:Studying While Black: Race, Education and Emancipation in South African Universities

Perspective Chapter: Sexual Education in Addressing Sexual Harassment in South Africa

“…In a study by Carlsson [34], male students looked upon themselves as superior to female students and hegemonic masculinity was the theoretical framework used to explain this finding. Swartz, et al [35] in a longitudinal study of sexual harassment at eight universities in South Africa found that the participants understood gender differences through a lens of patriarchy. The participants saw patriarchy as a social system that perpetuated male dominance and obtaining advantage in every sphere of life both on campus and in society at large.…”

“…The participants saw patriarchy as a social system that perpetuated male dominance and obtaining advantage in every sphere of life both on campus and in society at large. Swartz et al [35] found that males exploited gender by abusing their power so as to manipulate less powerful females for sexual favours while females indicated that they found it difficult to fight back or empower themselves because gender biases and gender roles are cemented and perpetuated in society. The study concluded that patriarchal practices were learned through culture and perpetuated through a socialisation processes.…”

Students' sense of belonging at a South African university during COVID-19

“…The campus climate can be influenced by certain variables, for example race (Mwangi, 2016) in South Africa, when one considers discrimination and other alienating experiences of black students at historically white universities (Swartz et al, 2018). This may also apply when one considers international students who come with different values and life experiences (Le, LaCost & Wismer, 2016).…”

“…South African higher education institutions have had to evolve and adapt to the post-1994 democratic dispensation. In the case of a historically white institution, post-1994 has involved an emphasis on admitting black students who were excluded historically (Swartz et al, 2018). This has had implications for the sense of belonging among all students.…”

“…Moreover, within the context of historically white institutions, black students have been vocal in raising their disapproval of university culture(s), which they consider as alienating in terms of race, religion, class, etc. (Swartz et al 2018). Therefore, while a great deal has been achieved in relation to higher education access and success, students (black students in particular) still find universities to be alienating for various reasons.…”