Student Name: Claudian Fikile Dlamini

Student Number: 24508805

Module: ACW 152
Assignment 1
Question 1

1.1 The narrator's relationship with her grandmother started distant but evolved into
a close bond as they shared secrets and developed a deep connection over time.
1.2 Don is a significant figure in the grandmother's life, and the article reveals that he
had a secret relationship with the narrator's grandmother, which adds complexity to
their family dynamics. We learn that she met him at work in the years after her divorce.
They dated over a span of nearly 40 years, from her 30s until her 70s. He was married
man.
1.3 False.
1.4 False.
1.5 False.
1.6 False.
1.7 True.
1.8 The author, as a family researcher, is interested in exploring the complexities of
stepfamilies, the impact of family secrets, and the humanization of family complexity.
These topics relate to larger cultural forces by shedding light on the evolving nature of
family structures and relationships in contemporary society.
1.9 The co-parenting dynamics of the author's parents differed between households,
with one household potentially exhibiting more traditional gender roles and power
dynamics compared to the other.
1.10 Feminist theory emphasizes the understanding of families within larger social
contexts by highlighting power dynamics, gender roles, and societal structures that
influence family relationships and dynamics. It aims to challenge traditional norms and
promote equality within families and society.
1.11 The author's work on complex families is primarily motivated by a desire to
explore the dynamics of family relationships and shed light on the challenges faced by
individuals within these structures.
Additionally, the author aims to highlight the resilience and strength that can emerge
from navigating complex family dynamics, emphasizing the potential for growth and
transformation within these environments.
These motivations differ in that the first focuses on examining the difficulties inherent
in complex families, while the second emphasizes the positive outcomes and
opportunities for personal development that can arise from such experiences.
1.12 Sanner, C. 2023. Studying stepfamilies, surfacing secrets: A reflection on the
private motivations behind efforts to humanize family complexity. Journal of Family
Theory and Review, 15(2): 259–275.
Question 2
Academic Essay: The Impact of Corrective Rape
Corrective rape can be defined as a hate crime that entails the rape of any member of
a group that does not conform to gender or sexual orientation norms, where the motive
of the perpetrator is to, “correct” the individual (Rozée & Koss, 2022:76). Feminist
theoretical works on rape and sexual violence provide valuable insights into
understanding the complex dynamics of corrective rape. These works address key
questions such as the definition and meanings of rape, the influence of social,
historical, and political contexts on its interpretation, and the intersecting systems of
inequality that perpetuate and are perpetuated by corrective rape. Studies have shown
that there is a lack of validation and recognition of corrective rape as a significant issue
by people in positions of authority. According to a study conducted with college
students, rape was believed to be less prominent and impactful than it actually is,
highlighting the need for validation and acknowledgement of the prevalence and harm
of corrective rape. Furthermore, it is essential to consider the economic effects of
corrective rape, specifically on economically vulnerable victims such as Black and
Latina women. Research has shown that the consequences of sexual violence
disproportionately harm these specific demographics, as they are more likely to
experience income-poverty and asset poverty (Mardorossian, 2021:65). These
economic vulnerabilities increase the risk of sexual violence and discourage victims
from reporting the crime due to lack of confidence in the police services and higher
crime rates in areas of poverty . In today's rapidly changing world, the significance of
accurate and reliable information cannot be overstated. Corrective rape is a deeply
disturbing and concerning form of sexual violence that targets individuals who are
perceived to deviate from societal norms regarding sexual orientation or gender
identity. Without some kind of validation from a person in authority, rape, according to
college students in the study, was believed to not be as prominent or affects many
women as the reality suggests.

References

Mardorossian, C M. 2022. Toward a New Feminist Theory of Rape. University of

Chicago Press. https://doi.org/10.1086/337938
Rozée, P D., & Koss, M P. 2022. December 1). Rape: A Century of Resistance.
SAGE Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-6402.00030

2.2 Corrective rape is a form of sexual violence that occurs when an individual is
raped due to their perceived deviation from societal norms regarding sexual
orientation or gender identity (Rozée & Koss, 2022:76) .

2.3 Ture it does exist in real life. This is because the authors have published the
article called “Rape: A Century of Resistance in 2022” and it has DOI.

2.4 False, because the statement is not mentioned anywhere in the article of the
cited authors. In that case, a proper acknowledgment of the author who wrote that
statement need to be written.

2.5 Gaitho, W. 2022. https://ssrn.com/abstract=4585696

2.6 (Gaitho, 2022:1)

2.7 Gaitho, W. 2022. Curing Corrective Rape: Socio-Legal Perspectives on Sexual

Violence Against Black Lesbians in South Africa. William & Mary Journal of Race,
Gender, and Social Justice, 2 (28): 1-15.

2.8 The essay is written with real facts yet the citation is not correct for other provided
statement. The strength of AI essays is its ability to generate lengthy articles quickly,
which makes them perfect for students with time restrictions. The tool integrates
research components, boosting the generated content's trustworthiness and
informativeness. AI's weakness is that sometimes the references are added
improperly or in the wrong places, which lowers the essay's overall credibility and
quality. Last but not least, AI essays frequently adhere to a set format and style that
might not meet the particular criteria of the assignment students need to write.

Question 3

Introduction

Reflecting on defining moments, personal growth, and future aspirations provide an

insight that are valuable into one’ journey of life. One's dream and aspirations to
supersede in life must be stronger and greater than limitations set forth by others. In
this day and age, my life experiences have elevated me to the woman I am today. This
essay will elaborate on the above-mentioned components in relation to my journey of
life.

Defining Moments

It happened in 1988 when I got my approval letter to study at the university of my

dreams which marked a significant milestone in my life. It affirmed my commitment
and hard work in secondary school. However, I happened to drop out of the university
due to finances to go and work using my matric certificate.

I landed into clerk position in government department and I was exposed to various
cultures as well as divers’ views about life. This experience tends to broaden my
perspective about the world and brought passion in me concerning issues revolving in
the world.

It happened during my tenure that I experience a personal loss that challenged me

emotionally and mentally. It was a pivotal moment that gave me fortitude and the value
of valuing relationships.

During welcome meeting at workplace at the beginning of the year, I was tasked to
deliver the welcome speech to the new employees, this was my defining moments. It
gave me self- confidence and alerted me of my ability to encourage people through
words of encouragement.

Personal Growth

During my tenure as a clerk, I embarked on a self-discovery journey. Whereby I

happened to develop values, interests, and strengths which helped me to understand
my aspirations. I happened to know that I am a motivational speaker in nature. My
supervisor at work noticed this talent and start to nurture it. One time I would be invited
to motivate my fellow colleague at different occasions. This experience cultivated
cultural competence, confidence and empathy.

We are all aware that there is no life without adversities, my journey had its highs and
lows. Through it all I have learned to develop emotional intelligence. Having a family
and a job, I had to learn to control stress, deal with setbacks of life, as well as
empathize with someone else' struggles both at work and outside workplace.

Future Aspirations
Regardless of my great professional goals, I respect work-life balance. Along with my
career, I want to put my health, relationships, and personal development first.

Conclusion

A comprehensive picture of my journey and the person I hope to become can be

obtained by thinking back on my defining experiences, areas of personal development,
and future goals. It demonstrates my fortitude, morals, and dedication to changing the
world for the better. My path is one of growth, learning, and experience in order to
become a better person.