Browsing by Author "Wyngaard, Jeremy Gregory"

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    In search of root causes of poverty testing a theological perspective in development dialogues
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Wyngaard, Jeremy Gregory; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Although there has been a significant improvement in terms of the quality of life for many South Africans since 1994, the reality for a significant portion of the population is still that of abject poverty. The South African government has made giant strides in terms of protecting the most vulnerable members of South African society through the Department of Social Development, the Department of Human Settlements, etc. The Church too, as a serious change-agent in civil society, continues to partner the government, the corporate world, and other institutions in helping to improve the quality of life for those who struggle with a daily poverty experience. In spite of the best efforts of many role-players, and the upward mobility of many people in the country, it would appear as though poverty is still a defining status for millions of South Africans. Accordingly, this study seeks to investigate the critical need for understanding the importance of the root causes of poverty as opposed to simply considering the consequences of poverty. This study therefore aims to understand how the actions of individuals (poor and non-poor) and also economic, social and political systems contribute to either poverty, or poverty eradication. The methodological framework of the study is guided by the practical theological methodology of Robert Osmer and the correlational-hermeneutic approach proposed by Jurgen Hendriks. Chapter 1 introduces the research, conceptualization and methodological orientation. Chapter 2, by means of the hermeneutical question, what is going on?, investigates and describes the socio-economic conditions in the world, Africa, South Africa, and the community of Factreton-Kensington in Cape Town, within a “quadrant” framework of economics, politics, religion and the natural environment. Chapter 3 builds on Chapter 2 and again asks the question: what is going on in the world of development? Chapter 3 also asks the question: why is it going on? Given the dialogical nature between theology and contemporary development discourse of this study, Chapter 4 asks the questions, what do the Bible and theological commentators say about poverty? and what ought to be going on? Chapter 5, building on the human rights approach of Chapter 3 and the ethic of love for one’s neighbour of Chapter 4, seeks to dialogically unlock the results that flow from Chapters 3 and 4. In Chapter 5, the questions are asked, Why is it going on? What ought to be going on? and How might we respond? Chapter 6 concludes with the researcher’s perspectives, shared themes in the theological-contemporary development discourse, and recommendations and conclusions based on the study. The central question here is around: How might we respond to poverty in South Africa? Findings indicate that a theological-contemporary development approach based on human rights and the ethic of “concrete” love for one’s neighbour, has much to offer concerning the eradication of poverty in not only South Africa, but in all poverty contexts around the world.