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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The impact of old age pension on households and social relationships in Lesotho
Author:Tanga, Pius T.ISNI
Year:2008
Periodical:Review of Southern African Studies (ISSN 1024-4190)
Volume:12
Issue:1-2
Period:December
Pages:184-215
Language:English
Notes:biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:Lesotho
Southern Africa
Subjects:pensions
households
sociology
Old age pensions
Households--Economic aspects
Old age--Social aspects
Abstract:The findings of this paper are drawn from a survey on the impact of old age pension conducted in 2006 in Maama Constituency, Lesotho. The study examined the extent to which old age pensions impact on pensioners' households and social relationships. Survey data was supplemented by data from in-depth interviews with key informants in 2007. The consequences of high unemployment and the high HIV/AIDS rate have prompted the aged to be caregivers in Lesotho because of their old age pension. The findings show that pension money has strengthened the decisionmaking process in most households in favour of the aged. An overwhelming number of pensioners have total control of their pension, especially the men. More than a quarter of the pensioners take care of orphans. In addition, about two-fifths of them are supporting the education and training of some household members through the provision of uniforms, stationery and shoes. The study also reveals that the African culture of respect for the elderly is still much alive in Lesotho. Most of the pensioners reported excellent relationships with and respect from members of their households, more especially their grandchildren. Despite the small amount of pension, its impact on the well-being of the elderly and their households is, overall, positive and significant. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract]
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