Abstract

As one of the burning issues of the dy, human relations enjoy high research priotity in a variety of disciplines. The separation of population categories which is also represented in the legislation of South Africa leads to the perception of definite stereotypes which handicaps positive relations. The dualistic vision of the South African society results in the research of play activities which reinforce such a viewpoint. The paradigm influences the research problem on the one hand and the results (data) as well as the interpretation thereof, on the other hand. In this respect, the paradigmatical assumptions of structural functionalism, cultural relativism and volkerkunde in relation to the study of play are reviewed. In search of a more fruitful paradigm, play activities of children in Tshakhuma (Venda) and Seville (Gazankulu) are offered and an alternative paradigm to generate understanding, is suggested. Verf.-Referat