Browsing by Author "Reddy, Vasu."

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Aantekeninge by Skakering (1991) : 'n omgewingsopvoedingsbenadering tot die gedigteks.
(2001) Motaung, Ruth Mathomane.; Reddy, Vasu.
This article has as focus an environmental education analysis of ten selected poems from the book Skakering (Opperman and Coetzee 1991) to associate the problem of environmental education with the teaching of a humanities subject like Afrikaans, and specifically in the light of the poem as text. It has as its aim the teaching of a genre, to relate in this regard the single text (the poem text) to the environment and environmentally associated problems. In this respect an approach which is aimed at selected texts in Skakering (Opperman and Coetzee 1991) shall possibly accentuate both teachers and pupils' relationship with nature. This article will concentrate on the following: a definition of environmental education as phenomenon which links up the concept ecology, general overview of the important and relevant sources, a theoretical explanation of the concept environmental education, a brief discussion of existing studies that pays attention to the environment and environmental education in the literature, the analysis of the contents of poems that represent certain environmental problems, and an awareness of the pedagogical implications for the teacher. OPSOMMING Hierdie artikel het as fokus 'n ' omgewingsopvoedingsanalise van tien geselekteerde gedigte uit die bundel Skakering (Oppenman en Coetzee 1991 ) om die probleem van omgewingsopvoeding in verband te bring met die onderrig van 'n geesteswetenskaplike vak 5005 Afrikaans. en spesifiek aan die hand van die gedigteks. Oit het as doel die onderrig van 'n genre, om in die verband die enkelteks (die gedigteks) in verband te bring met die omgewing en omgewingsverwante probleme. In hierdie opsig sal 'n benadering wat op geselekteerde tekste in Skakering (Opperman en Coetzee 1991 ) gerig is, beide ondervvysers en leerlinge se verhouding met die natuur aksentueer. In hierdie artikel word op die volgende gekonsentreer: die omskrywing van omgewingsopvoeding as verskynsel wat aansluit by die konsep ekologie, In oorsig van die belangrike en retevante bronne, 'n toeretiese uiteensetting van die konsep omgewingsopvoedingsbenadering, 'n kortlikse bespreking van bestaande studies wat aandag gee aan die omgewing en omgewingsopvoeding in die letterkunde, 'n analise van die inhoud van gedigte wat bepaalde omgewingsopvoedingsprobleme representeer, en 'n bewustheid van die pedagogiese implikasies vir die onderwyser.
Constructing South African feminism(s) : a case study of Agenda, 1987-2007.
(2008) Moothoo-Padayachie, Nitasha.; Reddy, Vasu.
This dissertation provides an analysis of the Agenda construction of South African Feminism(s). Agenda is a feminist, peer-reviewed SAPSE journal that was launched as a publication in 1987 in South Africa. The Journal provides a forum for a number of issues: the most important being the representation of women's voices towards transforming unequal gender relations; and women's unequal position in society, their visibility, struggles and problems in relation to gender inequalities. The Journal also uses a format that encompasses creative writing and original research that is intended to be accessible to a broad readership. Over the years, the Journal has published broadly on issues ranging from health, violence, sexuality, the media, poverty, labour, HIV/AIDS, rights, sustainable development, citizenship, etc. This dissertation analyses how some of these themes have been addressed by Agenda in terms of editorial content and the subsequent impact these choices have had on creating a uniquely South African Feminism. To determine the 'impact', the study adopts a content analysis of the Journal, (Neuman, 1997). The content of the Journals, especially during Apartheid (pre-1994) reflects a focus on the lived experiences of South African women. It is hypothesised that Agenda has shifted its focus since Issue 20 (the first Issue of 1994 aptly titled "Politics, Power and Democracy"). The argument in the dissertation demonstrates that with the inclusion of South African women, Agenda has steadily and consistently developed a discourse that is collaborative and participatory, reflecting a hybrid of various earlier strands of Western originating feminisms (such as radical, liberal, Marxist, socialist). This new discourse could be labelled South African Feminism(s), and such a conclusion is investigated through close analyses of selected themes and issues covered by the Journal copy.
Gendered representations in contemporary popular Hindi cinema : femininity and female sexuality in films by Pooja Bhatt and Karan Johar.
(2006) Ramlutchman, Nisha.; Reddy, Vasu.
This dissertation focuses on a textual analysis of the representation of femininity and female sexuality in popular Hindi cinema. Popular Hindi cinema has been a major point of reference for Indian culture in the last century, and will undoubtedly persist in the 21 st century. To an extent, Hindi cinema has shaped and reflected the burgeoning transformation of a 'traditional India' to a 'modern India'. (I use the term modern to reflect the impact the west has had on Indian society, and how this impact in turn is reflected on screen). Issues surrounding gender and sexuality tend to be avoided, if not subverted in Hindi cinema. More specifically, issues surrounding femininity and female sexuality in Hindi cinema is either not recognised or 'mis-recognised' on screen. Feminist studies, in relation to film, have taken up these issues, to a large extent in the west (cf. Hollows, 2000; Kaplan, 2000; Macdonald, 1995). Chatterji (1998) maintains that the interest of feminists in film began as a general concern for the underrepresentation and mis-representation of women in cinema. This study explores issues surrounding the 'presences' and 'absences' (as identified by Chatterji) in the representations of female sexuality and femininity in popular Hindi cinema. The project offers a comparative study of the films produced by two popular Hindi cinema filmmakers. Pooja Bhatt's Jism (The Body) (January, 2003) is analysed in comparison to Karan Johar's Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gham (Sometimes happiness, sometimes sadness) (November, 2000). The study compares, contrasts and analyses the ways in which each of these films (and thus, how each filmmaker) positions female sexuality and femininity in popular Hindi cinema. Keywords: popular Hindi cinema, femininity, female sexuality, gender, representation.
Gendered sexual vulnerabilities in the spread of HIV/AIDS : Clayfield (Phoenix) as case study.
(2007) Chetty, Parvathie.; Reddy, Vasu.
This dissertation focuses on how important factors such as gender inequalities and gender vulnerabilities contribute to fuelling the spread of HIV/AIDS. The study focuses on a community in Phoenix, called Clayfield. The study examines aspects of masculinity, sexual relations, socio-economic vulnerabilities and domestic violence and demonstrates how these elements predispose women and girls to HIV infection. As a result of gender inequalities and imbalances, women are vulnerable to HIV infection. The study also explores how risky behaviour, by both men and women, can escalate women's vulnerability to the disease. The central argument engages discussion on crucial issues around gender imbalances and vulnerabilities. The study concludes with recommendations pertinent to challenging present gender-based initiatives and interventions, and suggests possible gender-sensitive strategies that could assist in curbing the spread of the disease.
Moffies, stabanis and lesbos : the political construction of queer identities in southern Africa.
(2005) Reddy, Vasu.
This dissertation focuses on discursive constructions of sexuality (in particular homosexuality). This study is not a social history, nor does it explain and motivate the existence of homosexuality. Rather, the project explores the regulatory public discourses of homosexuality in Southern Africa in relation to historical events and archived texts. (Southern embraces primarily South Africa although one chapter foregrounds neighbouring African countries in the Southern region). Applying recent studies in queer theory to a number of events, issues and sources, I formulate a critical methodology that demonstrates the political construction of homosexuality. I argue that the emergence of political queer identity has its roots in the apartheid State, and show how these identities are politically grounded (and indeed) reinforced In the post-apartheid project. The study conceives homosexuality as a 'queer identity' that resists and subverts heteronormativity.
'n Analise van die representasie van geslagtelikheid in Roelf van Rensburg se Gooi hom in die sloot (1971) en Barrie Hough se Skilpoppe (1998) : opvoedkundige implikasies.
(2001) Nieman, Marietha Maria.; Reddy, Vasu.
In this dissertation it is indicated that gender is a social construct, while sex is biologically determined. The concept of gender refers to that which is understood within a certain society to define masculinity and femininity, the power struggle between the two sexes, as well as the social limitations which are placed on people's behaviour as a result of gender. Children's and young adult's literature exert a great influence on the youth's idea of gender roles. The social and cultural history of South African society is used in this study to explore stereotypical gender roles in Afrikaans youth literature. The role of a patriarchal society, homosexuality, and changing perceptions of gender roles are investigated. It is indicated that in both English and Afrikaans children's and young adult's literature the portrayal of gender roles is often unrealistic, stereotypical, and contains sexist language. Two novels namely, Gooi horn in die slool (1971) and Skilpoppe (1998), are analysed using the following categories: male or female author, representation of gender roles, and use of sexist language. The teaching implications of the findings for the second language learner are then articulated. OPSOMMING In hierdie skripsie is aangetoon dat geslaglelikheid ("gender"), anders as geslag wat biologies bepaal is, 'n sosiale konstruk is. Geslagtelikheid hou verband met wat in 'n bepaalde samelewing onder manlikheid en vroulikheid verstaan word, asook met magsverhoudings tussen die twee geslagte en sosiale beperkings wat op grond van geslagtelikheid op mense se gedrag geplaas word. Jeugliteratuur oefen 'n groot invloed uit op jeugdiges se siening van geslagtelikheid. Die sosiale en kultuur-historiese agtergrond in die Suid-Afrikaanse samelewing word in die studie gebruik om die uitbeelding van geslagtelikheid in die Afrikaanse jeugliteratuur te problematiseer. Die rol van 'n patriargale samelewing, homoseksualiteit en veranderde sienings oor geslagtelikheidsrolle word onder andere uitgelig. Daar word aangetoon dat die uitbeelding van geslagtelikheid in sowel Engelse as Afrikaanse jeugliteratuur dikwels baie onrealisties is en wemel van stereotiperings en seksistiese taalgebruik. Twee jeugverhale, naamlik Gooi ham in die slool (1971) en Skilpoppe (1998), word aan die hand van 'n aantal kategoriee, naamlik outeur, uitbeelding van geslagtelikheid en seksistiese taalgebruik geanaliseer, voordat onderrigimplikasies vir die tweedetaalklaskamer aangedui word.
Queer strokes, sexual subjects : gay male artists' representations of male bodies in selected contemporary South African artworks.
(2006) Chasomeris, Andreas Georgiou.; Reddy, Vasu.
This dissertation explores how the male body is utilised and visualised by a selection of gay male artists working within the post-Apartheid South African context. The male body is the means by which they represent these concepts of sexuality and identity. The complexity of contemporary visual arts is, in this dissertation, viewed as a signifier of cultural change. The visibility of gay males in South African society (read as a sign), is also reflected in the foregrounding of male bodies in artworks after 1994. Queer theory and theories of representation are used as a conceptual framework, in which readings are presented of how the male body is interpreted and represented as a site of contestation and convergence of power. The politics of sexuality and identity are represented and discussed in this project through the mediums of painting, photography and installation. These different mediums are linked conceptually, in the same way that sex, gender and sexuality are interlinked; influencing, yet not predetermining each other.
Rethinking ecofeminism : Wangari Maathai and the Green Belt Movement in Kenya.
(2006) Muthuki, Janet Muthoni.; Reddy, Vasu.
Issues of the environment have received increasing attention as demonstrated by the rise of the ecological movement in response to the threat of overpopulation, intensive agricultural methods and chemical pollution, all of which are reinforced by industrialization. Ecofeminist theories assert that industrialisation and capitalism have resulted in the oppression of both women and nature. Ecofeminism therefore represents a critique of patriarchal frameworks as well as a grassroots political movement with strategies to bring about an ecological revolution. However, ecofeminism as articulated in the West has been criticised for homogenizing and essentialising women. This study conceives ecofeminism from an African perspective by examining the work of Maathai and her Green Belt Movement (GBM) in relation to the Kenyan context. The study examines the effect of hegemonic practices such as colonialism and capitalism on the environment and gender relations. The study motivates the argument that Maathai's GBM offers a critique of industrialism and capitalist patriarchy occasioned by colonialism as well as a response to sustainability. The study advances the argument that the GBM represents a rethinking of the homogenizing imperative of western ecofeminism. The central hypothesis of this article is that Wangari Maathai's GBM is an African ecofeminist activism, which through environmental issues and interventions highlights gender relations and challenges patriarchy within national and global ideological structures.
Sexual misconceptions that predispose African adolescent girls to HIV infection in Umlazi Township, Durban.
(2006) Ogana, Winifred Nyatima.; Reddy, Vasu.
This dissertation elicits focuses on sexual misconceptions which pose challenges to HIV/AIDS prevention and control among African adolescent girls in Umlazi Township, Durban. The study springs from the realisation that mere misconceptions related to sexuality could instigate risky behaviour resulting in HIV infection, and ultimately, result in premature death related to AIDS-related illnesses. Due to their physiological vulnerability, adolescent women are among a group at highest risk for contracting HIV in South Africa The study seeks, therefore, to understand how sexual misconceptions predispose girls to HIV infection against the context of gender, sexuality and reproductive health. The latter three issues are shaped by myriad forces working against the adolescent group. The study concludes with recommendations focused on challenging and removing sexual misconceptions with gender-sensitive interventions.
Ukwaluka/ukusoka : a gender analysis of the symbolism of male circumcision as perceived by amaXhosa men and women in Clermont.
(2005) Nkosi, Promise Makhosazane.; Reddy, Vasu.
Male circumcision evokes emotive responses with those who either support or oppose the practice. It is an area of human interaction that has remained outside the public arena as a result of cultural taboos, but has increasingly come under public scrutiny due to the deaths of young boys as a result of unhygienic circumcision. Some taboos raise the spectre of death over anybody who dares to divulge the secrets of the ritual to outsiders. Male circumcision has resulted in public debates due to death and fatalities of some boys who undergo the ritual, but not much has been done to investigate the impact that male circumcision has on the social lives of the circumcised living in urban areas. This study investigates some of the reasons for the practice of traditional male initiation rituals by amaXhosa males who reside in Clermont-KwaDabeka (Durban); and explores, analyses and assesses the social meaning and effects of male circumcision. An analysis is offered about some of the gendered constructions related to sexual pleasure as an effect of male circumcision as perceived by Xhosa men and women living in Clermont-KwaDabeka. The processes involved in circumcision rites for the circumciser and the circumcised are examined in order to establish the context for the study and to extrapolate the processes in order to reflect on the meaning of the ritual. The study highlights the ongoing debate as to whether circumcision may be practiced as a health intervention strategy, and suggests that male circumcision has no impact on the sexual pleasure experienced by women, and concludes that female orgasm (s) is a problematic issue that needs further investigation. The study also conceives male circumcision as a cultural practice, and as a social construction that is gendered. The study recommends further interrogation of the issues pertaining to culture, sex, sexuality, gender, masculinities and male circumcision in order that this will serve as an intervention towards socialization of boys, and help them in making informed decisions before undergoing initiation.