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Introduction
Eleanor Ross (BSW, MA Social Work [cum laude], PhD (Wits) is Professor of Social Work and former Head of Department of Social Work at University of Witwatersrand. She is a former editor of South African Journal of Communication Disorders and currently serves on the editorial board of Social Work in Health Care. She is an honorary life member of the South African Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Previously she was a board member of the South African Council for Social Service Professions.
Current institution
Additional affiliations
January 2011 - January 2014
January 2006 - December 2010
Education
January 1995 - January 1997
Publications
Publications (156)
Despite the escalation of gender-based violence in South Africa, and the physical, psycho-social, and economic impact on individuals and families, there is a gap in South African policies and laws regarding the drivers of this phenomenon and the World Health model for gender-based violence omits the effectiveness of societal responses. These knowle...
Loss of livelihoods during COVID-19 propelled South Africa to introduce the temporary Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant. The study compared views on the impact of social grants on livelihood strategies and household food security of 10 rural women in Benfarm Village, Limpopo who received social grants and 10 who received the additional SRD gran...
The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted schooling, not only in South Africa, but globally. In the study reported on here we investigated the perceived psychosocial effects of the pandemic on the teaching realities of Foundation Phase (FP) educators in rural quintiles 1 to 3 schools in the North West province, South Africa. A qualitative, case stud...
The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted schooling, not only in South Africa, but globally. In the study reported on here we investigated the perceived psychosocial effects of the pandemic on the teaching realities of Foundation Phase (FP) educators in rural quintiles 1 to 3 schools in the North West province, South Africa. A qualitative, case stud...
There is a paucity of studies demonstrating how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adopt CSR interventions to enhance social and economic conditions of communities within which they operate. There is also a prevailing stereotype that Corporate Social Responsibility is only applicable to big, multinational companies. The study therefore explo...
While the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic exerted a devastating impact on all members of society, it highlighted the worsening inequalities experienced by marginalised groups such as people experiencing poverty and homelessness in South Africa. The pandemic also exacerbated the multiple demands and stressors of service providers wor...
Research on quality of life (QoL) is important for public policies and human development programmes. Given the high proportion of youth within the South African population, and the rapid expansion of informal settlements, the aim of the study was to investigate the socio-economic living conditions of youth in Zandspruit informal settlement and thei...
In this article we report on a study in which we explored life orientation (LO) teachers’ experiences in providing psychosocial support to high school learners in the Johannesburg West district. High school learners are in the adolescent developmental stage, which is marked by major shifts in physiology, cognition, and social interactions, renderin...
In this article we report on a study in which we explored life orientation (LO) teachers' experiences in providing psychosocial support to high school learners in the Johannesburg West district. High school learners are in the adolescent developmental stage, which is marked by major shifts in physiology, cognition, and social interactions, renderin...
South Africa’s rights-based, anti-discriminatory constitutional imperative recognises the injustices of colonialism and apartheid and people’s rights to their traditional beliefs and customs, and provides shape and substance for a multicultural, diversity-sensitive approach to social work practice as advocated by the Council for Higher Education’s...
Given South Africa’s social, historical, political, and economic landscape which has contributed towards a relatively high prevalence of father absence, particularly in Black families, and the risk of adverse implications for children’s psychosocial development, the issue of absent fathers is an important area for research. However, the differentia...
In South Africa, youth leaving care can be considered a vulnerable group given the limited preparation and support they tend to receive for independent living, exacerbated by the high numbers of young people who are not in employment, education or training. The study explored challenges experienced , coping mechanisms employed, and support provided...
Many homeless persons experience poverty, social marginalization, poor physical and mental health, and substance abuse disorders, which were all brought into sharp focus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, the study explored the experiences of homeless persons at homeless shelters in Tshwane, South Africa during the period from 20 March to 25 Apri...
Within South African cultures, bereavement rituals are intended to promote healing on the part of the widow and demonstrate respect for the deceased. We explored the experiences of 10 Black South African widows regarding cultural mourning rituals and whether they were perceived to violate human rights or were necessary cultural practices. Findings...
While there is relatively high patronage of traditional healers in South Africa, their approaches toward mental illness remain shrouded in mystery. The research therefore explored the beliefs and practices of traditional healers at Dube Village, Soweto, South Africa regarding the reasons for and treatment of mental illness and was guided by an Afro...
Limited evidence exists of the effectiveness of combining cash transfers and family strengthening interventions in developing country contexts. This study provides evidence from an evaluation of a family strengthening intervention for Child Support Grant beneficiaries in 10 urban communities in Johannesburg, South Africa. A qualitative pre-post des...
Child well-being is particularly relevant to South African social workers given the country's high rates of violence, poverty, inequality, unemployment , HIV/AIDS, and poor schooling outcomes. Guided by a social constructivist theoretical lens, and located within an interpretive qualitative research design, the aim of the study was to determine whe...
While the infant mortality rate in South Africa has decreased, it remains a concern. Although there may not be any direct link between infant mortality and maternal infant-care practices, the health-seeking behaviour of mothers of newborn infants is a neglected area of research. Consequently, there is a need to understand the persons that mothers a...
Given the 2018 decriminalization of marijuana in South Africa for personal use and medicinal consumption, the aim of this research was to explore the perceptions of university students regarding the use, impact, legalization, and decriminalization of marijuana. Key findings revealed that a fair number of participants acknowledged using marijuana. W...
The report focuses on a nine-month post intervention follow-up evaluation of a Family and Community Strengthening Programme for beneficiaries of the Child Support Grant in South Africa.
Abstract
Given the 2018 decriminalization of marijuana in South Africa for personal use and medicinal consumption, the aim of this research was to explore the perceptions of university students regarding the use, impact, legalization, and decriminalization of marijuana. Key findings revealed that a fair number of participants acknowledged using mar...
Alcohol consumption among tertiary level students is a public health problem that can adversely affect students' performance at university. This study therefore investigated the drinking patterns; reasons for drinking; and the perceived impact of drinking on academic performance of undergraduate social work students at a South African university. O...
In view of reports in the media on the spate of crimes plaguing South African universities, a qualitative study was conducted regarding the experience of crime by students from one urban-based university. The research formed part of a group project in which fourth-year social work students each conducted five interviews with students who were not t...
In South Africa, African traditional healers and biomedical practitioners play important roles in the management of HIV and AIDS, but provide healthcare services in isolation of each other, despite legislative recognition of both types of healing. An interpretive, qualitative research approach was employed to elicit the views of both groups regardi...
Given the costs and benefits of mining to local communities, and the difference in availability of resources between rural and urban communities, the study compared well-being in the South African coal mining communities of Chief Albert Luthuli and Mhluzi. Questionnaires were administered to random samples of households from these two communities....
Abstract: Given the costs and benefits of mining to local communities, and the difference in availability of resources between rural and urban communities, the study compared well-being in the South African coal mining communities of Chief Albert Luthuli and Mhluzi. Questionnaires were administered to random samples of households from these two com...
Background
In South Africa barriers to accessing health services by persons with a disability would appear to be exacerbated by the overburdened state of public healthcare.
Objectives/Hypotheses
The study examined physical access to and utilization of healthcare services by persons with and without a disability. It was hypothesized (1) that househo...
Widespread student uprisings associated with the Fees-Must-Fall movement have starkly focused universities on the need to revisit the impact of colonialism, and the need to decolonise curricula and adapt them to the South African context. While acknowledging the oppressive effects of colonisation and the homogenising and universalising effects of g...
While South African educational policy gives all persons the right to attend educational institutions irrespective of pregnancy or maternal status, it can be demanding to be both a student and a mother and to reconcile competing conceptions of what it means to be a “good student” and a “good mother”—particularly within African culture. The research...
Given the managerial and austerity crisis in field practice education in South Africa and internationally, the study explored the perceptions of student social workers regarding their experiences of field practice supervision. A questionnaire-based survey was administered to third-year undergraduate social work students attending a South African un...
While education has been recognised as a route out of poverty, for many black South Africans, equality of opportunity and access to quality post-school education are often hampered by lack of resources and the lingering legacy of apartheid. The main focus of this study is on learners’ perceptions in the disadvantaged rural community of Siyabuswa, M...
Given the managerial and austerity crisis in field practice education in South Africa and internationally, the study explored the perceptions of student social workers regarding their experiences of field practice supervision. A questionnaire-based survey was administered to third-year undergraduate social work students attending a South African un...
Heavy workloads and the crisis in South African foster care compel many social workers to focus on the physical needs of foster children and neglect their psychosocial needs. This qualitative study employed individual interviews to explore the emotional experiences of 15 adolescents placed in foster care. While they were aware of the reasons for be...
Heavy workloads and the crisis in South African foster care compel many social workers to focus on the physical needs of foster children and neglect their psychosocial needs. This qualitative study employed individual interviews to explore the emotional experiences of 15 adolescents placed in foster care. While they were aware of the reasons for be...
In the digital age of global communication, the use of social media has expanded exponentially. Although the use of social media can be extremely advantageous and create opportunities for people to easily solicit information, promote discussion and network through various social media platforms, this technology also poses ethical and legal risks to...
This article describes an evaluation of an in-school breakfast feeding programme in Johannesburg, South Africa based on a public-private partnership. The purpose of the evaluation was to determine whether there were any changes in the anthropometric and school performance outcomes of children receiving the breakfast feeding programme. The evaluatio...
Purpose: In light of the limited research into consumers' experiences of group work services in South Africa, the study evaluated groups offered by a range of social service agencies in Gauteng to determine whether group interventions were perceived by users as developmental and empowering. Methods: Program evaluation was employed to evaluate 47 gr...
Purpose
In light of the limited research into consumers’ experiences of group work services in South Africa, the study evaluated groups offered by a range of social service agencies in Gauteng to determine whether group interventions were perceived by users as developmental and empowering.
Methods
Program evaluation was employed to evaluate 47 gro...
The increase in life expectancy has highlighted the value of group work interventions as a cost-effective way of helping older persons to deal with life transitions. This article describes a group for senior citizens that continued for 18 years. The aim of the study was to undertake a documentary analysis of the facilitator's process notes and part...
Background: Partly because of the legacy of apartheid, and despite being a constitutional democracy, South Africa continues to be a deeply divided society, particularly along racial lines. In this context many people with albinism do not fit neatly into black and white categories and are likely to experience social discrimination and marginalisatio...
This study explored the social situation of homeless people with mental illness living on the streets of Hillbrow, Johannesburg, with the view to facilitating action in terms of support services. Data were collected via interviews and observations from three groups: homeless persons with suspected mental illness, homeless people, and service provid...
Health is a fundamental human right and if health care is to be universal and equitable it should not be less accessible to some sectors of society than to others. The objective of this study was to compare health outcomes and access to health care between persons living with disabilities and their non-disabled counterparts. The research was based...
Although quality of life is recognised as a key area of research when assessing development, it has received little attention when studying disability in South Africa and other developing contexts. As a result we know relatively little about how people with disabilities living in developing contexts fare in comparison to their counterparts without...
This chapter explores understandings and the historical development of sexual harassment in South Africa, as well as current policies and legislation that address this phenomenon. Theories and antecedents of sexual harassment are elaborated upon including: Patriarchal cultures and gender socialisation; worker power; the workplace culture and gender...
The changing nature of gender roles and the emergence of gender asymmetries is central to understanding the source and emanation of work–family conflict. This chapter begins with understanding the meaning that is attributed to work—how work provides not only economic resources but also addresses identity and altruistic aspects. The changing nature...
Background
Medical professionalism as a set of behaviours that transcends personal values, beliefs and attitudes to incorporate ethical and moral principles is considered a covenant between society and the practice of medicine. The Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice (BCMP) a three year professional degree was launched at the University of the Wi...
In view of the high prevalence of HIV and AIDS in South Africa, particularly among adolescents, the Departments of Health and Education proposed a school-based HIV counselling and testing campaign to reduce HIV infections and sexual risk behaviour. Through the use of semi-structured interviews, our qualitative study explored perceptions of parents...
High levels of poverty, unemployment, violence, housing shortages and family disintegration form part of the landscape of homelessness in South Africa. While there have been several South African studies on homelessness in general (e.g., Olufemi, 1998; Mathiti, 2006; Seager & Tamasane, 2010; Cross, Seager, Erasmus, Ward & O'Donovan, 2010; Kok, Cros...
Given the high unemployment rates in South Africa, the government has introduced policies to assist individuals to enter the job market, including stipend-paid volunteering. This research sought the views of stipend-paid volunteers and managers from four Johannesburg-based non-governmental prganisations. The aims were to investigate whether stipend...
The issue of benefits in international clinical research is highly controversial. Against the background of wide recognition of the need to share benefits of research, the nature of benefits remains strongly contested. Little is known about the perspectives of research populations on this issue and the extent to which research ethics discourses and...
Poverty and youth unemployment are critical issues in South Africa with homeless persons begging at traffic light intersections in all major cities. Support services represent one way of empowering homeless youth. The study therefore examined the experiences of 10 homeless young adult males in Hillbrow, Johannesburg and whether they were aware of l...
In view of the high prevalence of HIV and AIDS in South Africa, particularly among adolescents, the Departments of Health and Education have proposed a school-based HIV counselling and testing (HCT) campaign to reduce HIV infections and sexual risk behaviour. Through the use of semi-structured interviews, our qualitative study explored perceptions...
Living in an institution associated with HIV and AIDS is likely to exacerbate difficulties experienced by teenagers who have to cope with the normal stresses of adolescence. The aim of the study was to explore the challenges that adolescents living at Nkosi's Haven encounter and whether they experience any problems when interacting with their peers...
This study explores how the values, theoretical principles as well as human resource and funding strategies underpinning service delivery in the Johannesburg Jewish Helping Hand Society might have contributed to the sustainability of the organisation during a time of reduced funding. Interviews were conducted with 15 key informants. The main findin...
The study explored the perceptions of beneficiaries of income-generating projects. A qualitative research design was employed with a sample of 20 participants from two Development Centres in Sedibeng. Data from interviews revealed that the Development Centre was perceived to be an effective service-delivery model for alleviating poverty and enhanci...
As a result of a shortage of organs that can be used for transplantation in South Africa, as well as a lack of awareness and cultural taboos around organ donation, many individuals do not receive the organs they need and are sent home to die, raising questions about distributive justice and the right to life. The study therefore investigated whethe...
The study explored the views of parents and adolescents regarding the influence of computer technology on teenagers and their relationships with their parents. An exploratory-descriptive, qualitative design was employed which involved the administration of questionnaires for parents and teenagers. The main finding was that use of computer technolog...
new political dispensation in 1994, South Africa developed a constitution that has been widely recog-nised by the international community as progressive (Act 108 of 1996). 1 The Bill of Rights in the Constitution enshrines the rights of all people in South Africa and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom. In a bid to...
There seems to be a paucity of research on the grief and psychological trauma experienced by children in foster care who have been orphaned by the HIV and AIDS pandemic. This article is based on collaborative research conducted by the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and the Wits Department of Social Work. Among the questions posed was whether organi...
Despite the integration of schools and the introduction of progressive educational policies after South Africa became a non-racial democracy in 1994, many prospective students are still disadvantaged by an unevenly resourced schooling system, and do not meet the requirements for automatic admission to university. Although universities have succeede...
The over-reliance of South African social work on Euro-American and British theories, and the need to decolonise the profession, has long been recognised by many writers. This article endeavours to conceptualise a pluralistic, indigenous, Afro-centric model of social work education and practice that seeks to infuse the educational curriculum with A...
English
This article interrogates various African cultural beliefs and practices, and advocates for the development of an indigenous Afro-centric model of social work to promote the healing process, and as a way of teaching social work students about the dilemmas inherent in respecting cultural practices which impinge on the rights of others.
Frenc...
Within health-care settings, culturally competent practice presupposes an understanding of the socio-cultural meanings attached to illness and disability and the people who are likely to be consulted with respect to providing health care and restoring well-being. Large numbers of South Africans are known to consult with traditional healers in prefe...
Within health-care settings, culturally competent practice presupposes an understanding of the socio-cultural meanings attached to illness and disability and the people who are likely to be consulted with respect to providing health care and restoring well-being. Large numbers of South Africans are known to consult with traditional healers in prefe...
