Change in Contemporary South Africa - (Perspectives on Southern Africa) by Leonard Thompson & Jeffrey Butler (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Change in Contemporary South Africa examines the intricate and often contradictory realities of South Africa during a period of significant political and social tension. The book explores the coexistence of apparent governmental stability--marked by economic growth, a strong coercive apparatus, and sustained White political dominance--with increasing signs of resistance, including labor strikes, student unrest, and growing international condemnation. By presenting a range of interpretations--from authoritarian entrenchment to the potential for revolutionary change--it delves into the complex dynamics that shape South Africa's trajectory.

Structured across sections that analyze internal community dynamics, instruments of White domination, and the country's external relations, the book scrutinizes the processes of change within South Africa's unique socio-political framework. With contributions from scholars spanning diverse disciplines and perspectives, it raises critical questions about the future of racial inequality, the potential for redistribution of power and wealth, and the role of internal and external pressures in shaping outcomes. This comprehensive yet nuanced analysis offers a valuable lens for understanding a society on the brink of transformation, with implications that resonate far beyond its borders.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1975.