Xenophobia among young Christians with special reference to the youth of the Fourways Circuit Methodist Church of South Africa : an empirical exploration
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Authors
Phiri, Mabvuto
Issue Date
2014-09
Type
Dissertation
Language
English
Keywords
Empirical , Focus groups , Foreigners , Hospitality , Intradisciplinary , Methodist Church , Qualitattive , Xenophobia , Youth
Alternative Title
Abstract
Xenophobia is a notoriously difficult concept to explore, especially within the
complex South African environment. This exploration has two elements: the
theoretical and the practical. The theoretical element focuses mainly on the
theories of xenophobia in South Africa, as well as the theoretical response of the
Church to the problem. The practical element is a qualitative empirical
exploration using small scale focus group interviews to gain insight into the
relationship between xenophobia and religion, with special reference to young
Christians of The Methodist Church of Southern Africa. The findings seem to
suggest that “being religious” does not prevent xenophobic attitudes and
emotions and that there is potential to have xenophobic reactions in people
who “perceive” themselves to be religious living in an environment of economic
and social hardships. Religious involvement combined with economic and
social factors may promote xenophobic reactions. In an indirect way(s) religion
may be one of the “causes” of xenophobia.
Description
Citation
Phiri, Mabvuto (2014) Xenophobia among young Christians with special reference to the youth of the Fourways Circuit Methodist Church of South Africa : an empirical exploration, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/14062>