Intra-household decision making dynamics in the use of social grants : a case study of Tyutyu Village in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate intra household decision-making dynamics in the usage of social grants, particularly the Child Support and Foster Care grant. The area of study was Tyutyu village where the research sample and participants were drawn. The data were collected with semi structured in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The principle behind this survey is that, besides the government handing out social assistance to an increased number of beneficiaries, they is an increment in the number of allegations of families misusing grant money because of poor decision-making. It emerged in the study that women are the prominent decision makers in terms of the usage of the Child Support and Foster Care grant. In addition, women are the decision makers because of the high rates of divorce, and children end up being raised by a single parent (mother). It has also been said by participants that decisions made by women often lead to productive outcomes compared to a state of affairs where the male physical body is sorely in control of the resources. The survey also proved that they are either very small, or no consultation with the beneficiaries of the Child Support and Foster Care grants when decisions are being made on spending the grant money. The grounds being that the children are still immature, hence, are not capable of producing any meaningful conclusions. Nevertheless, kids who are 16 years and above can reason and are mindful of their preferences, therefore, they should be included in the decision making process. Guardians need to make decisions for children under 15 years of age, because they are still young. In order for social assistance to be effective as a poverty alleviation strategy, they is a need to comprehend the decision making process in the household. Furthermore to improve intra-household decision making, this study recommends that household heads and guardians need to be educated on decision making. Such educational programmes should be coordinated and carried out by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). This will in a way ensure that the grant serves its intended function.