Caregivers of early adolescent children: Influences of their apartheid experiences on their intergenerational learning practices

• Published in: Journal of psychology in Africa Vol. 31; no. 3; pp. 298 - 302
• Main Authors: Pretorius, Jené, Lorraine Petersen, Carinne Annfred, Pedro, Athena
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Routledge 04-05-2021
• Subjects: adolescent; apartheid; caregiver; intergenerational learning; race and identity
• ISSN: 1433-0237; 1815-5626
• DOI: 10.1080/14330237.2021.1927333

This study aimed to explore the experiences of apartheid that South African caregivers share with their early-adolescent children. Utilising a qualitative exploratory inquiry approach, we interviewed eight participants (male = 1; age range: 29-55 years old; black = 3; coloured = 3; white = 2) within the Cape Town Metropole area, South Africa. The researchers inquired about caregivers' experiences relating to apartheid and how conversations about apartheid may influence early-adolescents' social and identity development. Following thematic analysis, findings revealed two themes, namely: caregiver perceptions of incredulity by the adolescent children; and the adolescent children's reluctance to discuss emotionally laden topics from the apartheid period. Caregivers shared minimally about emotionally laden topics from the apartheid era. Findings suggest an intergenerational disconnect between the older and younger generation cohorts regarding post-apartheid personal identities.