South Africa Industrialization Comparison: 3D Gallery

Standard of Living

Thesis/Synthesis: There were two standards of living in South Africa: that of the indentured servants and native Africans, and that of the White imperialists. The indentured servants and Africans had a low standard of living, as they were paid extremely low wages and in poorly quarters. White imperialists, on the other hand, benefitted from the cheap labor the former group provided and enjoyed the immense profits from South Africa’s mineral resources.

Detailed Information: Indentured servants were employed for their cheap labor so their standard of living was very minimal and poor. They endured poor working conditions, a high cost of living, etc. However, they were also provided basic benefits including a monthly stipend (of British pounds, though), basic healthcare provisions, full citizenship rights, and crown land. For those who benefited from industrialization, the influx of goods and profits improved the standard of living for these particular social classes. The cheap labor that indentured servants provided benefitted these groups through increased profit and low costs. The increase in population was countered by the increased urbanization of industrial areas and new advancements implemented in society.

Social Effects of Industrialization

Thesis/Synthesis: Industrialization greatly impacted South African culture and racial and domestic dynamics. It created an economic and social racial divide, as Africans were forced into the undesirable, hard labor jobs and whites were eligible for “skilled jobs”. Domestically, women and children were subjugated to harsh conditions, and women left the home to work industrial jobs. Furthermore, the South African culture now encompassed a large influx of foreign workers, changing community dynamics. However, a national identity emerged, yet it came at the cost of tribal traditions and culture.

Social Effects of Industrialization (contd.)

Detailed Information: Industrialization had a great social impact on South African culture and community, through racial inequality, social changes, and the social roles of the South African citizens. Industrialization came at the expense of racial inequality and further divided the social classes in South Africa leading to serious implications on racial discrimination during apartheid. Furthermore, both women and children were subjected to harsh conditions as they tried to balance both domestic life and industrial labor. Despite the greater inequality, social changes— including agricultural innovation, industrial organization, and united identity- also occurred. The changes in communities was marked by displacement of people and caused by the influx of cheap labor. The social dynamics during this time marked the social impact of the country’s industrialization at the time. This social impact would have far-reaching effects on the future of South Africa.

Political Representation

Thesis/Synthesis: Industrialization played a key role in the policies passed by the South African government, which increased tensions and created an ideal environment for rebellions and strikes. There was a fluid exchange of power between different groups depending on the political climate at the time.

Political Representation (contd.)

Detailed Information: The government of South Africa was instrumental in assessing the effects of industrialization through the policies they passed, the demographic they represented, and the rebellions against them. The strength of political power was influential in some areas more than others, whereas the threat of rebellion was stronger in some areas rather than others. The communities that felt these differing effects were based on their demographics. For instance, colored and mixed communities felt the power of oppression more than white communities, however, in urban working labor communities, strikes were more common than control. During apartheid, political groups that supported racial segregation held most of the power, however, post-apartheid, political groups included more representation of other races into their policies. The changes in government policy reflect the more nuanced changes felt in these diverse communities.

Disease

Thesis/Synthesis: The prevention of disease and life expectancy improved overtime as public concern about laborers emerged into mainstream conversation. Diseases that came from mining as a result of asbestos lessened as stricter ventilation regulations were enforced on mines.

Disease (contd.)

Detailed Information: In the early 1900s, the rate of tuberculosis became very high as doctors compromised their medical standards to accommodate the growth of the economy. Life expectancy then went up by 10 years from the 1960s to the 1990s. After the emergence of social medicine, sanitation, water supply, and other social health factors were improved. This further increased life expectancy.

Literacy and Leisure

Thesis/Synthesis: Literacy improved overtime as education improved for minorities. The media played a huge role in public perception, as many outlets were blocked from reporting about resistance efforts, and the electronic media is mostly pro-government. Leisure for Whites increased with the creation of railroads and hotels, yet these were not accessible for Africans.

Literacy and Leisure (contd.)

Detailed Information: Print media continued to be the largest force even after industrialization. Radios and televisions were used for media as well but in lesser quantity, as radios and televisions were more expensive. Restrictions were made on media in order to block public awareness of resistance efforts. On the topic of leisure, the creation of railroads led to faster, more leisurely travel. Designated railroad cars for blacks made leisure inequality on railroads. Those who were rich had access to higher quantity of luxury material. Natives living in mining camps had little leisure time; they were forced to work for most of day. Less than 3% had family housing. Hotels were setup for vacationing whites; did not allow blacks.

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South Africa Industrialization Comparison