ARTICLE TEXT
DOI DOI: 10.38140/ijsie.v2i3.2325

Exploring the influence of absent father figures on the sexual behaviours of male orphan learners in rural schools

munyaradzi chidarikire1, Theresia Joakim Kanyopa2, Mokhele-Makgalwa Matseliso3
  1. 1 Faculty of Education, University of Free State, South Africa
  2. 2 Faculty of Education, University of the Free State, South Africa
  3. 3 Curriculum studies and Higher Education, University of the Free State, South Africa

Abstract

This study explores the absence of fathers' influence on sexual abuse among female learners at rural communities in Zaka South district. The absence of fathers in the lives of children could influence the behaviours among male orphan children”. This study employs a qualitative approach, utilising a case study research design. Eighteen participants were purposively selected to ensure balanced representation across gender, expertise, geographical location, and age. Two focus group discussions were conducted for data collection, including one with learners with disabilities and another with adults. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. The finding indicates that the absence of a paternal presence profoundly affects the emotional and behavioural development of male orphans, often resulting in maladaptive behaviours that can escalate into sexually abusive actions. This study recommends establishing mentorship programmes to connect male orphans with positive male role models, which may reduce maladaptive behaviours and foster healthier interpersonal relationships.

How to Cite

chidarikire, munyaradzi, Kanyopa, T. J., & Matseliso, M.-M. (2025). Exploring the influence of absent father figures on the sexual behaviours of male orphan learners in rural schools . International Journal of Studies in Inclusive Education, 2(3), 39–46. https://doi.org/10.38140/ijsie.v2i3.2325
Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

References

  1. Adaugo, O., Ibadin, O. M., Ofovwe, E. G. &Abiodun, O. P. (2020). Street children in Benin City, Nigeria: Nutritional status, physical characteristics, and their determinants. Journal of Medicine and Biomedical Research, 19(1), 33-42.
  2. Alex-Petersen, J., Lundborg, P., & Rooth, D. O. (2022). Long-term effects of childhood nutrition, Evidence from a school lunch reform. The Review of Economic Studies, 89(2), 876-908. https://doi.org/10.1093/restud/rdab028
  3. Ashraf, A., Ibrar, M., & Ullah, F. (2022). A qualitative exploration of street children life in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the light of Urie Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory. Progressive Research Journal of Arts & Humanities, 4(1), 1-12.
  4. Chidarikire, M. & Chikwati, T. (2024). Unravelling Causes and Mitigating Suicidal Tendencies in Male Educators in Zimbabwe’s Rural Regions: A Comprehensive Analysis”. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 50(5), 293–303. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajess/2024/v50i51363
  5. Chikanda, A. & Tawodzera, G. (2017). Informal entrepreneurship and informal cross-border trade between Zimbabwe and South Africa. Southern African Migration Programme (SAMP) Migration Policy Series (74). Cape Town, SAMP.
  6. Chitiyo, R. A. (2017). Street kids, A different face of childhood in Zimbabwe. Retrieved from https,//www.childhoodexplorer.org/street-kids-a-different-face-of-childhood-in-zimbabwe
  7. Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2018). Designing and conducting mixed methods research. (3rd ed.). California, SAGE.
  8. Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design, Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). London: Sage Publication Inc.
  9. Daniels, L. A., Mallan K. M., Jansen, E., Nicholson, J. M., Magarey, A. M., & Thorpe, K., (2020). Comparison of early feeding practices in mother-father dyads and possible generalization of an efcacious maternal intervention to fathers’ feeding practices, a secondary analysis. Internation Journal of Environment in Public Health, 17(17), 6075.
  10. Davison, K. K., Gicevic, S., Aftosmes-Tobio, A., Ganter, C., Simon, C. L., Newlan, S., & Manganello, J. A. (2016). Fathers’ representation in observational studies on parenting and childhood obesity: a systematic review and content analysis. American Journal of Public Health, 106(11), e14-e21. https://doi.org/10. 2105/AJPH.2016.303391
  11. Davison, K., Charles, J. N., Khandpur, N., & Nelson, T. J. (2017). Fathers’ perceived reasons for their underrepresentation in child health research and strategies to increase their involvement. Maternal Child Health Journal, 21(2), 267–74.
  12. Dewi, Y. S., Arifin, H., Pradipta, R. O., Qona’ah, A., Rosita, R., Giatin, C. N., & Dawod Kamel Gauda, A. (2023). RETRACTED: Efficacy of Intermittent and Continuous Subglottic Secretion Drainage in Preventing the Risk of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials. Medicina, 59(2), 283. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59020283
  13. Ebneyamini, S., & Moghadam, M. R. S. (2018). Toward developing a framework for conducting case study research. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 17, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069188179
  14. Elliott, S., & Bowen S. (2018). Defending motherhood, Morality, responsibility, and double binds in feeding children. J Marriage Family Journal, 80(2), 499–520.
  15. Ferraro, A. J., Petren, R. E., & Pasley, K. (2019). Patterns of parental interactions after divorce and individual well-being. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 28, 1413–1424. https,//doi.org/10.1007/s10826-019 01373-0
  16. Fielding-Singh, P. (2017). Dining with dad, Fathers’ infuences on family food practices. Appetite, 117(8), 100-108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2017.06.013
  17. Gasse, D. Van. (2020). Single mothers’ perspectives on the combination of motherhood and work. Social Sciences, 9(85), 1-19. https,//doi.org/10.3390/socsci9050085
  18. Gunhidzirai, C., & Tanga, P. T. (2020). Implementation of government social protection programmes in mitigating the challenges faced by street children in Zimbabwe. Gender and Behaviour, 18(3), 16269-16280.
  19. Halpern, H. P., & Perry-Jenkins, M. (2016). Parents’ gender ideology and gendered behavior as predictors of children’s gender-role attitudes, A longitudinal exploration. Sex Roles, 74(11). 527-542. https,//doi.org/10.1007/s11199-015 0539-0
  20. Herrero, M., Martínez-Pampliega, A., & Alvarez, I. (2020). Family communication, adaptation to divorce and children’s maladjustment, The moderating role of coparenting. Journal of Family Communication, 20(2). 114-128. https,//doi.org/10.1080/15267431.2020.1 723592
  21. Hetherington, E. M., & Stanley-Hagan, M. (2019). Parenting in divorced and remarried families. In M. Bornstein (ed.), Handbook of parenting (3rd ed.). London: Routledge.
  22. Jakaza, T. N., & Nyoni, C. (2018). Emerging dynamics of substance abuse among street children in Zimbabwe. A case of Harare central business district. African Journal of Social Work, 8(2), 63-70.
  23. Jansen, E., Harris, H., Daniels, L., Thorpe, K., & Rossi, T. (2018). Acceptability and accessibility of child nutrition interventions: fathers’ perspectives from survey and interview studies. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 15(1), 67. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-018-0702-4
  24. Kabonga, I. (2020). Reflections on the 'Zimbabwean crisis 2000-2008' and the survival strategies, The sustainable livelihoods framework (SLF) analysis. Africa Review, 12(2), 192-212. https://doi.org/10.1080/09744053.2020.1755093
  25. Kanjanga, O., & Chiparange, G. V. (2015). Street kids in the Christian world, A case of Mutare urban-Zimbabwe. European Scientific Journal, 11(29), 301-317.
  26. Kara, D., & Sümer, N. (2022). The role of paternal parenting and co-parenting quality in children’s academic self-efficacy. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 772023. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.772023
  27. La, C. P. (2018). Cuisine des familles au prisme des recommandations nutrition nelles review of social and family policies. Revue des Politiques Socialeset Familiales, 129(1), 25-36.
  28. Leopold, T. (2018). Gender differences in the consequences of divorce: A study of multiple outcomes. Demography, 55(3), 769-797. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13524-018-0667-6
  29. Litchford, A., Roskos, M. R. S., & Wengreen, H. (2020). Infuence of fathers on the feeding practices and behaviors of children, a systematic review. Appetite, 147, 104558. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2019.104558
  30. Maepa, M. P. (2021). Self-esteem and resilience differences among street children compared to non-street children in Limpopo Province of South Africa, A baseline study. Frontiers in Public Health, 9, 542778. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.542778
  31. McLanahan, S. (2009). Fragile families and the reproduction of poverty. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 621(1), 111-131.
  32. Morgan P. J, Young, M. D., Lloyd, A. B., Wang, M. L., Eather, N., Miller, A., ... & Pagoto, S. L. (2017). Involvement of fathers in pediatric obesity treatment and prevention trials: a systematic review. Pediatrics, 139(2), e20162635. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-2635
  33. Moura, A. F., & Aschemann-Witzel, J. (2020). A downturn or a window of opportunity? how Danish and French parents perceive changes in healthy eating in the transition to parenthood. Appetite, 150, 104658. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2020.104658
  34. Munyaradzi, C., & Mweli, P. (2025). Exploring Interconnection of Rural Female Learners’ Psychological Resilience and Academic Achievement Amidst Climate Change in Zimbabwe. Journal of Ecohumanism, 4(4), 388–403. https://doi.org/10.62754/joe.v4i4.6741.
  35. Ndlovu, E., & Tigere, R. (2022). Life in the streets, children speak out, A case of Harare metropolitan, Zimbabwe. African Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities in Research, 5(1), 25-45. https://doi.org/10.52589/AJSSHRFDXCDAT2
  36. Ogan, E. P. (2021). Dynamics of street children in Africa. Retrieved from https,//www.researchgate.net/publication/348539465_DYNAMICS_OF_STREET_CHILDREN_IN_AFRICA
  37. Ogutu, M. (2020). Under the bridge, The invisible lives of street children. Retrieved from https,//www.mandelarhodes.org/ideas/under-the-bridge-the-invisible-lives-of-street-children/
  38. Patel, L., Pillay, J., Henning, E., Telukdarie, A., Norris, S., Graham, L., ... & Rhamasodi, R. (2021). Community of Practice for Social Systems Strengthening to Improve Child Well-Being Outcomes. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/southafrica/media/5851/file/ZAF-Community-practice-social-systems-stregnthening-improve-child-wellbeing-findings-1-wave-Oct-2021.pdf
  39. Philippe K, Issanchou S, Roger A, Feyen V, & Monnery-Patris S. (2021). How do french parents determine portion sizes for their pre-schooler? a qualitative exploration of the parent–child division of responsibility and infuencing factors. Nutrients, 13(8), 2769. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082769
  40. Pratibha, A., & Mathur, A. (2016). Difficulties and problems of street children. International Journal of Science and Research, 5(2), 1859-1861.
  41. Rahill, S., Kennedy, A., & Kearney, J. (2020). A review of the infuence of fathers on children’s eating behaviours and dietary intake. Appetite, 147, 104540. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2019.104540
  42. Reza, M. H., & Bromfield, N. F. (2019). Poverty, vulnerability, and everyday resilience, How Bangladeshi Street children manage economic challenges through financial transactions on the streets. The British Journal of Social Work, 49(5), 1105-1123. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcy047
  43. Salihu, H. B. (2019). The growing phenomenon of street children in Tehran, An empirical analysis. Journal of Social Science, 3(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.25079/ukhjss.v3n1y2019.1-10
  44. Sanner, C., Ganong, L., & Coleman, M. (2021). Families are socially constructed, Pragmatic implications for researchers. Journal of Family Issues, 42(2), 422-444. https,//doi.org/10.1177/0192513X209053 34
  45. Schwandt, T. A., & Gates, E. F. (2018). Case Study Method. In N. K. Denzin, & Y. S. Lincoln (eds.), The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (5th ed.) (pp. 600-621). London: Sage Publishing.
  46. Sirgy, M. J., & Lee, D. J. (2018). The psychology of life balance. In Diener, E., Oishi, S., & Tay, L. (eds.). Handbook of well-being. Salt Lake City, UT, DEF Publishers.
  47. Thor, T. P. S. (2016). An ecological approach to understanding highly able learners' experiences of their academic talent development in a Singapore school. Retrieved from https,//discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1534486/1/EdD%20Thesis_THOR%20T.P.S.pdf
  48. United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (2017). Children in the street. The Palestine case. Retrieved from https,//reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/864C6E78862058D9492572D600052C95-Full_Report.pdf
  49. Vollmer, R. L., Adamsons, K., & Mobley, A. R. (2019). Recruitment, engagement, and retention of fathers in nutrition education and obesity research. Journal of Behaviour, 51(9), 1121-1125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2019.07.006
  50. Walper, S., Sawatzki, B., Alt, P., Reim, J., Schmiedeberg, C., Thönnissen, C., & Wetzel, M. (2020a). The pairfam COVID-19 survey. [ZA59589 Data file Version 1.0.0]. GESIS Data Archive, Cologne. https://doi.org/10.4232/pairfam.5959.1.0.0
  51. Wylie, J., Quinn, D., Donnelly, D. W., McCluggage, W. G., Coleman, H. G., Gavin, A., & McMenamin, Ú. C. (2022). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on endometrial cancer and endometrial hyperplasia diagnoses: a population-based study. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 226(5), 737-739.