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Parents’ Perspectives on Children’s Independent Mobility in Selected Rural Towns in South Africa: A Human Capabilities Perspective

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  • Chinyakata Rachel

    (Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Family and Society, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa)

  • Nicolette Vanessa Roman

    (Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Family and Society, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa)

  • Shelley Ann Vickerman

    (Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Family and Society, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa)

  • Gift Taruwandira Donga

    (Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Family and Society, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa)

Abstract

A child’s independent mobility is essential to their social, emotional physical, and cognitive development and provides children the opportunity to explore and experience their environment. The freedom of free movement and security from all forms of harm is necessary for achieving the capability of bodily integrity which is one of the essential capabilities necessary for well-being. Despite this, research on child independent mobility in Africa remains limited. Hence, this paper focuses on parents’ perspectives on children’s independent mobility in rural towns in South Africa to understand the factors that enhance or impede children’s independent mobility. This is essential in suggesting guidelines and recommendations to promote the independent mobility of children in South Africa. A qualitative methodology was used as the research approach to guide the collection and analysis of the data. Data were collected from a sample of parents in the community and thematically analysed in ATLAS.ti. From this study, it can be noted that parents were not comfortable with the independent movement of their children due to the issues of safety around the community. This led to the restricted movement of children, supervised movements, accompaniment of children to school, and organising transport to ferry children to and from school. This study, therefore, calls for the involvement of stakeholders from various levels to develop and implement strategies to promote safe and child-friendly environments in the community. This is essential in enhancing and restoring a child’s independent mobility.

Suggested Citation

  • Chinyakata Rachel & Nicolette Vanessa Roman & Shelley Ann Vickerman & Gift Taruwandira Donga, 2022. "Parents’ Perspectives on Children’s Independent Mobility in Selected Rural Towns in South Africa: A Human Capabilities Perspective," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-10, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:11:y:2022:i:12:p:540-:d:980779
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hananel, Ravit & Berechman, Joseph, 2016. "Justice and transportation decision-making: The capabilities approach," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 78-85.
    2. Tranter, Paul & Sharpe, Scott, 2012. "Disney-Pixar to the rescue: harnessing positive affect for enhancing children’s active mobility," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 20(1), pages 34-40.
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