THE ROLE OF FATHERS RECEIVING SOCIAL GRANTS IN DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES WITHIN POOR RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN ALICE, EASTERN CAPE OF SOUTH AFRICA

This paper examines the role of fathers receiving social grants in the decision-making process in poor rural households. Data were collected from a sample of 195 respondents. Data-collection methods included in-depth interviews and survey questionnaires. The findings revealed that fathers receiving social grants, together with their partners were jointly making household decisions, even though they were the ones contributing more income to the household. It was found that economic factors play a critical role in positioning other household members in decision-making. We conclude that co-operative bargaining, resulting in the distribution of power in the decision-making process, is relatively prominent in most poor rural households. The authors provide some practical social work recommendations.