The post apartheid era has failed to deal with difference and tolerance despite a progressive Constitution that embraces diversity. The intense and irrational dislike of foreign nationals and the continued exclusion of the native minorities, can thus be explained as a by-product of overt apartheid policies that led to the exclusion of South Africa from the International community. Arguably, the environment created by the policy of separation with its emphasis on boundary maintenance and tribal trust lands has negatively impacted on South Africans' ability to be tolerant of outsiders and minorities. Framed on (Harris 2002) hypotheses on xenophobia, this paper argues that the contestations over scarce resources, citizenship and political identity has formented into exclusion, persecution and displacement of both foreign nationals and native minorities in South Africa. Native minorities find themselves as victims of politics of identity and their exclusion in key strategic areas of governance and leadership is a source of hostility and intergenerational trauma. As for foreign nationals seeking greener pastures in South Africa, their situation is further exacerbated by the strategic inconsistency in the immigration and labour laws which are both isolationist and stereotypical of outsiders. Drawing from qualitative scholarship, the paper proposes a durable social inclusive theory, which seeks to reconcile divergent community groups and politicians towards embracing the spirit of Ubuntu and nation building. The social inclusive theory is a peace building initiative that aims to heal divisions of the past and solve post colonial conflicts that have caused social instability in South Africa.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- The South African History
- The Apartheid Policy and its Consequences
- Xenophobia: A By-product of Apartheid
- Explaining Xenophobia: Three Hypotheses
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to explore the roots of xenophobia in post-Apartheid South Africa, arguing that it's a direct consequence of the legacy of apartheid policies. It analyzes the socio-economic factors contributing to xenophobic violence and examines different theoretical frameworks to understand this complex phenomenon.
- The lasting impact of apartheid on South African society.
- The socio-economic factors fueling xenophobia.
- The role of political identity and citizenship in fostering xenophobia.
- Analysis of different theoretical explanations for xenophobia.
- The need for reconciliation and social inclusion in South Africa.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The South African History: This chapter provides a historical overview of South Africa, highlighting the brutality and prejudice inherent in its past, particularly under apartheid. It emphasizes the lasting effects of segregation and discrimination on societal attitudes towards difference and tolerance. The legacy of apartheid is presented as a critical factor contributing to the current climate of xenophobia, illustrating how the policies of separation and control instilled deep-seated distrust and intolerance. The chapter uses legal cases and historical documentation to vividly portray the system's oppressive nature and its enduring impact.
The Apartheid Policy and its Consequences: This section delves into the specifics of apartheid policies, detailing how the Nationalist Party's actions created a deeply divided society characterized by gross human rights violations. The chapter meticulously outlines the legal framework of segregation, using examples such as the Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act and the Bantu Education Act, to demonstrate how the system worked to maintain racial hierarchy and social division. It showcases the international condemnation this system attracted and its contribution to South Africa's isolation on the global stage, further illustrating its long-term impact on societal relations.
Xenophobia: A By-product of Apartheid: This chapter examines the rise of xenophobia in post-apartheid South Africa, arguing that it's not an unrelated phenomenon but a direct consequence of the apartheid legacy. It links the socio-economic disparities of the post-apartheid era to the frustration and resentment felt by some South Africans, contributing to the targeting of immigrants. The chapter explores the concept of xenophobia, defining it and discussing its manifestation as “black-on-black violence”. It also introduces the three hypotheses proposed by Bronwyn Harris (scapegoating, isolation, and bio-cultural) that attempt to explain the phenomenon.
Explaining Xenophobia: Three Hypotheses: This chapter analyzes three theoretical hypotheses (scapegoating, isolation, and bio-cultural) proposed by Bronwyn Harris to explain the causes of xenophobia in South Africa. The scapegoating hypothesis explains xenophobia as a reaction to limited resources, while the isolation hypothesis links it to South Africa's past isolation under apartheid. The bio-cultural hypothesis points to biological and cultural differences as factors. The chapter critically evaluates the strengths and limitations of each hypothesis, ultimately highlighting the multifaceted and complex nature of xenophobia and the need for a more nuanced understanding of this issue.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Xenophobia, apartheid, exclusion, peace building, Ubuntu, persecution, displacement, reconciliation, social inclusion, socio-economic disparities, scarce resources, political identity, citizenship, hate speech, intergenerational trauma.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Xenophobia in Post-Apartheid South Africa
What is the main topic of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of xenophobia in post-Apartheid South Africa, exploring its historical roots in apartheid policies and analyzing the socio-economic and political factors that contribute to this complex phenomenon. It examines various theoretical frameworks to understand the issue and highlights the need for reconciliation and social inclusion.
What are the key themes explored in the document?
The key themes include the lasting impact of apartheid, socio-economic factors fueling xenophobia, the role of political identity and citizenship, analysis of different theoretical explanations for xenophobia (including scapegoating, isolation, and bio-cultural hypotheses), and the need for reconciliation and social inclusion in South Africa.
What historical context is provided?
The document provides a historical overview of South Africa, focusing on the brutality and prejudice inherent in the apartheid era. It details the specific apartheid policies, their legal framework, international condemnation, and their lasting impact on societal attitudes and relations. The legacy of apartheid is presented as a crucial factor contributing to the current climate of xenophobia.
How does the document connect apartheid to xenophobia?
The document argues that xenophobia in post-apartheid South Africa is a direct consequence of the apartheid legacy. It links the socio-economic disparities created by apartheid to the frustration and resentment felt by some South Africans, leading to the targeting of immigrants. The "black-on-black violence" aspect of xenophobia is also discussed.
What theoretical frameworks are used to explain xenophobia?
The document analyzes three hypotheses proposed by Bronwyn Harris: the scapegoating hypothesis (linking xenophobia to limited resources), the isolation hypothesis (connecting it to South Africa's past isolation), and the bio-cultural hypothesis (pointing to biological and cultural differences). The strengths and limitations of each are critically evaluated.
What are the chapter summaries included in this preview?
The preview includes summaries for each chapter: "The South African History" (providing historical context), "The Apartheid Policy and its Consequences" (detailing apartheid policies and their impact), "Xenophobia: A By-product of Apartheid" (linking xenophobia to the apartheid legacy), and "Explaining Xenophobia: Three Hypotheses" (analyzing theoretical explanations).
What are the key words associated with this topic?
Key words include: Xenophobia, apartheid, exclusion, peace building, Ubuntu, persecution, displacement, reconciliation, social inclusion, socio-economic disparities, scarce resources, political identity, citizenship, hate speech, and intergenerational trauma.
What is the overall objective of this document?
The document aims to explore the roots of xenophobia in post-Apartheid South Africa, arguing that it is a direct consequence of the apartheid legacy. It analyzes contributing factors and examines different theoretical frameworks to foster a deeper understanding of this complex phenomenon.
What is the intended audience for this document?
The intended audience is primarily academic, focusing on researchers and students interested in the history of South Africa, the legacy of apartheid, and the social and political dynamics of xenophobia.
- Quote paper
- Shepherd Mutsvara (Author), 2018, From Apartheid to Xenophobia: Exploring exclusion, persecution and displacement in the post apartheid era, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/432822
