South African volunteer perceptions : an exploratory study into the perceptions of female white South African volunteers working with black children orphaned by AIDS.

摘要

This study explored the perceptions of ten White female South African volunteersudworking with black children diagnosed HIV positive and/or orphaned by AIDS. Audqualitative research strategy was used in order to explore the participants’ perceptions ofudthe role that racial dynamics and everyday racism play in their work as volunteers. Tenudparticipants over the age of 18 years, that have been volunteering for a minimum of oneudmonth and that volunteer for a minimum of one hour a week at an organisation inudJohannesburg, were interviewed. The data were transcribed and analysed using thematicudcontent analysis and the findings were interpreted using a framework drawn from criticaludrace theory and critical Whiteness studies. Notions of everyday racism were evidenced inudthe findings of the study. These findings challenge traditional notions in a novel way byudexpanding the current understanding of the racial dynamics at play in a country workingudtowards equality. In doing so, the study raises theoretical and practical implications forudefforts aimed to address racism in South Africa.