Abstract
M.Ed.
The research described in this dissertation forms part of a group project in which a study
was made of factors contributing to the formation of the identity of secondary students.
The factors which were investigated by the different researchers are, amongst others,
perception, school, physical features, culture, family and home conditions.
In this dissertation the research concerning the contribution of culture to the formation
of identity of secondary school students is described.
In Chapter 1 the research subject is stated and it is motivated why it was necessary to
investigate the contribution of culture to the formation of identity. The problem statement
and the objectives of the investigation are stated. The concepts is explained and an
outline of the study is given to explain the structure of the dissertation.
In Chapter 2 relevant literature is stated as a framework of reference for the empirical
investigation into the contribution of culture to the formation of identity of secondary
students.
The research design is explained in Chapter 3, with special emphasis on the questionnaire
as a research instrument. In Chapter 4 the analysis of data is discussed and the testing of
hypotheses is described. The following important findings were made:
Analysis of the empirical data indicates that there is a statistically significant
difference between male and female respondents in respect of culture and identity
formation.
From the data which was gathered, it appears that there are statistically significant
differences in views between the ages of 16 to 18 years and 19 years and higher
in respect of the role of culture in identity formation.
From the data which was gathered, it can be concluded that there are statistically significant differences between secondary students who receive education mainly
in English and Afrikaans in respect of the role of culture in identity formation.
It is clear from the results that there are no statistically significant differences
between secondary students who are in the care of their parents and those who are
in the care of other people, in respect of the role of culture in identity formation.
In a comparison between language groups in secondary schools, it was found that
there is a statistically significant difference concerning culture in identity
formation. On a single variable level the conclusion was made that there is a
statistically significant difference between the three groups who were jointly
tested.
It is clear from the results that there is a statistically significant difference of
opinion between groups which are affiliated to a church and groups without such
an affiliation, with regard to culture and identity formation.
In Chapter 5 a synopsis is given and important findings, as well as critical evaluation of
the research, recommendations and possible future research are discussed.