Delegated Parenting in the City of Masvingo: Perceptions and Experiences of Parent Students at Zimbabwe Open University, Masvingo Regional Campus

Racheal Mafumbate ,Thandi F Khumalo ,Maxwell C.c Musingafi

doi:10.7176/rhss/9-8-09

Abstract

This study sought to investigate perceptions and experiences of female parent students on delegated parenting using a sample of twenty parent students at Zimbabwe Open University, Masvingo regional campus. The study was qualitative. Data was generated using focus group discussion. The study revealed that, the young female parents did not trust their maids but still they had to rely on them since they were all employed and going to school. Respondents shared instances and reports of child abuse in their families and stories from the media about child abuse. The study recommended that government, employers and local authorities should come up with supportive policies to create a conducive environment for parenting responsibilities; efforts should be made to improve the quality and conditions for child care in both the informal and formal environment through caregiver training; and parents should always create quality time for their children. Keywords: Parenting, city of Masvingo, perceptions, experiences, students, Zimbabwe Open University DOI : 10.7176/RHSS/9-8-09 Publication date : April 30 th 2019

Highlights

Orientation of the study This study investigated perceptions and experiences of female parent students on delegated parenting in Masvingo
In the Shona setting, young parents could entrust their children with their parents, brothers, sisters or cousins from both the maternal and paternal side, especially with the advent of colonialism when young men were taken to work for the white masters in cities and towns and the wife would visit the husband occasionally. Participants agreed that these days there has been a transition from parents entrusting childcare from their relatives to maids and other institutions especially in urban settings like the city of Masvingo in Zimbabwe
It was established that the maid represented the main form of delegated parenting in the city of Masvingo

Summary

Introduction

According to Linke (2004), parenting is a dynamic demanding and challenging process that involves relationships and interactions between parents, children and young people all of whom are continually developing. Participants agreed that these days there has been a transition from parents entrusting childcare from their relatives to maids and other institutions especially in urban settings like the city of Masvingo in Zimbabwe.

Objectives

Results

Conclusion