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Vulnerability and Agency in the Time of COVID-19: The Narratives of Child and Youth Care Workers in South Africa

Author

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  • Andile Samkele Masuku

    (Student Governance and Development Unit, Student Services, Steve Biko Campus, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa)

  • Reggiswindis Thobile Hlengwa

    (Department of Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ritson Campus, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa)

  • Lindelwa Vernon Mkhize

    (International Education and Partnerships, ML Sultan Campus, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa)

  • Maureen Nokuthula Sibiya

    (Division of Research, Innovation and Engagement, Umlazi Campus, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi 4031, South Africa)

Abstract

In this paper, we use data generated through one-on-one interviews with 12 purposively sampled Child and Youth Care Workers to examine their narratives of work and life-related vulnerabilities and agency during the peak of the COVID-19 global pandemic in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Our findings show that Child and Youth Care Workers were vulnerable to poor mental health. Indeed, working and socialising during the height of COVID-19 posed a mental toll on the Child and Youth Care Workers in this study, who experienced fear, uncertainty, anxiety and stress. Moreover, these workers faced challenges with working under the so-called new normal, which was instituted as part of a non-pharmaceutical response to slow and curb the spread of COVID-19. Finally, our findings show that Child and Youth Care Workers actively identified and applied specific emotionally-focused and physically-focused coping mechanisms to deal with the burden brought on by the pandemic. The study has implications for CYCWs working during crisis periods.

Suggested Citation

  • Andile Samkele Masuku & Reggiswindis Thobile Hlengwa & Lindelwa Vernon Mkhize & Maureen Nokuthula Sibiya, 2023. "Vulnerability and Agency in the Time of COVID-19: The Narratives of Child and Youth Care Workers in South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(6), pages 1-10, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:6:p:5010-:d:1095094
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gabriele Giorgi & Luigi Isaia Lecca & Federico Alessio & Georgia Libera Finstad & Giorgia Bondanini & Lucrezia Ginevra Lulli & Giulio Arcangeli & Nicola Mucci, 2020. "COVID-19-Related Mental Health Effects in the Workplace: A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-22, October.
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