wow-inequalities/02-data/intermediate/wos_sample/969955d7416bd1b15c65db997a18768a-schenck-rinie-and-b/info.yaml

abstract: 'The concepts social fabric and social cohesion refer to complex and

  interdependent systems that exist in a community. Social cohesion

  includes aspects such as the level of respect people have for each

  other, people''s experiences of belonging, identification with the

  community, identity, their experiences of social justice, and

  participation. Social cohesion is further evident in the extent that

  people are accepting each other, taking responsibility for themselves

  and others and providing safety and security.

  South Africa''s political and racially-based history and the current high

  poverty and inequality do not provide a conducive context for a cohesive

  society. This is evident in the high prevalence of poverty,

  unemployment, crime, substance dependency and the neglect and abuse of

  women and children. Facilitating a socially cohesive society is high on

  the agenda of the current government, but the current policy frameworks

  and institutional structures cannot create a socially cohesive society.

  Failing to create a socially cohesive South African society is evident

  in the more than 50 000 day labourers who are standing on the street

  corners of our cities and towns daily, with the hope to access a job and

  an income for the day.

  Day labourers are unemployed people, mostly men, making a living by

  selling their labour and skills on the street corners of South African

  cities and towns. The growing number of day labourers who make a living

  in the informal economy is a clear indication that South Africa cannot

  absorb the unemployed in the formal economy. In particular, South Africa

  is unable to accommodate the low-skilled and uneducated labourers in the

  formal labour market. To make a living and survive in the informal

  economy imply an insecure existence.

  The aim of the article is to describe the socio-economic profile of the

  3 830 day labourers interviewed during the first national study in South

  Africa as a case study that illustrates the vulnerability of the social

  cohesion and social fabric of poor families and communities surviving in

  the informal economy. The national study was implemented in two phases.

  The first phase lasted approximately two years, which were spent

  travelling throughout South Africa to determine on which street corners

  and open spaces the day labourers are standing in the cities and towns

  of South Africa. This reconnaissance phase of the study resulted in the

  estimation that there are at least 50 000 day labourers occupying street

  corners of South African towns and cities daily. The second, or

  fieldwork, phase of the research consisted of the completion of 3 830

  interviews with day labourers throughout South Africa during 2007 and

  2008. In this phase, the authors developed the survey instrument,

  recruited field workers, provided appropriate training and tested the

  questionnaire. This was followed by the sampling, where a combination of

  cluster and snowball sampling was used to proportionally represent the

  research population. A representative sample of approximately 9\%

  enabled meaningful statistical analysis. All ethical principles were

  adhered to. The questionnaires were completed with the assistance of

  well-trained fieldworkers who were fluent in the languages spoken by the

  day labourers.

  The results of the study show that, given the high unemployment rate and

  slow economic growth in South Africa, the informal economy and day

  labouring are here to stay and should be supported with relevant

  facilitating policies and institutions/structures. Day labouring is

  furthermore a survivalist strategy and it implies an irregular income.

  It became clear that the day labourers in general have very low

  education and skills levels and will not be able to access formal labour

  in the current economic climate.

  Day labourers are the result of a vulnerable socially exclusive society.

  It will remain in an increasingly vulnerable exclusive society if not

  addressed through the implementation of policies and practices that will

  enhance social cohesion and strengthen the social fabric of the South

  African society.'
affiliation: 'Schenck, R (Corresponding Author), Univ Wes Kaapland, Dept Maatskaplike
  Werk, Cape Town, South Africa.

  Schenck, Rinie, Univ Wes Kaapland, Dept Maatskaplike Werk, Cape Town, South Africa.

  Blaauw, Derick, Noordwes Univ, Skool Vir Ekon Wetenskappe, Potchefstroom, South
  Africa.'
author: Schenck, Rinie and Blaauw, Derick
author-email: 'cschenck@uwc.ac.za

  Derick.Blaauw@nwu.ac.za'
author_list:
- family: Schenck
  given: Rinie
- family: Blaauw
  given: Derick
da: '2023-09-28'
doi: 10.17159/2224-7912/2018/v58n1a3
files: []
issn: 0041-4751
journal: TYDSKRIF VIR GEESTESWETENSKAPPE
keywords: 'Day labourers; informal economy; social fabric; social cohesion;

  unemployment; poverty; informal employment; migrants; survival;

  vulnerability; food insecurity'
language: Afrikaans
month: JAN
number: '1'
number-of-cited-references: '27'
pages: 36-55
papis_id: 0b69263cea23623114e35595ebc5618c
ref: Schenck2018daylabourers
researcherid-numbers: Schenck, Catherina J/O-9605-2014
times-cited: '3'
title: 'Day labourers: A case study of the vulnerability of the social fabric and
  cohesion in South Africa''s informal economy'
type: article
unique-id: WOS:000434432400003
usage-count-last-180-days: '1'
usage-count-since-2013: '13'
volume: '58'
web-of-science-categories: Social Issues
year: '2018'