Citation

Makhubele JC, Chimbera AP, Mutema ET, Mabvurira V. Child Abuse Res. South Afr. 2016; 17(2): 37-48.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, South African Professional Society on the Abuse of Children)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

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Abstract

Though religion has played a profound role in human life since time immemorial, there are certain religious beliefs and practices that have proved to be detrimental to child development. This study sought to explore the contribution of religious beliefs and practices toward child abuse and neglect in the context of African initiated apostolic sects in Zimbabwe focusing on Johanne Masowe Yechishanu Apostolic sect, Harare, Zimbabwe. The study adopted a qualitative approach. Convenient and purposive sampling techniques were used to select fifteen (15) members of the religious sect for data collection. Out of these fifteen (15), ten (10) were female while five (5) were male believers in the church. Data was collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and was analysed thematically. It was found that there are a number of religious beliefs and practices in Johanne Masowe Yechishanu that violate child rights as provided by the law in Zimbabwe. The abuse and neglect of children have been observed in aspects of life such as health care, education and sexuality as well as social matters. In order to address these abuses and the neglect suffered by the children of parents who uphold such detrimental beliefs, policies should be developed to allow social workers to work closely with these churches and intervene appropriately so that the welfare of children can be enhanced. This study, while based, upon the Zimbabwean experience, is of relevance to all African countries who face social problems as a result of cultural practices. Furthermore, an Afrocentric social work perspective should be applied when working with these churches since they have an African origin and roots.

Language: en