Answer to Question #194977 in Sociology for Habakak

Question

Explain how to use conceptual building blocks and theory in connection to socioeconomic issues in South Africa from Burawoy's reading of race,class and colonialism?

Answer 1

Main reason why demands for greater equality are recipes for more inequality is that left

analysis and thought denies the reality discussed here and so fails to acknowledge or address

the core role of race in perpetuating domination. A more egalitarian thought and practice

would require this acknowledgement. Its product would be an analysis which acknowledges

the centrality of race and other identities in domination’s survival but offers an alternative

which also recognizes economic exclusion and the poverty and inequality which it generates

as core problems which require egalitarian solutions

The emergence of this 'class segment' had the effect of transferring the political 'Centre of gravity' away from the mine owners. Though holding identical relations to the means of production, the economic interests of poor whites deviated significantly from those of poor blacks

Economic interests of black and white segments of the lower classes diverged because of their differing relations to the superstructure. The prevailing ideology of white supremacy and the institutional framework which discriminated on the basis of color, militated against inter-racial solidarity and led to shared interests between landed and landless Afrikaners. To the extent that the superstructure favored black over white, so the poor white had a vested interest in rendering support to those who were concerned to improve his competitive position vis-à-vis poor blacks.