Main description:

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.

Contents:

Editorial: South Africa's Emergent `Social Indicators Movement'; V. Moller. The Shape of South African Society and its Challenges; L. Schlemmer, V. Moller. Poverty, Inequality and Deprivation in South Africa: An Analysis of the 1993 Saldru Survey; S. Klasen. `A Difficult Life': The Perceptions and Experience of Poverty in South Africa; J. May, A. Norton. Inequality in South Africa: Findings from the 1994 October Household Survey; R. Hirschowitz, M. Orkin. Surviving the Transition: Trends and Perceptions of Crime in South Africa; A. Louw. Trauma and Mental Health in South Africa; R. Hirschowitz, M. Orkin. The Reconstruction and Development Programme: Success or Failure? C.K. Corder. Personal versus Collective Quality of Life and South Africans'Evaluations of Democratic Government; R. Mattes, J. Christie. Aspect of the Quality of Life in Black Townships in a South African City: Implications for Human Development; E. Beukes, A. van der Colff. Playing Numbers or Politics? Approaches to the Prioritisation of Development Needs in South Africa; P. Gill, P. Hall. Monitoring Optimism in South Africa; M. Harris. Index of Authors Volume 41, 1997.