Divorce and Its Effects on Child Development: The Case of Itsani Village in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa
Résumé
The rate of divorce has been increasing in the world. Contemporary demographers estimate that approximately half of first marriages and about 60 per cent of second marriages will eventually end in dissolution. Studies show that parental divorce is linked with the increasing risk of adolescent adjustment problems for children, with less academic enthusiasm cited as the most worrying. Most of the children from these parents who have divorced end up dropping out of school, adopting disruptive behaviour, and abusing substances such as alcohol and illicit drugs. The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of parental divorce on youth development at Itsani village in the Vhembe district, Limpopo province, South Africa. The study investigated whether parental divorce may be a contributing factor in the deterioration of their performance at school. The study used a qualitative explorative research design. The purposive sampling method was also used to select a sample from the population of the study. Face-to-face interviews were also used as a method of data collection from 10 participants aged 16 – 21 years, residing in the Itsani village. The results established that youth who are from a troubled family and facing divorce are mostly depressed and are unable to concentrate on their studies. Their parents’ financial instability and lack of conflict resolution at home make them experience poor social relationships, and they are also reserved and introverted. Therefore, the paper suggests serious intervention mechanisms to help them cope with the sudden change in their family settings so that they can ultimately live a fulfilling life. The study also adds t the body of knowledge regarding divorce and its impact on the children.
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