Marseille 2007
Marseille 2007
Abstract book
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Abstract #378  -  HIV/AIDS-induced Emerging Living Arrangements: Case Studies from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Session:
  6.98: Posters A (Poster) on Monday   in  Chaired by
Authors:
  Presenting Author:   Ms Corrie Du Preez - University of Zululand, South Africa
 
  Additional Authors:   
Aim:
The research findings presented here forms part of a PhD research project titled, Care arrangements for people living with HIV/AIDS in non-urban KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, in the context of demographic, socio-economic and socio-cultural transition. The social and cultural impacts of HIV/AIDS on communities and households, as exacerbated by poverty and unemployment, are not yet fully visible and understood. The aim of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of the actual and potential impacts of HIV/AIDS on kin relations, gender roles, and other traditions associated with Zulu culture by describing and analysing emerging living arrangements in non-urban Mbonambi, KwaZulu-Natal.
 
Method / Issue:
Following a demographic, socio-economic and health survey of 353 households, 22 households were selected as case studies for in-depth assessment of living arrangements and livelihood generation. Case study households were selected according to criteria such as: gender and age of household head, household size, and whether and how the household was affected and/or afflicted by HIV/AIDS. Qualitative case study data were collected by means of in-depth interviews, observations and focus group discussions over a period of eight months. Qualitative data were perused, classified according to themes and synthesised.
 
Results / Comments:
Key results from the quantitative data, which guided the selection of case study households: The average household size is 6.7, with 56.5% of households headed by males and 43.5% by females. The sample counted 18 single-person households, 11 of which are female. Unemployment is high with a great dependency on social grants. The majority of households were found to be affected and/or afflicted in one way or another by HIV/AIDS, frequently through the presence of orphan(s). Key results from qualitative data include the following examples of emerging living arrangements: Siblings residing together, with the eldest sometimes below the age of 18. Orphaned grandchildren living with frail grandmothers and/or grandfathers. Single mothers, who are HIV positive, residing on their own, placing children with relatives or friends. Unmarried mothers, with their children, residing with their maternal families.
 
Discussion:
Children frequently have to take on roles and responsibilities not associated with their gender and age when taking care of siblings and a household. Some orphans choose to stay on their own, as a strategy to keep the house and land, the little security they have, thus growing up without adult role models and supervision. Some orphaned children never even knew their biological parents, while at risk of loosing one or both grandparents as a result of HIV/AIDS or old age. They also in some cases place additional strain on frequently limited household resources. Placing children with relatives, is a strategy followed by single mothers who are HIV positive, to ensure their children are taken care of. Unmarried mothers, with children, may reside with maternal families as a result of financial independence, or because potential husbands are unable to pay lobola, a practice still relatively common in Zulu culture. Children usually have the surnames of biological fathers, but do not have any contact with their fathers and, in a patrilineal society, are denied their inheritance. Many young women have more than one sexual partner, putting themselves at risk of contracting HIV. A prospective study of the same households over an extended period of time will yield insights into the social and cultural changes brought about by HIV/AIDS.
 
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