The power of perception: social cohesion, child protection and access to education in conflict-affected communities in South Sudan

Author

Wendy L. Wheaton, University of Massachusetts AmherstFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1269-4535

AccessType

Open Access Dissertation

Document Type

dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Program

Education

Year Degree Awarded

2021

Month Degree Awarded

May

Subject Categories

International and Comparative Education

Abstract

This study investigates perceived risks as a component of social cohesion at the community level and access to education through a mixed methods investigation of local dynamics in conflict-affected South Sudanese communities. In a series of papers, I examine the nature of social cohesion and how perceptions of risk from diverse community members’ show a link to enrollment rates. Next, I discuss complex local perceptions by informant groups that include traditional and religious leaders, youth and women’s groups representatives, education personnel and NGO workers to illustrate convergent and divergent opinions of children’s access to education, childprotection and other social services. Finally, I combine quantitative and qualitative data results using an explanatory sequential method to unveil the powers of community perception in how education plays a role in young people’s lives and ways it informs education, child protection and other social program design during ongoing violent conflict in South Sudan, and elsewhere.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.7275/22591299.0

Recommended Citation

Wheaton, Wendy L., "The power of perception: social cohesion, child protection and access to education in conflict-affected communities in South Sudan" (2021). Doctoral Dissertations. 2233.
https://doi.org/10.7275/22591299.0 https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations_2/2233