The use of social innovation to address femicide in South Africa: an exploratory qualitative study

Abstract

The results of social innovation being new ideas that meet unmet needs are all around us (Mulgan, 2007). Social innovation is not unique to the non-profit sector as it can be driven by any communities that come together with the same vision (Mulgan, 2007). Hence, this research explored ways in which SI can be employed to address femicide in South Africa. Research was conducted using the critical-realism paradigm and made use of an exploratory research design. In-depth interviews were used as they allowed the researcher to understand participant’s subjective perspectives regarding SI when applied to femicide (Plooy-Cillers, 2016). Interviews were conducted at BRAND et al whereby qualitative data was collected from three brand specialists and feminist/Woman’s rights activists in Pretoria. Through the use of thematic analysis, the researcher was enabled to explore both covert and overt themes embedded in transcripts (Schreier, 2014). Findings indicated that participants were eager to eradicate femicide but demand intervention from brands, government, cultural groups as well as civil society. Therefore, this research contributes to research and eradication of femicide in South Africa with new evidence that explores social innovation, in turn, is analysed at the level of social practice to better meet the emerging needs and problems of the social environment to which a social organization belongs, since this practice should be socially accepted and widespread (Brazilian Business Review, 2018). The researcher will provide the reader with the context needed to understand the research problem and its significance. It includes elements such as the background, rationale and the problem and purpose statement. It also details the research goal, research questions, and research objectives. A comprehensive theoretical foundation is discussed, core concepts for the research are defined, and a review of previous literature will be provided to facilitate a broader understanding of SI. Lastly, the research will begin the methodology process by going through the paradigm selected for the research, the research approach and design, population and sampling, the data collection method and the data analysis method used to systematically explore ways in which SI can be used to address femicide.