Living Under Apartheid: Aspects of Urbanization and Social Change in South Africa

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the spatial structure of society in South Africa under apartheid, with a focus on issues such as industrial location, migrant labor, and work and housing for blacks in the major metropolitan areas. It also emphasizes the importance of spontaneous settlement and informal-sector work for blacks in the emerging apartheid city.

Format: Hardback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1982, this comprehensive book delves into the intricate spatial structure of South Africa during the era of apartheid. It serves as a valuable compilation of research-based contributions, offering a unique perspective on a system that stood unparalleled in contemporary times. The book explores various aspects, including the location of industries and the movement of migrant labor on a national scale. Through detailed case studies, accompanied by fully illustrated illustrations, it sheds light on the challenges faced by black individuals in terms of work and housing, particularly in the three major metropolitan areas of Cape Town, the Witwatersrand, and Durban.

One of the key focuses of the book is the examination of so-called "spontaneous" or "squatter" settlements, which emerged as a response to the limited housing options available to blacks under apartheid. These settlements, often located on the outskirts of cities, represented a form of informal sector work for blacks, providing them with employment opportunities and a means of survival. The book recognizes the significance of these settlements in understanding the broader issues of development studies, as they highlight the resilience and creativity of black communities in adapting to the harsh conditions imposed by apartheid.

Furthermore, the book emphasizes the role of informal-sector work for blacks in the emerging apartheid city. It explores the various economic activities and enterprises that emerged within these communities, ranging from small-scale businesses to street vendors, as they sought to provide for themselves and their families amidst the restrictive policies of the regime. These informal-sector workers played a vital role in the economic development of the apartheid city, contributing to the informal economy and providing a source of income for many black individuals.

Overall, "The Spatial Structure of Apartheid" serves as a seminal work in the field of social geography, providing a detailed and insightful analysis of the spatial dimensions of apartheid in South Africa. Through its comprehensive coverage of industrial location, migrant labor, informal settlements, and informal-sector work, the book offers valuable insights into the complex social and economic dynamics of a system that profoundly impacted the lives of millions of people.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032551753