The Political Economy of Modern South Africa

This book explores how South African politics reflect the changing ways the region has been incorporated into the world economy, tracing the effects of industrialization and a coercive labor system on the class structure and political and social rights. It includes an essay on the reform movement and speculates on the social and political forces that underpinned the political changes that began in the mid-1970s.

Format: Hardback
Length: 198 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1987, this comprehensive book delves into the intricate dynamics of South African politics, shedding light on how the region has seamlessly integrated into the global economy. It meticulously traces the profound effects of industrialization, predominantly driven by mining, on various sectors of the economy, as well as on the evolution of the class structure. Furthermore, it explores how a coercive labor system shaped the definition of political and social rights along racial lines, exerting a significant influence on the establishment of authoritarian controls over blacks in urban and rural areas from the 1920s onward. Additionally, the book includes an insightful essay examining the diverse strands within the reform movement and speculating on the social and political forces that underpins the transformative political changes that emerged during the mid-1970s. This seminal work provides a deep understanding of the complex interplay between economic development, social structures, and political processes in South Africa, offering valuable insights into the country's historical trajectory.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032321011