The Socio-Economic and Psycho-Social Experiences of Children of the Incarcerated Parents in Lesotho

Josphine Hapazari; Thope A. Matobo

The Socio-Economic and Psycho-Social Experiences of Children of the Incarcerated Parents in Lesotho

Korean Social Science Journal
Abbr : KSSJ
2017, 44(2), pp.121-135
Publisher : Korean Social Science Research Council
Research Area : Social Science > Social Science in general
Published : December 1, 2017

Josphine Hapazari ¹, Thope A. Matobo ²

¹University of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa
²National University of Lesotho

Accredited

ABSTRACT

It is irrefutable that the incarceration of parents disrupts the normal upbringing of children and existing relationships between children and their parents. Apart from that, most caregivers struggle to meet the various needs of children due to the added burden on their shoulders. This study sought to examine children’s experiences by their gender, looking at how the incarceration of parents affected the children socially, economically and psychologically. The study was conducted in the Maseru District of Lesotho. Research relied primarily on data gathered from interviews with 49 children of incarcerated parents and 13 caregivers. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study unearthed that the problems confronting children were centred around shortage of finance which led to 83.7% of the children having inadequate clothes, 83.7% lacking uniforms and 40.8% of them being unable to access health facilities when sick, among others. The majority, 81.63%, were angry at their incarcerated parents. The main recommendation was that safety nets need to be improved to cushion the children of the incarcerated parents as well as their caregivers.

KEYWORDS

children․incarceration․incarcerated parents․caregivers

Citation status

* References for papers published after 2023 are currently being built.

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