Browsing Faculty of Social Sciences by Title
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Mookodi, G. (CODESRIA, http://www.codesria.org, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: Male violence against women has become commonplace in contemporary Botswana. Analyses of gender-based violence in Botswana indicate that men are acting out their dominance through acts of violence. This dominance is created and reinforced by patriarchal beliefs and practics. The discussions are characterised by notions of female victimhood and universal male dominance. This paper contextualises male violence agaisnt women by examining the role played by economic and social change in the shaping of gender identities and relations. I show that while contemporary forms of male dominance have resulted from their privileged access over time to resources such as wages and property, men also face uncertainties of unemployment and reduced social status. I also show that rather than assuming the role of passive victims, women have developed, and continue to develop, contradictory survival strategies such as cohabitation and sexual relations that not only reinforce notions of male dominance but sometimes also challenge power relations and render some men victims. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/714 Files in this item: 1
Mookodi_ASR_2004.pdf (1.452Mb) -
Mulinge, M.M.; Munyae, M.M. (The Haworth Press, www.haworthpress.com/, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Utilizing data collected from a randomly selected sample of 360 academic and managerial staff, regression analysis was performed to identify the determinants of acceptance of change among employees at the University of Botswana. The results showed moderate levels of employee acceptance of innovations and revealed that, of the four categories of substantive factors analyzed, managerial features were the most important determinants of acceptance of organizational change. It was concluded that management action is needed to boost the levels of acceptance of change and that a more participative approach to the management of the change process is necessary to guarantee the involvement of all stakeholders from the decision-making to the implementation and administration stages of the process. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1120 Files in this item: 1
Mulinge_JAB_2008.pdf (1.912Mb) -
Selolwane, O. (African Sociological Review, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: The main thesis of this paper is that Botswana's opposition parties are accountable for their failure to provide the voting public with a meaningful alternative to the ruling Botswana Democratic Party. While conceding the explanatory importance of other factors such as resource capacity, this paper departs from conventional wisdom by focusing on the strategic and ideological weaknesses of the opposition parties. it argues that the opposition parties made a number of strategic errors which rendered them electorally unattractive before they could establish their legitimacy as contenders for government power. To break the monopoly of power that the ruling party has so far enjoyed, Botswana's opposition must transform itself into a meaningful competitor and government-in-waiting. To do that they must (a)demonstrate that they have a viable, alternative economic management strategy to better satisfy the interests of a diverse voting public and (b)develop broad based political strategies targeting the diverse voting public to build voter confidence in the capability of the party as a possible government. The ruling party's track record of four decades of sustained economic growth leaves a formidable challenge to the opposition. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/761 Files in this item: 1
Selolwane_ASR_2002.pdf (1.586Mb) -
Amey, KA.A.; Forcheh, N.; Setlhare, K. (Dove Medical Press Ltd. www.dovepress.com/, NaN, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: Background: Predictive models for mortality due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease as a result of opportunistic infections, such as tuberculosis and pneumonia, have been developed. Methods: The data are taken from the Statistics South Africa multiple causes of death data for 2006 and 2007, which is available for public use. The dataset was compiled from death notifications, and contains up to five causes of death as well as some demographic characteristics of the deceased. The logistic regression modeling framework was used to model the presence or absence of HIV disease, given the predictive variables. Results: The higher the number of causes listed, the higher the likelihood that HIV would be a cause, with the percentage of notifications of HIV listed increasing from under 2% when only one cause is listed to almost 15% when 4–5 causes are listed. When the logit model was fitted to the multiple cause of death model, it was found that individual demographics were good predictors of the likelihood that the death notification would have HIV as one of the causes of death. Although there are highly significant differences in the likelihood that people of different demographics would die from HIV, the predictive power of these demographic factors on their own is very low, especially when there is only a single cause of death mentioned. With the full multiple cause of death model, two-way interactions between tuberculosis, pneumonia, and other opportunistic infections were highly significant, and their inclusion lead to significant improvements in the predictive power of the model. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1071 Files in this item: 1
Forcheh_OAMS_2012.pdf (302.7Kb) -
Vasudeva, R.; Divanji, G. (Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, http://epubs.siam.org, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Let (X(t), t ≥ (0) with X(0) = 0 be a stable subordinator with index 0 < α < 1 and let (tk) be an increasing sequence such that tk+1/tk → ∞ as k → ∞. Let (at) be a positive nondecreasing function of t such that a(t)/t 1. Define Y (t) = X(t + a(t)) − X(t) and Z(t) = X(t) − X(t − a(t)), t > 0. We obtain law-of-the-iterated-logarithm results for (X(tk)), (Y (tk)) and Z(tk), properly normalized. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1135 Files in this item: 1
Divanji_TPA_2006.pdf (120.0Kb) -
Molefe, W.B.; Mguni, B.S. (Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: Opinion polls are a relatively new phenomenon in Botswana but nonetheless a welcome development as they inform both the candidates and the campaigners on pertinent issues facing the electorate. Opinion polls becomes more visible and more discussed during every general election in Botswana. Unlike developed countries where poll taking begins more than a year before an election and continues until the last few hours of the election night, polls here have been conducted at one time only during election years. Due to financial and logistical constraints they are not conducted at times when there are issues of public and national concern. Most of the polls so far polls have been conducted by the Democracy Research Project of the University of Botswana. However, as Bogart puts it 'the fundamental prmclple of statistical sampling, the basis for polling, seems hard for many people to understand'. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/903 Files in this item: 1
Molefe_PBJAS_2000.pdf (525.0Kb) -
Sebudubudu, D. (University of Botswana, http://www.ub.bw, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: This article argues that despite a change in government in 1994, there are continuities and parallels between the politics of patronage and political corruption under the apartheid National Party and African National Congress (ANC) governments in South Africa. The paper attempts to demostrate this argument first by examining how the policies of the National Party promoted patronage and provided an environment for corruption. Secondly it argues that the policies of the ANC government have since 1994 facilitated patronage and encouraged corruption as well. The paper argues that both governments use public resourcs to promote the positions of their disadvantaged supporters and to build a suport base. As well, they engaged in public corruption to serve both political and personal purposes. It concludes that such patronage and corruption have not been confronted effectively as they operate in the interests of consolidating the government. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/712 Files in this item: 1
Sebudubudu_PBJAS_2008.pdf (3.236Mb) -
Ntseane, D.M. (Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: This article analyses the findings of a study conducted to investigate the effects of teacher transfers onfamily well-being. While much concern has been raised about the trauma of transfers on families, this is the first empirical study conducted to investigate these concerns. The primary aim of the study was therefore to understand the experiences of teachers affected by transfers. Data was collected using a survey questionnaire addressed to 361 transferred teachers in selected primary and secondary schools. In addition face-to-face indepth interviews were conducted with 20 couples. The findings suggest that transfers are a source of great strain when separate residences have to be maintained as a result of the transfer. In general couples experience enormous challenges in their marriages. They have difficulties parenting at a distance and are financially burdened due to maintaining two separate homes. The study provides much-needed literature on the impact of personnel transfers on families. It also offers policy makers and practitioners with a sound information base for the development of transfer policy that takes family needs into consideration. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/899 Files in this item: 1
Ntseane2_PBJAS_2004.pdf (711.3Kb) -
Maundeni, Z. (Academic Journals, http://www.academicjournals.org, April NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: This article considers Lesotho’s political history and culture, a political history characterised by rebellious chiefs who had rejected Christianity and who were heavily armed and fought numerous wars against their black and white neighbours. Its argument is that the state’s dysfunctionality in small Lesotho is a result of a political culture and history of armed resistance, producing rebellious political elites who feuded between themselves, against the colonial establishment and against the postcolonial government. It was also a political culture that rejected Christianity, accepted old leaders to die in office and encouraged factionalism. The political parties that emerged from such a political culture were traditionally oriented, radical, dominated by old leaders and were factionalised. Such a society was not easily open to renewal through fresh leaders and borrowed ideas. The article suggests that Lesotho need to come to terms with its political history and to come up with a cultural re-orientation away from traditionalism, rebellion and factionalism. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/585 Files in this item: 1
Maundeni_AJPSIR_2010.pdf (137.1Kb) -
Molomo, M.G. (Made Plain Commucation, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: This chapter discusses the national integrity system of political parties. In assessing the viability and integrity of political parties, the purpose of their existence needs to be established and analysed. The building and institutionalisation of political parties is a basic prerequisite for deepening and consolidating democracy. However, the organisational structures and the resources at the disposal of political parties influence their effectiveness. In addition, as entities that make national laws within the framework of parliamentary democracy, political parties must conduct themselves in an open and ethical manner. This chapter will assess their integrity, the handling of conflict of interest, and their perception regarding rules and disclosure. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/635 Files in this item: 1
Molomo_TACB_2008.pdf (1.574Mb) -
Osei-Hwedie, K. (Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: Economic growth is usually recognized as a vital factor in poverty eradication. Thus, with the excellent performance of Botswana's economy over the years, observers had hoped that poverty in the country would decline dramatically. However this has not been the case. Mass poverty in Botswana has led to increasing concems with policies and associated development efforts that focus on, or have aspects aimed at, poverty eradication. The government of Botswana has implemented social polices to assist vulnerable groups such as the destitute, the elderly and remote area dwellers (RADs). Despite these efforts, many individuals and households continue to experience poverty. This paper discusses poverty eradication within the context of Vision 2016, which is aimed at prosperity for all Batswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/894 Files in this item: 1
Osei-Hwedie_PBJAS_2004.pdf (799.5Kb) -
Mukras, M.S. (Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: Although Botswana is clearly one of the richest countries with one of the most vibrant economies in Africa, available statistical evidence suggests that the problem of poverty has recently caused a lot of concern in the country. Numerous attempts already made to deal with the problem have not yielded encouraging results, as the incidence of poverty continues to persist. Drawing from the experiences of three other African countries, this paper recommends a strategy based on strengthening small and medium enterprises (SMEs)for poverty reduction in Botswana. After discussing the constraints facing the SMEs in the country, the paper presents a set of six recommendations designed to ameliorate, if not eliminate, these constraints, thereby strengthening the employment and income generating capacities of the SMEs and consequently reducing poverty in the country. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/783 Files in this item: 1
Mukras_PBJAS_2003.pdf (672.9Kb) -
Mphinyane, S.T. (Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, NaN, 2002)[more][less]
Abstract: Thefocus of this paper is on the role of outsider activists who are supporting a group of Basarwa resisting relocation from the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) in Botswana. The role of non Basarwa activists is problematized in order to unravel some of the complexities surrounding advocacy, especially its bearing on the relative power of the 'supported'. The paper argues that in the case of Basarwa who are currently being forcibly relocated by the Botswana Government out of the CKGR, oftentimes the voice of 'outsiders' who eloquently expose the human rights abuse of their subjects becomes more dominant than the local voices. This is especially so when the advocacy is done using Information and Communication Technologies (lCTs). URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/907 Files in this item: 1
Mphinyane_PBJAS_2002.pdf (682.4Kb) -
Fako, T.T.; Kangara, L.W.; Forcheh, N. (Academic Journals: http://www.academicjournals.org/, NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: This study sought to identify factors that can predict knowledge about HIV/AIDS among adolescents in Botswana. The data were collected through a self administered questionnaire from a sample of 1294 students from schools around the capital city of Botswana, Gaborone. The research instrument consisted of 76 items that solicited information on background characteristics of respondents, indicators of family cohesiveness and bonding of children with their parents, indicators of personal adjustment, evidence of sex life, and knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Most respondents (63.1%) displayed adequate knowledge about HIV/AIDS. The ‘type of job that mothers did’ was the most important single factor that distinguished between students who had “adequate knowledge” from those who did not. Other factors, which could be used to predict knowledge about HIV/AIDS, were, in order of importance: type of family of socialisation, level of education, extent of common residence among parents, level of conflict in the family of socialisation, extent of disagreement with mother and extent to which sexual issues were discussed with members of the family. The study concludes that intervention policies should target students whose mothers do jobs of a low status and should promote family bonding and cohesion. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/876 Files in this item: 1
Fako_JAHR_2010.pdf (297.5Kb) -
Letamo, G. (Cambridge University Press; www.cambridge.org, NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of, and socio-demographic factors associated with, overweight and obesity in Botswana. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2007 using a multistage sampling method to select a representative sample of 4107 men and 4916 women aged 20–49 years. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the socio-demographic factors associated with overweight and obesity. Mean BMI values for men and women were 21.7 kg/m2 and 24.4 kg/m2, respectively. Both overweight and obesity levels were higher among women than men. Overall, 23% of women were overweight compared with 13% of men. Obese women constituted about 15% compared with only 3% of men. However, 19% of men were underweight compared with 12% of women. The main socio-demographic factors associated with overweight and obesity were being older, living in a city/town, being married and having attained higher levels of education, and these relationships were statistically significant at the 5% level. Although over-nutrition is prevalent among adult female Batswana, underweight remains an important public health problem for males. Programmes and other interventions aimed at concurrently addressing both under-nutrition and overweight need to be developed. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1023 Files in this item: 1
Letamo_JBS_2010.pdf (61.18Kb) -
Mothusi, B.; Dipholo, K.B. (John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. www.wiley.com, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: This article argues that efforts by the Government of Botswana to embark on privatisation of some parastatals as well as contracting out the provision of certain services with the main intention of enhancing productivity and strengthening the private sector will not have a negative effect on the strength and nature of the existing strong developmental state. It is argued that the cautious and pragmatic approach adopted by the government, coupled with the fact that privatisation in Botswana is embraced voluntarily (that is not imposed on the country by either the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a condition for financial assistance), hiving off parastatals to the private sector will not result in the weakening and ultimate demise of the state as it has happened in some countries within Sub Saharan Africa. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1128 Files in this item: 1
Mothusi_PAD_2008.pdf (840.7Kb) -
Fako, T.; Forcheh, N.; Balogi, K. (CODESRIA, http://www.codesria.org, NaN, 2002)[more][less]
Abstract: In spite of the rapid economic growth, which made Botswana the envy of sub-Saharan Africa during the 1980s and 1990s, total factor productivity either stagnated or declined over the same period (Botswana National Productivity Centre, 1997). The performance of the public service in the implementation of policies had become a matter of concern, and the reform of the public service and the transformation of its mind-set were major challenges to the nation. Productivity improvement was seen as an important strategy for improving the standard of living and achieving sustainable economic diversification and growth in the long term (Botswana Government, 1991, 1997). URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/711 Files in this item: 1
Fako_ASR_2002.pdf (211.0Kb) -
Maundeni, T. (Botswana Society, http://www.botsoc.org.bw, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: Over the last two decades rates of divorce have increased in Botswana (Murray, 1981; Ahmed and Letamo, 1989; Bhebhe and Mosha, 1996). Despite this trend, little is known about women’s experiences of marital property division and the subsequent effects of this on women and children. This issue is of particular interest not only because little is known about it, but also because of the influence of social change on women and children’s experiences of divorce. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1012 Files in this item: 1
Maundeni_BNR_2003.pdf (1.639Mb) -
Siphambe, H.K. (Blackwell Publishing Ltd, www.blackwellpublishing.com, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Using the most recent Household Income and Expenditure Survey data (2002/2003), this paper presents current rates of return to education for Botswana. The results show that the rates of return have in general declined by one percentage point on average between the periods as shown in Table 2. If we, however, look at the averages for the different school cycles, the fall in the average rates is quite significant at about six percentage points between the periods. The biggest fall is for secondary education, especially upper secondary education, which fell by 28 percentage points between the periods. The rates of return to tertiary education, however, rose by more than 50 percentage points. Ignoring upper secondary, the pattern of rates of return has remained similar to the results of the study based on the 1993/1994 data. Rates are higher for tertiary education and lower for secondary than for primary education. This results are still consistent with rates of return generally rising with level of education. At policy level, the results continue to support sharing of costs between Government and beneficiaries or their parents especially at tertiary education level. Second, the results indicate the need for the country to continue to vigorously pursue job creation and reorient the education system from emphasis on white collar jobs. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/984 Files in this item: 1
Siphambe_SAJE_2008.pdf (599.9Kb) -
Kumar, R.A.; Raizada, M. (BONELA, www.bonela.org, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: HIV continues to spread throughout the world, posing increasing challenges to human rights, at both national and global levels. The epidermic continues to be marked by discrimination against certain population groups; those who live on the fringes of the society or who are assumed to be at risk because of their behaviour, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation, gender or social characteristics that are stigmatised in a particular society. As the number of people living with HIV/AIDS continues to grow in nations with different economies, social structures and legal systems, HIV/AIDS related human rights issues are not only becoming noticeable, but also increasingly diverse. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/868 Files in this item: 1
Kumar_BRELH2_2008.pdf (1.629Mb)