Integrating Socio-Cultural Knowledge In Life Skills Education For The Prevention Of Health And Social Pathologies: A Social Work Perspective

Learners occupy a place of central concern in the modern-day society and need to be protected against health and social pathologies. Globalisation, democratisation and glorification of youth behaviour are some of the challenges facing the learners of the 21st Century. Learners are expected to learn to prepare for their full adult roles and responsibilities in society against the backdrop of large-scale socio-political and socio-economic developments, challenges and problems. Risk-taking behaviours such as substance abuse, risky sexual behaviour, stressful family circumstances, Eurocentric lifestyles, lack of respect for the elders, misinterpretation of human rights and violence continue to destroy and affect their lives. Keywords : Socio-cultural knowledge, life skills education, health and social pathologies and social work. Indilinga Vol. 7 (2) 2008: pp. 155-170