Constructing an alternative family unit: families living with HIV/AIDS redefine African traditional parenting patterns

Abstract

This article is based on a study, conducted at Inanda, of caregivers who mainly take care of children that are infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS. ¹ It explores the reality and experiences of the family members. The focus of the article is based on data analysed following interviews with the caregivers. Family parenting experience portrays HIV/AIDS caregiving as an intense, emotional and powerful experience, filled with pride and hope as well as exclusion. Findings of the study reflect a change in the definition and practice of parenting. Another finding is that HIV/AIDS is forcing a redefinition of the concept and practice of parenting beyond the traditional boundaries of age, sex and gender. One of the main findings of the study was that the respondents' parenting practices and coping strategies are largely influenced by a strong commitment to the wellbeing of the children. The study found that, in relation to some community members, the respondents have a different parenting style. Their commitment depicts their self‐sacrifice, an indication of some continuity in what is expected of African parenting practice. The thesis of this article is that the HIV/AIDS context is principally responsible for a shift in the understanding of the concept and practice of parenting within an African context.

Keywords:

• HIV/AIDS
• family
• parenting
• gender
• motherhood
• change and continuity

Acknowledgements

I wish to acknowledge the South African National Research Foundation (NRF) and the University of KwaZulu‐Natal for resources made available for the success of this study and ultimately publication of this article. Any opinions, and conclusions expressed in this material are those of the author and not of these funding organisations. My gratitude also goes to Noverino Canonici, my mentor, for the input made towards the final draft of the article.

Notes

1. The discussion of this article emanates from a three‐year‐long study that focused on the after‐effects of HIV/AIDS. Six participants from 15 in‐depth interviews are used for the focus of the article. Based on recurring similar characteristics, the other nine participants were excluded. All the participants of the study were Zulu speakers, one of the main languages of the country. I use fictitious names to conceal their identities.

2. This is a philosophy that is largely based on the need to respect and care for other people and, in particular, strangers, visitors and generally vulnerable people.

3. First conceived by Gouldner (1971).

4. Such aspects include but are not limited to researcher's preconceived ideas and interests (Sullivan 2002).

5. Philippe Denis and Nokhaya Makiwane (2003) make reference to this fact following a study on coping strategies of some South African families directly affected by HIV/AIDS.

6. In the African context, the term ‘family’ refers to an extended family.