Marlize Rabe

My children, your children, our children? Fathers, female partners and household structures

Abstract The nature of father-child relationships is considered here by focusing on the influence of household structures and current partners on such relationships—especially if children were born from different sexual relationships. The main concern of this article is to examine how men see their fathering roles in different household contexts, such as when they live with the mother of their children, when they do not live with the mother(s) of their biological children, and/ or when they live (or have a relationship) with women who have children from previous relationships. Various father-child-relationships are distinguished, such as fathers who give only financial contributions to the upkeep of children; who live with children on a daily basis; who have sporadic contact with children; and cases where fathers have no contact with their biological children. This research is placed within the context of the South African goldmining industry, based on in-depth interviews with thirty mineworkers conducted during 2002 and 2003.

Exploring gender and race amongst female sociologists exiting academia in South Africa

This article explores issues of gender and race in the academic careers of female sociologists in South Africa by focusing on selected women who left academic departments in higher education institutions. In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 participants who left various Sociology departments at different times. It was found that young black female academics dwelled on issues of race in their careers, but paid scant attention to gender. Older white female academics, especially those who had been in senior positions, focused on gender issues, with only brief comments on racial issues. It is argued that racial challenges overshadow gender challenges for black female academics in South Africa and that gender discrimination is only experienced once women reach more senior academic positions. A minority status in academic departments contributes to experiences of racial or gender discrimination, although demographic changes within departments do not necessarily lead to the eradication thereof.

Commuter couples: An inside story

Abstract Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted (during 1998) with persons who were part of a commuter couple at the time of the interview or shortly before. “Commuter couple” and “commuter relationship” are the terms used in this study to refer to people who are either married or in a long term relationship, but who are not able to live with their partners due to work, commitments. Some biographical detail was obtained from the respondents, after which the following areas pertaining to their commuter relationships were explored: living arrangements, daily activities, finances, careers, the emotional effects of the marriage or relationship, children, wider family relationships, friendships, and the future. A telephonic follow-up study was done approximately six months after the original interviews (during January 1999) The aim was to explore whether any changes in the relationships had taken place during that time. Although the study is exploratory in nature, a few suggestions are made for future research in this area.

Is There Life after Sociology? Exploring the Career Paths of Former South African Academics in Sociology

ABSTRACT An overview of the careers of a selected group of sociologists who left academia is presented. Qualitative interviews with 11 female and five male former academic sociologists were conducted. It was found that research participants entered sociology as postgraduate students by chance, being influenced by sociology lecturers and/or because of an interest in the subject. After being appointed in academic positions, some experienced a lack of support from senior academics, and even discrimination and unfair treatment. The main reasons given for exiting an academic career include experiences of discrimination, repeatedly being offered contract academic positions, wanting to pursue a related career outside of academia, or the belief that a new career would enhance personal development. Insights from the expectancy theory and the anchor theory illuminate their reasons for leaving an academic career. After leaving academia, research and writing skills as well as an understanding of interpersonal dynamics (as taught in sociology) were specifically valued. If sociologists leave academia, a closer relationship between the sociology practised in academic circles and the application of sociology in other sectors of society is suggested. Yet, negative aspects highlighted in the article, such as discrimination against certain participants, are stumbling blocks for fostering such closer relationships.

Family policy for all South African families

The ‘White Paper of Families in South Africa’ is critically analysed in this article. It is shown that although family diversity is acknowledged in the aforementioned document, certain implications of the document undermine such professed diversity, not all caretakers of children are acknowledged and supported, and financially vulnerable families are not strengthened. Instead, narrow ideals of family life are at times promoted, suggesting middle-class heterosexual values. It is argued here that the realities of family life should be accepted as such and family in different forms should be supported consistently, not subtly pushed to conform to restricted interpretations of what families should be like.

Mothers in Cameroonian Prisons: Pregnancy, Childbearing and Caring for Young Children

According to the Cameroonian Penal Code, pregnant women, nursing mothers and children may not be admitted to prison and, by implication, there are no facilities to cater for these vulnerable categories of prisoners. Yet pregnant women are arrested occasionally and they deliver children in prison and some women are sentenced as nursing mothers. There is an implicit belief and practice that women are the primary caretakers of children – hence their imprisonment impacts on children both inside and outside of prison. This article first discusses the discrepancies between policy and practice regarding female inmates and their children in the Cameroonian penitentiary system. It then goes on to show how pregnancies, deliveries and being a mother are dealt with by female prisoners, given the constraints under which they are living. The research is based on observations and interviews at six out of 73 prisons in Cameroon. The data for this article is based on qualitative analysis of the narratives of 13 female inmates, who have experienced motherhood in prison, interviews with five prison staff members and two NGO representatives working in close collaboration with these inmates. The study was approached with standpoint feminist theory as a point of departure.