Constitutional Rights and Responsibilities
Nation Building
Grade 8 Life Orientation
What is Nation Building?
• The creation or development of a nation, especially one that has recently become
independent.
• Nation-building is the process whereby a society of people with diverse origins, histories,
languages, cultures and religions come together within the boundaries of a sovereign
state with a unified constitutional and legal dispensation, a national public education
system, an integrated national economy, shared symbols and values, as equals, to work
towards eradicating the divisions and injustices of the past; to foster unity; and promote
a countrywide conscious sense of being proudly South African
Why is nation building important:
It is important because it creates a sense of unity amongst the people of the country despite
their differences and this assists the country in ensuring harmony/peace and stability.
South Africa's nation-building projects include forming a common identity, while
recognizing and respecting diverse ethnic, racial and other groupings.
Different ways to promote Nation Building in different contexts
Community School Home
1. Celebrate national days 1. Teach about nation 1. Celebrate national days
building
2. Get involved in 2. Learn about neighbours;
community outreach 2. Teach about different be a good neighbour
cultures and religions so
3. Arrange sporting and that they can be 3. Support community
cultural events that celebrated events
allow different
communities to come 3. Encourage diversity 4. Avoid using plastic-
together made things to help us
4. Celebrate national days; protect our environment
learn about the history for the better of
everyone.
5. Always be truthful in
your work. To decrease
corruption in our
country, don't bribe
individuals and don't
accept bribes.
6. Consider starting a
business so that you can
generate jobs for others
What role do women play in Nation Building?
THE GLOBAL ROLE OF WOMEN – CARETAKERS, FARMERS, EDUCATORS AND
ENTREPRENEURS:
• Throughout history, the central role of women in society has ensured the stability,
progress and long-term development of nations.
• Globally, women comprise 43 percent of the world’s agricultural labor force – rising
to 70 percent in some countries.
• For instance, across Africa, 80 percent of the agricultural production comes from
small farmers, most of whom are rural women.
• It’s widely accepted that agriculture can be the engine of growth and poverty
reduction in developing nations.
• Women, notably mothers, play the largest role in decision-making about family meal
planning and diet, which plays a crucial role in preserving child health and nutrition.
The Role of Women as Caretakers
• Women are the primary caretakers of children and elders in every country of the
world.
• International studies demonstrate that when the economy and political organization
of a society change, women take the lead in helping the family adjust to new realities
and challenges.
• They are likely to be the prime initiator of outside assistance, and play an important
role in facilitating (or hindering) changes in family life.
“Rural women play a key role in supporting their households and communities in
achieving food and nutrition security, generating income, and improving rural livelihoods
and overall well-being.” – UN Womenwatch Organization.
The Role of Women as Educators
• Basic education is key to a nation’s ability to develop and achieve sustainability
targets.
• Research has shown that education can improve agricultural productivity, enhance
the status of girls and women, reduce population growth rates, enhance
environmental protection, and widely raise the standard of living.
• It is the mother in the family who most often urges children of both genders to
attend – and stay – in school.
The Role of Women in the Workforce
• Today, the median female share of the global workforce is 45.4 percent.
• Women’s formal and informal labor can transform a community from a relatively
autonomous society to a participant in the national economy.
• Despite significant obstacles, women’s small businesses in rural developing
communities not only can be an extended family’s lifeline, but can form a networked
economic foundation for future generations.
• The role of women in the urban and rural workforce has expanded exponentially in
recent decades.
What role do men play in Nation Building?
In most societies, men are regarded as the defenders of the community.
• It is up to them to ensure that their homes and communities are safe from internal
and external threats.
• Men are expected to take up arms and protect the children and women in the
society. While this might sound like an old concept, it continues to prevail in modern
times.
• For example, the majority of individuals enrolled in the national army are men.
• Men are also more likely to be involved in dispute resolution where physical force is
required.
This role of men in security activities might be attributed to their relatively greater physical
strength compared to women.
• Socialization has played a major role in enhancing the security role that men play in
the society.
• Men are generally socialized to be ‘strong’ and ‘fearless’.
• One of the values greatly esteemed by men is courage. Men are expected to
demonstrate fearlessness in the face of danger and stand up to adversity. Through
this value, men can protect the society against threats and put their lives at risk for
the good of the society. Other members of the society praise men who show great
courage.
The role of males as role models:
• The man is expected to serve as a role model for the younger boys.
• The advancement of human society is dependent on the passing on of traditions and
skills from one generation to the other.
• Men are expected to teach some of the “manly” things to their sons. In modern
society, the man will introduce his son to sporting activities and teach him how to
shoot or ride a bicycle.
• Through this socialization, some of the roles and activities attributed to men are
passed on from generation to generation.
Activity 1
1. Conduct research on the group called ‘Gift of the Givers’ and discuss how
they contribute to building the nation in South Africa. Your answer must
consist of 6-8 bullet points.
2. Research another group in South Africa that contributes to Nation Building.
Write down their name and 5-7 bullet points on how they help in SA.
