Pathways to Social Capital and the Botho / Ubuntu Ethic in the Urban Space in Gaborone, Botswana

This study investigated theBotho/Ubuntu-driven practices of building community in the urban space in the form of Naomi and Laban, bridal and baby showers in Gaborone. Showers are gendered celebrations organised by women for a mother or father who will either receive a daughter or a son-in-law or for a woman who is engaged to be married or one who is about to become a mother, respectively. The study combined both quantitative and qualitative methods of inquiry. The study first carried out secondary desktop analysis and, second, conducted fieldwork-based research. Themes such as social networks, social norms of mutuality, reciprocity, social support, collective efficacy, informal social control, mutual trust, empathy and reciprocity appeared in the study. Results show that participation in the showers could bring satisfaction, improved social relations, an increased sense of control and empowerment.
Source: Global Social Welfare - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research