Abstract
Ph.D. (Social Work)
The problem stated by the candidate is twofold:
* family planning programmes throughout the world have generally
been unsuccessful;
* the question arises as to whether social workers can contribute to
family planning and population programmes and what such contribution
should comprise.
Family planning organisers are confronted with various problems when
initiating a family planning programme and trying to ensure that it will
function effectively - identifying the target group in terms of numbers
and demographic and social characteristics; motivating the target group
towards active participation in the family planning programme; motivation
for active participation in the family planning programme by the
target group, and maintaining of the contraceptive regimen by those
already engaged in the family planning programme. Official statistics
and research findings in respect of the first two problems are available
in South Africa; no adequate information exists in regard to the latter
problem according to which programme organisers can plan and operate.
A review of research on family planning and population programmes conducted
in South Africa and other countries was undertaken. This includes
a study of the findings of various KAP investigations. An empirical investigation
was undertaken on an aspect in the field of study of which
there is insufficient knowledge - a study that is an individual contribution
towards existing knowledge.
On numerous occasions in this thesis it becomes evident that social
workers, by virtue of their special knowledge, values and skills, can
make a unique and professional contribution to the dissemination of
family planning. One of the particular skills of the social worker is
that of conducting interviews. The social worker also has the ability
to motivate people towards change in their behaviour. The social worker
can therefore, through personal interviewing, guidance and motivation
of people, contribute to the expansion of the population programme in
general and the family planning programme in particular...