Parents’ views on transgender identities and the implications for learners.
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Date
2021
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Abstract
The systematic mistreatment of transgendered people within our society at large, and
particularly in rural South Africa, is still endemic. Parents, however, can play a very crucial
role in challenging and changing the assumptions their children have about transgendered
people. Thus, this study addresses the ways in which parents understand trans identities and he
implications thereof for children. The research design for this study adopted the use of semi structured individual interviews using photo-elicitation methods with parents residing at
Umgababa, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, who currently have children in primary school. Two
research issues underpinned the study. Firstly, the study sought to understand parents’
constructions of transgendered identities. Secondly, the research attempted to comprehend the
ways that tradition and culture shape parents’ attitudes towards transgendered people. Thematic
analysis was used to analyse data gathered from the participants.
The research findings of the study revealed limited understandings of transgender identities
amongst the parents interviewed. They also showed that rural parents’ reactions towards
transgendered individuals are deeply grounded in heterosexual morals that are re-enforced by
culture, tradition, and religious affiliations. This study also concluded that the violence aimed
at LGBTQI+ identities in patriarchal communities regularly results in gender non-conforming
individuals feeling powerless and fearing for their lives. Consequently, the results of the study
indicated that parents and school staff members need to work more closely together if they are
to gain collective insight relating to transgender issues.
The dissertation concludes by claiming that parents are the primary influence on their
children’s comprehension and behaviour in regard to transgender issues and, therefore,
transgender matters need to be thoroughly addressed at the family level. A last conclusion
drawn is the fact that parents should become primary ‘change-agents’ in order to help curb the
spread of homophobic and transphobic stereotypes within rural communities (as a means of
eradicating the gender-binary attitude that continually promotes toxic masculinity within
patriarchal spaces).
Description
Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.