Prof N.A. Broer*, Prof J.L. van der Walt, Dr K.B. Mampane, Prof N.T. Mollo, Prof C.C. Wolhuter
Discipline among schoolchildren in South Africa is currently not of an acceptable
standard. This is due to various factors and circumstances, among which the prevailing
political situation is one of the most conspicuous. The new post-apartheid government
has through the past three decades found it difficult to put an end to the general spirit of
violence that has become ingrained in the citizenry’s social fabric. This spirit of illdiscipline has also taken root in schools, and in some cases, in parental homes. With the aid of the social space and ethical action theory, three social spaces were identified: the parental home, the school, and the space between home and school. The qualitative empirical investigation (using a questionnaire) based on this theoretical framework concentrated on the parent-respondents’ views of the state of discipline at home and in the school and the interplay between parents and the school in the space between home and school. The investigation revealed that parents viewed discipline at home and in school as affected by factors such as inconsistent application of rules, lack of communication, and external pressures in the form of exposure to peer pressure and social media. They understand the need for collaborative efforts between parents and teachers, the setting of clear boundaries, and the application of non-punitive, respectful approaches for creating a consistent and supportive environment for their children’s development.
Keywords: discipline, education, parent, parental home, parental views, social space
Abstract
[Full Article]
Research Unit: Education and Human Rights in Diversity (Edu-HRight) North-West University – South Africa
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