms and drivers of weakened community bonds. The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive, context-sensitive interventions that address the structural and interpersonal dimensions of inequality. Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 10—reducing inequality within and among countries—requires coordinated efforts from government and civil society to foster inclusive, resilient communities. This study contributes to the limited body of research on rural social cohesion in South Africa and emphasizes the importance of addressing systemic barriers to unity and inclusion.
Keywords: Social issues, Social cohesion, Low-resource communities, Sustainable Development Goal 10, South Africa
Reviewer ONE Feedback
Dr
Ilze
Slabbert
Yes
Empirical Research
Accepted
Reviewer TWO Feedback
Dr
Nthabiseng
Latakgomo
Yes
Empirical Research
Accepted