EXPLORING THE HUMAN CAPABILITIES OF FAMILIES LIVING IN A RESOURCE-CONSTRAINED COMMUNITY IN CALVINIA, SOUTH AFRICA: IMPLICATIONS FOR CHILDREN

Resumo

As a first study understanding the role of the family in the current and subsequent development of capabilities, this study conducted an exploration of Nussbaum’s framework in a rural area in South Africa. A qualitative study was conducted with 23 adults representing their families. An interview schedule was used with the main question: What makes a humane life? These questions were asked in relation to the person and how this was ‘transferred’ to the child in the home. Face-to-face interviews were conducted and the data was thematically analysed. The results indicated the following: A lack of funds significantly reduces bodily health and owning property. Being safe meant having your children with you rather than somewhere else. Making decisions was constrained by family and culture. In terms of emotion, participants did not easily express their emotions and did not speak about emotions to or with their children.