| Abstrakt: |
This article is based on a longitudinal, ethnographic study conducted in 2010, 2011, and 2012 among caregivers of female youth substance abusers in Chatsworth. Together with personnel of the Anti Drug Forum (ADF), the researcher used several qualitative research techniques, including participant observation, interviews, and focus group meetings to compile in-depth case studies of a small sample of vulnerable female youth drug addicts, primarily from the perspective of their caregivers. While the research questions focused on their substance-abuse experiences and challenges, the religious perceptions and spiritual practices of the young women and their caregivers raised several pertinent debates relating to religious identity specific to Chatsworth. The article also draws on a number of studies, news articles, and community discussions to supplement a topic that has been under-researched. For the purposes of this article and the religious affiliation of the sample, a snapshot of youth perceptions on Christianity and Hinduism in the township context will be examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
