Negotiating a COVID-19 Prevention Strategy with the Family: Youth Perspectives in a Rural Setting in South Africa

Abstract

The coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis is likely to exacerbate hardships experienced by the South African youth, who are already considered the most vulnerable group in South Africa. This study explores a family-negotiating strategy to empower the youth in South Africa during the coronavirus crisis. The participants comprised a purposive sample of 10 (female = 70%, male 30%; age range 18 to 35 years old) from the church youth in South Africa. Data were collected by means of semi-structured individual interviews using social media because of the practice of social distancing and lockdowns in South Africa. The data were thematically analysed. The findings suggest that the youth need to take care of their personal health and accept the new economic status of the family brought about by COVID-19. Adapting to these new routines is essential to avoid spreading the pandemic. However, cultural taboos around family finances need to be lifted. Moreover, the lack of support systems and family solidarity during COVID-19 (regarding the future life and education of the youth) are challenges that should be handled by the family, as well as the youth, if stress and frustration among the youth are to be avoided. As a result, in the event of a lockdown, students may need to learn how to negotiate COVID-19 preventive techniques with their families.