Voluntary Retirement Scheme Impact On Sugarcane Labourers Sociology Essay Example

ACP-EU Sugar Protocol since 1975. These resulting revenues provided Mauritius with a reliable source of income that played a crucial role in driving its economic growth and successful transition from a low-income mono-crop economy to a diversified middle-income economy.

In 2004, the sugar industry played a significant role in Mauritania's economy. It contributed 19% to the export value and 5% to the GDP. Around 90% of the land was dedicated to growing sugar cane, which made up about 45% of the country's total area. The industry provided employment for approximately 60,000 individuals, including small plantation owners.

Currently, Mauritius is experiencing growth in a globalized world. This globalization has led to the establishment of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which has further accelerated progress by reducing trade barriers. Additionally, neo-liberal policies support economic improvement through measures such as eliminating or reducing price controls for producers and promoting export orientation while imposing low tariffs.

In this case, Mauritius has experienced the removal of the Sugar Protocol, resulting in the loss of preferential trade with the EU. This has had detrimental effects on ACP states, as centuries-old traditions of sugar production have been destroyed, leading to negative socio-economic consequences. Starting from October 2009, Mauritius' monetary value for natural and white sugar has gradually decreased by up to 36% until September 2015. Over the course of nine years, Mauritius was projected to lose approximately ˆ895 million annually. The phasing out of this trade preference procedure has not only harmed the sugar industry but also impacted the national economy, as thousands of people rely on this sector for their livelihood.

There had been losses in income and occupation, as well as increased pressure

on Mauritius' trade terms and export competitiveness. As a result, drastic reforms were necessary in the Mauritanian sugar sector. One of these reforms involved the introduction of the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS), aimed at reducing labor and consequently reducing production costs.

VRS

The VRS was implemented to downsize labor and ultimately reduce production costs. Around 8,200 employees were laid off through this voluntary retirement strategy, resulting in a 25% reduction in wage expenses for the industry.

The Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) allowed both men and women, including agricultural and non-agricultural workers, to retire between the ages of 50 and 55 for men and 50 to 45 for women. The scheme offered compensation of 2 months' wage per year of service in hard currency, along with an additional 300 mA? of land. Participants also had the opportunity to receive re-skilling/training to become self-sufficient or find employment in other sectors. Furthermore, the government introduced the Empowerment Programme to support individuals interested in starting small businesses. Those who took part in the VRS were assured that they could return as seasonal employees if desired. It should be noted that these reforms were expected to have a greater impact on older workers.

A significant portion of the population, who have traditionally worked in the cane fields, are employed there. To reduce the workforce and allow older laborers in the cane fields or mill workers to retire early, the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) was introduced. However, a notable number of individuals who chose this scheme eventually came back to work as seasonal workers in the fields. Limited research has been conducted on this matter. Currently, the government is contemplating implementing another iteration

of VRS called VRS II.

Before implementing another VRS, it is essential to assess the effectiveness of the previous one. This is crucial as workers' well-being is at risk, and understanding their experiences, perspectives, and opinions about the implemented reforms and factors influencing their decision to choose VRS is vital. Therefore, qualitative research methods such as focus groups and in-depth interviews will be utilized as the methodology for this study. The research design will be a case study.

Research Program

The research program focuses on the involvement of VRS donees, specifically sugarcane laborers who have little or no education. These laborers are predominantly illiterate and have limited experience outside of sugar cane fields. Additionally, they are living in poverty and can be considered vulnerable according to Stone (2003), as they lack a voice and can be easily influenced to engage in activities they don't fully comprehend. To conduct the research, various tools and methodologies are employed, making methodology a fundamental aspect.

Methodology is the approach used by a researcher to gather evidence for their research and the underlying principles for collecting and analyzing data.

Research questions are vital in guiding a study, helping researchers determine the research design and focusing on specific issues to be investigated. They also outline the objectives of the study. Some of the research questions for this particular study include:

1. Why did the workers choose the VRS (Voluntary Retirement Scheme)?
2. Were they the sole decision-makers in this process?
3. Did they seek advice from family, experts, professionals or friends?
4. How did they feel after taking the VRS?
5. Were they satisfied with their retirement?
6. How do they spend their free time?
7. Is the compensation package satisfactory to

them?
8. Did they undergo any training courses?
9. Why did they decide to become seasonal workers?
10. What are their opinions on their current salary?

To effectively carry out this research, focus groups will ideally be utilized.

To conduct this research, a case study of FUEL is considered more appropriate.Due to its status as one of the largest sugar mills in Mauritius, many VRS donees who were located there have returned to work as seasonal workers in the sugar cane fields.

Qualitative Research

Epistemology and ontology

The researcher believes research is about providing a platform for people, especially vulnerable individuals, to express their opinions, life experiences, emotions, and aspects that have been overlooked, altered, hidden, or not well understood (Bergen, 1993). This specific study focuses on vulnerable recipients of the VRS who are financially disadvantaged, have limited education, are likely subject to discrimination and coercion (Stone, 2003). Given the lack of education among many sugarcane laborers, it is assumed that they are not fully aware of their rights or have a clear understanding of the VRS. Consequently, the study aims to investigate how they were informed about the VRS, their knowledge about it, and whether they made the decision to opt for the VRS independently or due to external pressure. The seasonal workers who accepted the VRS and later returned to work will also be included in the study.

The rationale for selecting qualitative research over quantitative research

Before commencing the study, it is crucial for the researcher to meticulously plan which methods will be employed. Consequently, it is imperative for her to comprehend her epistemic and ontological stance, which

pertains to the connection between social theory and research. In this particular study, the researcher embraces a "constructionist" perspective that posits societal phenomena and their meanings are continuously constructed by social actors (Bryman, 2001: 17). According to constructionism, social actors generate meaning and social reality through their interactions with others. Taking this perspective into account, qualitative research methods are utilized to investigate facets of society as they take into consideration interaction and acknowledge the existence and expression of values (Bryman, 2004).

This text discusses the differences between rationalists and constructionists in their approach to studying societal phenomena and their significance. Rationalists take a scientific approach and focus on measuring objective facts and variables, while constructionists believe that people construct and reconstruct societal phenomena through interaction. Qualitative research methods, such as unstructured interviews, are used by constructionists because they allow for open-ended questioning and understanding of how people interpret experiences and construct meaning. These methods aim to describe and explain relationships, individual experiences, and group norms.

They aim to investigate phenomena rather than confirming hypotheses about phenomena. Considering the researcher's epistemic and ontological position, qualitative research methods appear more suitable. There are various types of qualitative research methods, each appropriate for obtaining specific information. For this particular study, a focus group will be conducted with VRS recipients who have returned to work as seasonal workers in the sugar cane fields, while in-depth interviews will be utilized to explore the lifestyle and experiences of other VRS recipients.

Focus Group

Focus groups have been extensively employed in market research, but are now also utilized in social research for obvious reasons.

Focus groups are a form of group interview where selected individuals discuss a

specific issue. It is a method of gathering information on particular topics and people's experiences through group interaction. The moderator, typically the researcher, facilitates each session while respecting the participants' privacy. Focus groups are commonly used to explore areas where perspectives and opinions are uncertain. These sessions generate a range of opinions, ideas, and experiences, providing valuable insights. That is why focus groups have been selected as the research method for investigating the above-mentioned research questions.

The main topic of discussion in this text is the VRS and its participants in a focus group setting. The researcher wants to understand how the participants communicate and share their experiences of choosing the VRS. Unlike a one-on-one interview where facts are uncovered, a focus group involves active interaction to create knowledge. It is important to note that data collected from focus groups is considered valid, meaning it reflects societal reality and is close to the truth.

According to Kitzinger (1994), there are two types of interaction in a focal point group. Firstly, there is complementary interaction, which involves participants understanding each other's perspectives on specific issues. This interaction leads to a consensus, as participants build upon previous comments. Secondly, there is argumentative interaction, where participants disagree with each other, leading them to reconsider their positions and think about the reasons behind their own opinions.

Argumentative interaction may also compel individuals to express viewpoints that they would not otherwise disclose in a face-to-face interview.

Sampling

Random sampling will be utilized. This is primarily because the individuals participating in the research are all VRS recipients and the survey aims to understand their experiences. As a result, everyone will have an equal opportunity to be

chosen. The sampling frame will consist of the names and contact numbers of the VRS recipients.

The sampling will involve a total of 28 participants, with an ideal distribution of 14 men and 14 women. The plan is to conduct four focus groups, each consisting of three men and three women. Two focus groups will include individuals who opted for the VRS but did not go back to work, while the other two sessions will include those who "retired" under the strategy but returned to work as seasonal workers. Both men and women are being selected because they both worked as laborers and many chose to take part in the strategy. Additionally, mixing men and women in the focus groups will help us gain insights into gender relationships.

A letter will be sent to the Human Resource Manager of FUEL requesting permission to access the seasonal workers in order to personally speak with them about the focus groups. Additionally, the aim is to obtain the contact information of VRS recipients who did not return to work after selecting the program (see Appendix A). If successful, participants for the focus groups will be randomly selected and contacted. The focus groups will consist of individuals who chose the VRS and subsequently decided to come back as seasonal workers. The purpose of this research is to conduct five focus groups, each consisting of 6-7 participants, lasting approximately one to two hours. With consent from participants, these sessions may be audio or video recorded. It is beneficial to have smaller groups as it allows the moderator to maintain control and provides an opportunity for everyone to express their opinions. According to

Litoselliti (2003), if the study aims to comprehend complex topics and gather detailed insights, a focus group of six participants is preferable.

Despite potential low engagement, it is suggested by Wilkinson (1999:188) to over-recruit for the focal point group to address the issue of some people not showing up. As such, an informal setting will be adopted for the focus groups in this research.

When conducting focus groups, it is important for the moderator to make the participants feel comfortable. The participants in this study have little to no education, so they will be speaking in "Mauritanian Creole" and may feel hesitant and reluctant to speak. According to Morgan (1997), there are different types of moderation. For this research, a moderate level of moderation will be employed.

The moderator plays a role in guiding the conversation during a focus group discussion, allowing for participants to bring up important issues. The conversation should flow freely, but the moderator should intervene when necessary, such as when important topics arise, when participants are struggling with dialogue or not progressing in the discussion, when the conversation veers off track, when there are unproductive silences, or when there is repetitive discussion. The moderator can intervene with prepared open-ended questions that align with the overall flow of the discussion. Specific questions help provide structure to the focus group. (Schlesinger et al, 1992)

In order to steer the conversation effectively, the interviewer should use a pre-prepared interview guide. This guide will ensure that important questions are discussed and that the conversation is balanced, with everyone participating. Alternatively, a "topic guide" could be used, where the moderator brings up specific topics during the focus group session. For

this research, the topic guide will cover reasons for choosing the VRS, experiences after opting for the strategy, satisfaction with the given package, and how participants spend their time. Additionally, for focus groups involving seasonal workers, the guide will include factors influencing their decision to return to work.

Advantages of focus groups

Focus groups offer a setting that closely resembles everyday life situations (Litoselliti, 2003:2). Participants engage in interaction with one another, allowing the researcher to gain insights into how individuals are influenced by others. People react to each other's views and form their own opinions within the group dynamic. According to Morgan (1997), conducting focus groups promotes the development of perceptions and attitudes through group interaction.

The premise here is that individuals construct and understand meanings through active interaction with each other, meaning they do not form beliefs or perspectives in isolation (Krueger, 1988). In other words, it is sometimes necessary for people to listen to others' viewpoints and examine each other's reasons for holding certain positions in order to articulate their own opinions. This cannot be achieved in a one-on-one interview where there is only the researcher and the interviewee, and there may be instances where the interviewee forgets certain events that will not be included in the data collection. However, when focus groups are utilized, one participant may mention something that ultimately helps someone else remember an important point.

During a focus group, there is a phenomenon known as 'snowballing'. This occurs when one participant expresses an opinion, and others build upon that viewpoint by adding valuable insights. As a result, it can be argued that focus groups offer extensive and detailed information that enhances the

validity of a study. Moreover, focus groups allow researchers to gain insights from both individual and collective perspectives (Jary and Jary, 2000).

They are very useful for studying the language and culture of a specific group of people, their attitudes, perceptions, beliefs, reactions to a specific topic, and their way of understanding life. This is particularly relevant for studying the VRS beneficiaries as the researcher wants to understand how this particular group of people feel or think about the strategy and how they have planned for their retirement. Focus groups assist the researcher in discovering insights about societal life and aspects of understanding that would remain unclear if another research method was employed. A focus group interview facilitates an interactive exchange of opinions.

To illustrate the way individuals interact and construct meanings, Kitzinger (1994) emphasizes the importance of group work in a focus group interview. In this type of interview, the participants' understanding of the world, their experiences, language, and concepts are at the center of attention. Using focus groups as a method of data collection is appropriate for this research because it allows for an examination of power differences between the participants: the VRS beneficiaries and their superiors. This analysis can determine whether these power disparities played a role in influencing the sugar workers to opt for the strategy (Morgan and Kreuger, 1993). Focus groups facilitate group dynamics and foster shared life experiences.

This can make it easier for some individuals to discuss sensitive matters, especially if they are in a supportive group (Liamputtong, 2007). The group dynamic can also lead to the emergence of new topics which can be discussed in greater detail. It also allows

participants to share their views and experiences, as they may feel more at ease knowing that others have had similar experiences and views (Wellings, 2000). A notable example is the education research conducted by Paul Willis (1977).

During a focus group session, the interviewer observed that when several 'lads' were interviewed together, they appeared to be more relaxed compared to when they were interviewed separately. This finding suggests that focus groups can help reduce interviewer bias and are more likely to generate valid data (Haralambos, 2000:1005). Participants in a focus group are able to form bonds and often express a range of perspectives (Borkan, 2000). The flexibility of the focus group allows the moderator to explore unexpected issues and examine participants' responses. In addition, psychological aspects such as the nature of interaction, tone and expressions used by different participants, and their reactions to specific questions are taken into consideration.

According to Peek and Fothergill (2009), they found that using focus groups for their research was beneficial for the participants. They believe that focus groups allow individuals to share their stories and connect with others who are going through similar experiences or have similar life circumstances. By conducting focus groups with VRS receivers, the researchers hope to empower them and provide social support by showing them that they are not alone in facing certain challenges. Using focus groups as a research method helps mitigate power imbalances between the researchers and respondents.

Focus groups have practical advantages over other research methods. Instead of interviewing one person for two hours, multiple individuals can be interviewed at the same time. Compared to methods like participant observation or interviews, conducting focus groups takes

less time and is not as expensive (Peek and Fothergill).

Disadvantages of focus groups

Unlike in a face-to-face interview, the researcher may not have the same level of control over the proceedings during a focus group. However, this can vary depending on how involved the moderator is during the sessions and how closely they adhere to a set of topics or questions.

During a session, some participants may dominate the treatment while others may be reluctant and stay quiet. To overcome this, the moderator should make it clear to all participants that their perspectives are valuable. The moderator should encourage hesitant participants to express their views (Krueger, 1998). When recruiting participants, they can be asked whether they feel more comfortable participating in a focus group or if they prefer a face-to-face interview.

The text emphasizes that in a group setting, some individuals may be unwilling to discuss private matters and may feel more comfortable speaking directly to the interviewer. It also suggests that if the majority of participants have a certain opinion, someone who disagrees may choose to suppress their viewpoint. Recording focus group sessions can be time-consuming and complicated to transcribe. Bloor (2001) states that transcribing a focus group session can take up to eight hours, much longer than transcribing an individual interview. This is because it is necessary to identify who said what and to pay attention to variations in voice pitch. However, the data obtained from a focus group session differs from that obtained from a face-to-face interview.

Acquiring information from a focus group involves obtaining the perspectives and attitudes of multiple individuals simultaneously, along with the ongoing interaction between them. In contrast, a one-on-one interview

only gathers the viewpoints of one person, even if it is a thorough interview, and does not provide information about interaction. However, a potential limitation of focus groups is that individuals may say what others want to hear rather than expressing their true beliefs (Litoselliti, 2003). People may not be completely honest when they are in a group, as they might feel ashamed or embarrassed about something. This directly threatens the validity of the information obtained.

It is important to note that this type of work involves more than just focus groups; it includes several other research methods. Overcoming challenges in this area depends on participant motivation and what they want the moderator to believe. The moderator can help participants feel comfortable by creating a friendly and non-threatening environment, encouraging and probing for answers and clarifications. They can also try to establish rapport before the focus group, such as through one-on-one conversations. Although focus groups yield a wealth of information, analyzing and managing the data is time-consuming. It is also challenging to analyze the dynamics of interaction during the session and simultaneously track themes in what people say.

Using focal point groups as a research tool, Peek and Fothergill (2009) suggest that there may not always be enough time for participants to share all of their experiences and opinions. To prevent this, the moderator can redirect the conversation back to the research questions if it becomes irrelevant. As mentioned earlier, the facilitator will moderate the discussion. Organizing focus groups can be challenging, including determining when, where, and how to ensure everyone attends. Even if everyone does attend, it can be difficult to coordinate their schedules to find

a specific time that works for everyone.

Small incentives, such as verifiers or payment, may be provided to encourage people to participate in the demonstration. However, findings from focus groups cannot be extrapolated since the research was conducted on a small scale and does not accurately represent the entire population. Nonetheless, with the researcher's specific perspective, the aim of this study is not to generalize but to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and outcomes of implementing VRS from the perspective of the recipients.

Venue/Location/Equipment

To address some of these limitations, careful and skillful planning, organization, and moderation of the focus groups are crucial. This process can be time-consuming and caution should be observed (Peek and Fothergill, 2009). When planning focus groups, special attention should be given to the selection of participants.

Since the research will be conducted with VRS donees who worked together in the same sugar mill, some of them may know each other. This can be an advantage as they may feel more comfortable around familiar people. However, not all may know each other, but the common factor among everyone is the VRS. The location of the focus group should be a place where they would feel comfortable and safe, preferably somewhere familiar and accessible to the respondents. The VRS donees all live near the sugar mill and are very familiar with the location.

Consequently, the focal point groups could be held at the sugar mill in a room. However, there may be a concern that participants would feel reluctant to speak against their superiors when in this location, which could jeopardize the effectiveness of the discussion. The moderator should assure the respondents that their statements

will be kept confidential. Alternatively, the focal point groups could take place at a local restaurant, which would provide a more impersonal setting. However, it is important to consider that restaurants can be noisy.

(vin how to get the better of SA? ? to p sleep la..comme tap! !: Calciferol)

Pilot Survey

From the benefits and the restrictions discussed above, it may be good to transport out a pilot survey. A pilot survey refers to a small-scale initial research which is carried out before the chief research so as to "look into the feasibleness o