Structural Violence Effects on the Educational Life Chances of Children from Low Income Families in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

The aim of the study was to explore the structural conditions and social formations that mediate access to quality education amongst low income children in KwaZulu-Natal. Structural violence can lead to injustices to children such as the experience of hunger, disease, poverty and poor quality of education. A total of 117 students (male = 59; female = 58; age range 8 to 18 years) were drawn from three high schools, five primary schools and a special school in a district of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The study captured the voices of participants through individual interviews and focus group interviews. Data were analyzed thematically. Systemic structural conditions in society such as poverty, lack of resources in schools, poor infrastructure in communities, poorly trained teachers, lack of accountability created barriers to educational access for children from poor backgrounds.