Employment is Empowerment: Narratives of Employed Black South African Women
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Authors
Lindley, Clarissa A.
Issue Date
2009
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
South Africa's oppressive history has created distinct racial and gender inequalities in today's
society. European power controlled the country for nearly 400 years, creating laws and cultural
norms that separated Black South African families and eliminated their human rights. South
African gender roles give men power and independence and expect women to maintain
domesticity and submission. Historical influences have placed Black South African women at
the bottom of the social hierarchy, leaving them unemployed, uneducated and impoverished.·The
present study examines the narratives of 21 Black South African women who have maintained
employment at Phumani Paper Company for at least 5 years. The narratives explore themes of
employment, empowerment, nondisclosure, and the participants hope for the future.
Employment with Phumani provided the participants with education, personal support, financial
stability and the ability to form a unique identity. The women have endured great hardships and
overcome the oppression of South African society through their strength and empowerment.
Despite hardship, the participants maintain a positive outlook on life and hope to initiate societal
change. The narratives of the employed, Black South African women embody the change that is
possible for the future of South Africa.
Description
v, 98 p.
Citation
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License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder. All rights reserved.