Intra-Household Decision-Making Dynamics in the Use of Social Grants in the Tyutyu Village, South Africa

Abstract

Social grant is used as a mechanism to fight poverty and income inequality in South Africa in general and Tyutyu. However, only few research has been done on intra-household decision-making dynamics in the usage Child Support and Foster Care grants. This paper explores the intra-household decision-making dynamics in the use of Child Support and Foster Care grants in Tyutyu community. A qualitative research method was employed, and 30 participants were selected for the study. In-depth interview guide was used to collect data and analysed thematically. The themes identified are decision-making in the use of social grants, role played by beneficiaries in determining the use of grants and challenges faced when deciding in the use of these grants. It was found that beneficiaries (children) are not playing role in the decision-making in the use of these social grants. Mothers and guardians make decisions without consulting the beneficiaries. Also, challenges such as who to oversee the money was causing tension in the households. The paper concludes that children are excluded by the guardians and mothers which resulted to tension, frustration, and poor relationship within the household. Measures should be implemented to mitigate the challenges hindering intra-household decision-making and use of social grants.

Keywords

• decision-making
• dynamics
• intra-household
• poverty
• social grant
• social security