A phenomenological study of the self-efficacy of UEW students from marginalised groups winneba, Ghana, west Africa

Abstract

This study took a phenomenological look at how students from marginalised categories effectively outsmarted marginalisation in a neo-colonial setting, Ghana, West Africa. In-depth, semi-structured interviews and observations were conducted with ten University of Education – Winneba (UEW) students. The participants were first-generation students, and they represented various categories of people who were different and were often marginalised by general society. The categories represented were: positive HIV status; visual, hearing/speech, physical and learning impairments; perceptions of sexuality and citizenship; albinism; gender; and quasi-orphaned status. After fully developing the narratives of each study participant and combing through the data, themes were identified. The study found that, for various reasons, the students had little to no support from family. Additionally, many of their parents were absent from their lives. They therefore did not have benefits of cultural reproduction, whereby norms and values are passed down through the generations. The study also found that the students endured many slights and discouragement through situations and with people and institutions. Although they had to deal with the same social structures that prevent marginalised people from meeting their goals, the participants, through self-efficacious means, advanced their higher educational aspirations; they persevered and effectively transformed negativities into fuel which buoyed them and their self-efficacy towards their goals. Their lived experiences at times affected their senses of belonging, but they were not to be left out of the institution of higher education. The students used negativity in their lived experiences to successfully deal with and overcome hurdles. In terms of implications for theory, the study uncovered an additional source of self-efficacy, converted or transformed social persuasion. This study serves to inform policies and psychosocial practices in Ghana and in Africa generally, with respect to marginalised populations, those who are often expected to fail in attempts at far-reaching goals.