Determinants of Play Deprivation in Rural Settings in Selected Provinces in South Africa: A Human Capabilities Perspective

Play has important benefits for adults' and children's physical health and mental well-being. However, little is known about the factors that deprive both children and adults in rural South Africa of play. Understanding these factors provides a critical step in developing interventions to enhance play as one of the capabilities according to Nussbaum that are necessary to achieve well-being. This study looked at the determinants of adults' and children's play deprivation in rural communities in South Africa using a qualitative exploratory design to guide the collection and analysis of the data. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews from a sample of 53 stakeholders and parents who were purposefully selected, and analysed through thematic analysis. The study findings indicated that play deprivation in adults and children is a result of limited or lack of recreational activities, parental factors, unsafe environments, disability and sickness, adults' busy schedules and financial factors in the household which inhibit the capability of playing freely. This ultimately obstructs both adults and young people from yielding the benefits of play. To enhance the playing capability and the well-being of people in rural communities, it is necessary for all the barriers that contribute to playing deprivation at all levels to be alleviated.