[...] Who was to blame for the recent rise of racial intolerance and xenophobic aggression? How widespread is xenophobia really in the South African public? Could the integration policies and programmes be held responsible? What went wrong in the society in the past and at present? How is this issue being confronted on a social as well as on a governmental side? These are all questions that need to be discussed in a public debate to bring the nation.The immigration legislation and the whole treatment of aliens in the country were also brought into discussion. Allusions of a “flood of illegal aliens” who bring disease and crime to the country and who are seen to be a threat to the social and fiscal stability of South Africa” (McDonald 2000: 813) are existent in the public. It is therefore necessary to learn about the definite situation of migrant labourers in the society before trying to change the way of how things work on an official level. The “recent trends in South Africa towards the blaming of noncitizens for stealing jobs and competing for scarce resources are not only disturbing in terms of their implications for violence against foreign workers and residents, but also because they do not necessarily represent the realities of noncitizen participation in the South African economy” (McDonald 2000: 838).
By investigating the complex situation of migration, integration and xenophobia the research aims to provide an understanding. Furthermore is the enquiry necessary in the attempt of tracing down the different paths in which xenophobia builds up and finds its way into society. It is believed that a lack of integration of migrant labourers fosters the development of racial intolerance.
After the essential terms migration, integration and xenophobia are defined, the history and contemporary situation of migration to South Africa is explained. The following chapter focuses on the conditions of foreigners in the society and is additionally linked to the issue of xenophobia. Thereafter is the presentation of the case study conducted by the researcher, which will be also used as the foundation for the following unit on suggestion for the confrontation of xenophobia. The final part will provide an outlook on the South African society and its struggle with racial intolerance.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Defining the problem
2.1. Migration
2.2. Integration
2.3. Xenophobia
3. Migration to South Africa
3.1. Labour Migration (before 1994)
3.2. Developments after 1994
3.3. The 2002 Immigration Act
3.4. Current Situation
4. Foreigners and Society
4.1. Xenophobia in the social order
4.2. Attitudes towards Foreigners in South Africa
4.3. Recent Xenophobic Occurrences in South Africa
4.4. Reasons for Xenophobia and its Persistence
5. Case Study in a Township in an Industrial Metropolis
6. Solutions and Suggestions
7. Conclusion and Outlook
Research Objectives and Themes
The research aims to investigate the complex interplay between migration, social integration, and the rising phenomenon of xenophobia in South Africa, specifically focusing on how these issues manifest within township environments.
- Historical and contemporary patterns of migration to South Africa.
- Psychological and social drivers of xenophobia and racial intolerance.
- The impact of immigration policies on migrant conditions.
- Practical strategies for fostering social cohesion and conflict resolution.
- Empirical insights from a case study on integration in an industrial metropolis.
Excerpt from the Book
4.4. Reasons for Xenophobia and its Persistence
Alain Bihr 2006 articulates that the core of xenophobic thinking lies in the anxiety of alienation (Bihr 2006). This persistent fear of losing the self and with it ones self-image, self-esteem and self-respect are fundamental to ones being. A potential abolition of the margin between the “we” and “them”, would not only lead to the cost of ones self, but also to assimilation to an other. An other that is supposed to be of an inferior nature (Bihr 2006). Taking migrants into a country also brings about the handing over of possession. The state is not ones own anymore, which initiates the questioning of identity. This could furthermore result in a denial of identity or value. The worst consideration would nevertheless be the idea of being subject to the rules of someone who is more powerful (Bihr 2006). Alain Bihr 2006 summarizes the occurrence and rise of xenophobic violence as a stage “…when the anxiety of the loss of self is coupled with the feeling of a complete inability to control the situation, when the resulting aggression cannot be used against the true causes of a situation […] the path lies open for this powerless and blind rage which makes you look for someone on whom you can unload the weight of what overcomes you, by overcoming him in return” (Bihr 2006).
Another article, in which the reasons for the persistence of xenophobia are investigated, lists several bodies, which have through there behaviour a big influence on the extent of this phenomenon. It attributes significance to every institution which causes migrants to look different from the citizens of the host country and therefore urges the public to start thinking of foreigners as people that should be treated differently (Pambazuka News 2006). It furthermore criticizes the humiliating practice of the police, to stop “non violent, orderly people to ask for permits”, which draws parallels to apartheid habits (Pambazuka News 2006).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the 2008 xenophobic crisis in South Africa and establishes the research focus on understanding the origins and social handling of this intolerance.
2. Defining the problem: Provides foundational definitions for migration, integration, and xenophobia to establish a theoretical framework for the analysis.
3. Migration to South Africa: Traces the history of labor migration from the mining era through post-apartheid legislation and the 2002 Immigration Act.
4. Foreigners and Society: Examines the social order, public attitudes towards migrants, and the root causes of persistent xenophobia in South Africa.
5. Case Study in a Township in an Industrial Metropolis: Details empirical findings from a local township regarding the integration and acceptance levels of migrant populations.
6. Solutions and Suggestions: Discusses recommended strategies, such as cultural awareness and human rights education, to mitigate xenophobia and improve social cohesion.
7. Conclusion and Outlook: Synthesizes findings and argues for a deeper recognition of xenophobia as a structural issue requiring significant policy and social reform.
Keywords
Migration, Xenophobia, South Africa, Social Integration, Apartheid legacy, Racial intolerance, Labour migration, Immigration Act, Township, Social cohesion, Human rights, Refugee, Economic exploitation, Identity, Ubuntu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research examines the emergence and persistence of xenophobia in South Africa, analyzing how historical and contemporary migration patterns interact with social integration challenges.
What are the main thematic areas covered?
Key areas include the historical context of labor migration, the psychological underpinnings of xenophobic behavior, government immigration policies, and the local-level experiences of immigrants in townships.
What is the central research question?
The paper seeks to understand how the complex situation of migration and integration leads to xenophobia and how these issues are being addressed both socially and at the government level.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The work utilizes a literature-based theoretical approach combined with a qualitative case study conducted in a township, supported by an interview guide for empirical data gathering.
What does the main body explore?
The main body explores the evolution of immigration legislation, the psychological roots of fear toward the "Stranger," the role of media and politics in shaping public opinion, and potential paths forward through cultural understanding.
Which keywords characterize this work?
The research is best described by keywords such as xenophobia, migration, South Africa, social integration, and the legacy of apartheid.
How does the author analyze the psychological root of xenophobia?
The author uses Alain Bihr's theories to draw an analogy between the dependence of a child in a family and the adult's reliance on social institutions, explaining how the "Stranger" becomes a scapegoat for fears of loss of identity and control.
What specific role do townships play in the case study?
Townships serve as the primary site for observing direct interactions between locals and migrants, revealing that acceptance levels often depend on cultural and religious similarities, such as the perceived closeness of Zimbabweans compared to Somali migrants.
- Citar trabajo
- Anna Ihle (Autor), 2008, Migration, Integration and Xenophobia in South Africa, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/123937
