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Theories of the plural society and change in South Africa∗

Bibliographic Data

ID3641222
AuthorsLawrence Schlemmer (Durban University of Technology, corresponding author)
Year1977
Volume3
Issue1
Pages3-16
Publication date1977-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueSocial Dynamics (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0253-3952 • E-ISSN: 1940-7874
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/02533957708458189
OpenAlexW2022711531
LanguageEN
Citations received9
References cited22

Theories of the plural society are examined critically and the conclusion is reached that cultural differentiation in society is not, in itself, the major factor accounting for perpetuation of cleavages in plural societies. It is argued that a composite paradigm based on these theories is useful in ordering and combining elements of class, culture and ethnicity in attempting to explain the cleavages in plural societies. The argument is carried further with the suggestion that the popular participation within ruling groups characteristic of plural societies results in a responsiveness in policy to rank‐and‐file corporate group interests. This factor unleashes forces in the political economy which are worthy of being distinguished from conventional notions of class, status and power in homogeneous stratified societies. This factor is given the term 'popular social communa‐lism', a process in which class, identity and power are combined and articulated to serve the overall interests of a corporate group. Recent changes in South Africa are examined in the light of this concept and the prospects for a devolution of power are briefly considered. Notes Modified version of a paper presented at the 19th Annual Meeting of the African Studies Association, Boston, U.S.A., November 1976

Economics · Ethnic group · Homogeneous · Linguistics · Plural · Political economy · Political science · Politics · Positive economics · Sociology · African cultural and philosophical studies · Anthropology · Gender Studies · Law · Social and Cultural Dynamics · South African History and Culture

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Unique citing works9
Citations per year0,2
Citation span1981 - 2007 (27)
Citation velocityhistorical
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 9
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