Abstract
M.A.
Western models are often used when treating families in the South African
context. However, these models prove to be inappropriate because of the unique
South African multi-cultural context. This unique cultural context necessitates the
adaptation of models to the diversity of traditional African families.
The social functioning of the traditional African family must first be described
before a suitable therapeutic model can be developed. The primary purpose of
this study was to describe the social functioning of the traditional Tswana family in
Bapong.
A qualitative research method was used to describe the social functioning of the
traditional Tswana family in Bapong. This method was used because little is
known about the social functioning of such a family and it was necessary to obtain
as much information as possible. The focus was on family functioning within the
natural environment. Participatory observation, as well as unstructured interviewing, was primarily used
to collect data. Bapong served as population. For the purpose of the study a
non-probabilistic purposeful random sample was used, three Bapong families
were identified and field notes and audio-cassettes were used for data capturing.
The audio-cassettes were transcribed.
Data processing was done by means of analysis schedules, which were compiled
and categorised by referring to the contents of the transcripts and field notes.
Establishing relations within the different categories identified the central themes.
The themes were presented as results. These results were compared with
relevant literature, to support the trustworthiness of the research. The
trustworthiness of the study was also tested on the basis of credibility,
transferability, consistency and impartiality. Conclusions concerning methodology, content and context were drawn from the
study. The methodological conclusions concern the research method used.
Conclusions about the content dealt with the objectives of the empirical study.
Contextual conclusions were general conclusions drawn from the specific study.
Recommendations are based on the results of, and the conclusions drawn from
the preceding study. The recommendations are focussed on enrichment of
practice, broadening of training and identifying possible research.