Exploring barriers to social cohesion in rural South African communities: A family-centred qualitative study

Abstract

In South Africa, the need to strengthen social cohesion has become increasingly important considering various pressing challenges, particularly within family and community structures. Addressing these issues is crucial for promoting solidarity and inclusion among all South Africans. This study explores the barriers to social cohesion in two rural South African communities using a family-centred approach. It adopts a family centred perspective to develop targeted interventions that support communities, government officials, and policymakers in tackling critical social challenges, including trust deficits, feelings of non-belonging, family instability, and economic disparities across municipalities. The study utilized a qualitative, exploratory design, drawing on data collected from two rural communities in South Africa: Lambert’s Bay in the Western Cape and Philippolis in the Free State Province. A total of 19 participants were engaged, comprising 11 parents and 8 community stakeholders. Data collection was conducted through in-depth, face-to-face interviews in participants’ preferred languages to ensure accuracy and comfort. Data analysis followed Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis approach, supported by Atlas.ti software, to systematically interpret the findings. The results identified seven key themes: family instability and domestic violence, inequality and economic disparity, lack of trust in relationships, racial discrimination, limited access to education and skills development, feelings of non-belonging and substance abuse and violence. These findings underscore the significance of family instability as a central factor in broader social cohesion. It is recommended that interventions adopt a family-centred approach. The study concludes with high-level policy and community intervention recommendations to support these efforts.