The dynamics of parenting brought by children’s constitutional rights in Johannesburg South Africa
Phumuzani Mpofu, Emmison Muleya, Johanna Deka & Constance Matshidiso Lelaka
Abstract
This study examined how parenting in South Africa is adapting to children's constitutional rights. Using Parenting Style Theory within a transformative paradigm, a qualitative case study approach was employed. Participants included five young adults, five parents, and twelve professionals (teachers, police officers, social workers, religious leaders, and psychologists), selected purposively. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically. Findings indicate that children's rights have reshaped parenting practices. The ban on corporal punishment has disrupted traditional discipline, eroded indigenous parenting customs, and made it harder to teach practical life skills. Yet, these rights have also enhanced parenting by fostering more respectful, engaged relationships between parents and children. The study recommends parenting education, legal literacy programs, and support services to help parents align with evolving legal and social expectations. It highlights the need for a framework that both empowers parents and protects children’s rights. This research contributes to the discourse on child rights and parenting by stressing the importance of cultural and legal awareness. It expands Parenting Style Theory in the South African context, addressing policy gaps where parental support is often overlooked in favor of promoting children's rights. The findings offer valuable guidance for policymakers, educators, and child welfare professionals to develop interventions that reinforce families and uphold constitutional protections. Clearer legal direction and supportive systems are essential to help parents navigate the challenges of parenting in a rights-based society.
Keywords
parenting , dynamics of parenting, constitutional rights, children
Author information & Contribution
Phumuzani Mpofu. PhD. Post-doctoral Fellow, Department of Psychology, School of Community and Human Development, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. Email: phumuzani.mpofu@wits.ac.za
Emmison Muleya. Corresponding author. PhD. Lecturer, Department of social work, School of Community and Human Development, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. Email: emmi.muleya@wits.ac.za
Johanna Deka. PhD. Lecturer, Department of social work, School of Community and Human Development, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. Email: johanna.deka@wits.ac.za
Constance Matshidiso Lelaka. PhD. Lecturer, Department of social work, School of Community and Human Development, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. Email: tshidi.lelaka@wits.ac.za
"All authors contributed equally to the conception, design, preparation, data gathering and analysis, and manuscript writing. All authors read and approved the final manuscript."
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Funding
This work was not supported by any funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement
This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical guidelines set by The University of Witwatersrand. The conduct of this study has been approved and given relative clearance(s) by Wits Ethics committee non-medical protocol number H24/01/23.
Data and Materials Availability
AI Declaration
The authors declare the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in writing this paper. In particular, the authors used ChatGPT for language editing.
Notes
Acknowledgement
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Cite this article:
Mpofu, P., Muleya, E., Deka, J. & Lelaka, C.M. (2025). The dynamics of parenting brought by children’s constitutional rights in Johannesburg South Africa. International Review of Social Sciences Research, 5(3), 146-168. https://doi.org/10.53378/irssr.353242
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