EXPLORING ADOLESCENTS’ PARTICIPATION IN DECISION-MAKING IN THE HOME SCHOOLING CONTEXT

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the participation of adolescents in decision-making in the home school context. The sample consisted of 21 participants from 8 families in the Western Cape. Data collection was done through semi-structured interviews. Five themes were identified through thematic analysis. Families disagree about the role that children are allowed to play in decision-making. Views on their participation in decision-making varied from children being the main decision-makers to children having no right to participate. Recommendations include parenting workshops to create awareness that children’s evolving capacities and participation in decision-making should be respected to meet the children’s growing need for independence.