The role of cultural diversity on social wellness in a primary school in Gauteng
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Authors
Nkomo, Annah Ndlovu
Issue Date
2015-04
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Social wellness , Cultural diversity , Human dignity , Themes , Integrative , Equality , Multicultural , Guidelines , Respect , Social interaction
Alternative Title
Abstract
This study investigates the role of cultural diversity on social wellness in a diverse
school setting. It explores the views of learners and teachers on issues pertaining to
cultural diversity and social wellness in the school. An integrative lens encompassing
Hettler’s (1970) wellness theory and Letseka’s (2000) Ubuntu principle were used as
the framework to guide the study. The interpretivist paradigm was used because the
research method for this study is qualitative in nature. Purposive sampling was used in
this study where fifteen participants were selected. The approach used is a case study,
with the case being a multicultural primary school in Gauteng Province, South Africa.
Ethical clearance was obtained from the Unisa’s Ethics Committee. Furthermore,
permission was granted by the Department of Basic Education and the school’s
principal. All participants signed consent and assent letters before data were collected.
Learner participants gave their assent to take part in the study after consent had been
obtained from their parents and guardians prior to the commencement of data
collection.
Data collected reflected the participants’ understanding of the need and means to
promote social wellness within a culturally diverse school setting. It also suggests that it
is possible to make diversity work for, instead of against us as is advocated for by
Sheets (2005). The themes that emerged from collected data were: knowing one
another as well as each other’s cultures, respect for equality and human dignity, loving
kindness and compassion towards everyone, practicing good manners and discipline
towards everyone, positive social interaction/desired attitude and also leading by
example. These themes form guidelines that can be used in promoting social wellness
in the school.
Description
Citation
Nkomo, Annah Ndlovu (2015) The role of cultural diversity on social wellness in a primary school in Gauteng, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/19993>