Abstract
M.Ed.
This qualitative, phenomenological study focuses on the friendships of domestic workers'
children, between Grades Four to Seven, in a local urban school. Different aspects of
these friendships are explored.
Friendship is an important component of socialization. Children tend to form friendships
within the school setting, however children often cement these friendships, by enriching
the relationships outside the context of the school. This implies that children visit with
their friends, both at their own and the friends' home. The child of the domestic worker
does not live in his own house. The question then arises whether or not this facet of
domicile, will impact on the child's friendships.
There are various aspects, which give meaning to the term friendship. In order for a child
to view the relationship as friendship, certain of these aspects need to be present. These
include, qualities that are desired in friendship, the type of contact with the friend, the
type of activities that are enjoyed together and the amount of conflict within the
relationship. In addition to exploring these aspects, this study investigates the
establishment of friendships, including gender of friends and whether or not the children
have multicultural friends. Due to the specific circumstances, the domicile and the
relationship with the caretaker's employers are examined. These are the main themes,
which are described. The sub-themes within the categories are also discussed.
The findings of this study show that the children all maintain their friendships, out of the
school context. The nature of the involvement differs from child to child and depends on
both external circumstances and the internal motivation of the child. These children
value the same qualities in friends and enjoy the same activities as children from studies in different countries. The children have multicultural associates, they prefer to play with
peers of the same gender and see conflict as a threat to the relationship.
The process whereby the data was collected is described. This included interviews, focus
group discussions, classroom discussions and informal observation of the participants at
these times. The data analysis is examined and the themes that emerged are discussed
within the framework of the existing literature on children's friendships.
The study concludes with a discussion of the implications for further research.
Guidelines to the educators and caretakers are suggested. These guidelines are for the
enhancement of friendships.