Facing the Future: The Perceptions of Black Adolescents on their Prospects in South Africa

Abstract

This study focuses on the impact of social change on the black youth of post-apartheid South Africa. It is argued that adolescents’ perspectives on their future in this country are of particular relevance due to the extent of social problems which are currently experienced in South Africa. With South Africa’s history of apartheid and discrimination, it emerges that the influence of traditional cultural norms and values on the black youth is slowly but surely diminishing. They tend to share the general consumerism of South Africa’s wealthy classes, and many lack the history of participation in the struggle for political freedom. Amidst severe social problems, such as poverty, unemployment, HIV/AIDS and violent crime, the findings of an empirical investigation into the views of 391 black adolescents from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds indicate that a general spirit of optimism and independence exists, paired with a strong desire to escape the trappings of poverty and the inferiority of the past.

Evidence of non-economic indicators as markers of success for youth in youth employability programs: Insights from a South African study

“…Participants presented with high levels of self-esteem, self-efficacy, and high levels of education upon entering the program despite their social and economic disadvantage. Previous local studies show that youth express high levels of optimism about the future despite difficult circumstances ( Kamper & Badenhorst 2010 ). These personal characteristics and assets need to be acknowledged in program development, delivery and in monitoring and evaluation.…”

Responsibility in the Face of Adversity

“…The vast changes which occurred in South Africa during the last two decades had dramatic chronosystemic effects on adolescent development, with far-reaching consequences on micro-, meso-, macro-, and exosystemic levels. South African adolescents need to explore their sense of self in a context characterized by social, political, and economic changes (Kamper & Badenhorst, 2010). Despite the redress of inequalities that has taken place since South Africa became a democracy in 1994, the consequences of apartheid continue to affect South Africans (Durrheim, 2003; Van Jaarsveld, 2000).…”

Young Men, Education and Ethnicity in Contemporary Darjeeling

“…Despite concerns about young people's social trajectories, there is little research that engages with how these broader trends affect the lives of young people in localised settings (for exceptions, see Jeffrey, 2008Jeffrey, , 2010Rogers, 2008). Addressing this shortfall by exploring young men's experiences of social change in Darjeeling, this article contributes to broader social science literatures by highlighting how young men beyond metropolitan centres and in places characterised by social conflict (Kamper & Badenhorst, 2010) are affected by, and have affected, the trajectory of neoliberal development.…”