People’s perceptions towards homosexuality in a South African rural communities

Abstract

The aim of the study was to explore and describe the perceptions posed by society towards homosexual individuals in selected South African rural communities. The research methodology employed was a qualitative approach via the used of a purposive sampling method for the selection of 12 voluntary participants who were willing to participate in the study. In-depth interviews were conducted and data analysed according to thematic content method. The perceptions of community members were shared through participants' responses to a central research question. Participants expressed different responses which were both positive and negative towards homosexuality. The findings of the study showed that society is still conservative when it comes to homosexuality. However, it discourages harsh negative attitudes towards homosexual people. The study recommends that Society needs to develop more accepting and tolerant behaviors towards homosexuality.