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South Africa's peaceful transition to democracy has gained it world recognition. This book gives a frank report on contemporary South African society and the challenges which the new nation faces. Sixteen social scientists, experts in fields as wide-ranging as economics, politics, and development planning, have compiled a social report on South Africa two years into democracy.
The volume covers critical concerns which impact on the well-being of the average South African.
The dozen chapters in the book present facts and figures as well as in-depth commentary on social issues which South Africa must address. The authors discuss the legacies of the past, including poverty and social inequality; problems of transition ranging from trauma to crime; and the hopes for the future which lie in economic growth and development, a deeper understanding of democracy, and a healthy dose of optimism.
The book draws on information from a wide variety of sources including government statistics, independent social surveys, community research, and opinion polls. This rich data weaves a tapestry of the quality of life in South Africa for Africa watchers and the general public.
List of contents
Editorial: South Africa's Emergent "Social Indicators Movement".- The Shape of South African Society and its Challenges.- Poverty, Inequality and Deprivation in South Africa: An Analysis of the 1993 Saldru Survey.- "A Difficult Life": The Perceptions and Experience of Poverty in South Africa.- Inequality in South Africa: Findings from the 1994 October Household Survey.- Surviving the Transition: Trends and Perceptions of Crime in South Africa.- Trauma and Mental Health in South Africa.- The Reconstruction and Development Programme: Success or Failure?.- Personal Versus Collective Quality of Life and South Africans' Evaluations of Democratic Government.- Aspects of the Quality of Life in Black Townships in a South African City: Implications for Human Development.- Playing Numbers or Politics? Approaches to the Prioritisation of Development Needs in South Africa.- Monitoring Optimism in South Africa.- Index of Authors Volume 41, 1997.
Summary
South Africa's peaceful transition to democracy has gained it world recognition. Sixteen social scientists, experts in fields as wide-ranging as economics, politics, and development planning, have compiled a social report on South Africa two years into democracy.
