Women's empowerment through intercultural communication and identity development in South Africa

Shamini Chetty, Anike Theron, Lindiwe Sibisi, Dikeledi Hlongwane, Claude Hélène Mayer

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

The study explores three women's intercultural experiences within the Gauteng Province in Post-Apartheid South Africa. Their experiences are influenced by diverse intersectionality's their cultural background, language competencies, age, gender, socio-economic status as well as upbringing. The study explores how women use intercultural communication situations to develop their own identity and empower themselves through overcoming interculturally challenging situations. In terms of its methodology, this study is qualitative and uses a social constructivist research paradigm. The researchers present four autobiographical narrations, analysed and interpreted in detail through content analysis. Limitations and ethical considerations are highlighted. Findings show the described experiences in intercultural situations which touch mainly on four themes, namely: non-verbal and verbal intercultural communication challenges, intercultural communication in the new world of work, intercultural conflicts, and identity development. This article focuses on intercultural communication situations which had, according to the narrators, a major impact on their identity development. This is of major importance since South African society requires women with new and integrated identity concepts, to overcome concepts of Apartheid and separation, and empower women of different cultural backgrounds. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations for future theory and practice are given which can be applied, primarily in the South African society to empower women in intercultural contexts.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWomen's Empowerment for a Sustainable Future
Subtitle of host publicationTranscultural and Positive Psychology Perspectives
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Pages49-63
Number of pages15
ISBN (Electronic)9783031259241
ISBN (Print)9783031259234
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 8 Jul 2023

Keywords

  • Identity development
  • Intercultural communication
  • Intercultural communication barriers
  • Intercultural conflict
  • Narrations
  • Non-verbal aspects new work
  • Verbal communication
  • Women's empowerment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology
  • General Social Sciences

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