Into the Light? Critical Theory and Social Change in South Africa

Theoria ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 49 (100) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Parker
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Social Change ◽  
Critical Theory

Critical Theory, Curricular Transformation and Feminist Mainstreaming

1984 ◽  
Vol 166 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patti Lather
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Education ◽  
Social Change ◽  
Critical Theory ◽  
Women's Studies ◽  
Curricular Change ◽  
Antonio Gramsci ◽  
Women’S Studies ◽  
Curricular Transformation ◽  
Change Efforts

This paper examines critical theory, especially the work of Antonio Gramsci, in relation to feminist curricular change efforts in teacher education. It is contended that women's studies is potentially a prime example of curriculum as counter-hegemonic force. Critical theory is taken to task for the male-centeredness of its search for historical actors. The possibilities for fundamental social change that open up when we put women at the center of our transformative aspirations are explored.

Health and social change: a critical theory

2004 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 879-880
Author(s):  
William C. Cockerham
Keyword(s):  
Social Change ◽  
Critical Theory

Gandhi’s Marvellous Revolution

2020 ◽  
pp. 87-119
Author(s):  
Imraan Coovadia
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Social Change ◽  
Social Transformation ◽  
The Self ◽  
To Come ◽  
And Control

The chapter examines Gandhi’s mature conceptions of decolonization and social change, which he developed alongside his interpretation of Tolstoy and Tolstoy’s understanding of colonialism. Gandhi seems to have expected social transformation to come immediately, as a kind of miracle of consciousness, yet he also imagined change as an indefinitely protracted process, dominated by delay and reversion, as a counter to the clarity and swiftness of revolutionary upheaval. He was particularly concerned with conversion of the adversary and control of the self as the motors of social change. The chapter considers the arguments of Hind Swaraj and the ways in which Gandhi referred to the example of South Africa even when in India, as well as the extent to which questions posed by Tolstoy in the ‘Letter to a Hindoo’ shaped Gandhi’s thinking.

Exploring the Integration of Indigenous Knowledge Into Public Library Services With an Inclusive Intent Using a Critical Theory Lens

2020 ◽  
pp. 266-285
Author(s):  
Maned Mhlongo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Critical Theory ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Regulatory Frameworks ◽  
Multiple Case

Despite legislative and regulatory frameworks that have paved the way for transformation and inclusivity of public libraries in South Africa, there seems to be little or no integration of indigenous knowledge (IK). The exclusion of IK from public library services has potential to counteract efforts towards the provision of inclusive services. This chapter demonstrates how critical theory was used as a lens in a multiple case study that explored the integration of indigenous knowledge (IK) into services of public libraries in South Africa. Looking at the articulation of IK, services that are provided to ensure inclusivity, and issues that impact on IK integration in public libraries, semi-structured interviews were conducted from purposefully selected heads of provincial library services in South Africa. Thematic analysis was used. Using critical theory to frame the analysis, findings indicate understanding of aspects of IK including its oral nature. A paucity of engagement with IK as an aspect of inclusive service provision was noted.

scholarly journals Finding guidelines on social change in the two-tiered narrative and diakonia in the Gospel of John

2015 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gert Breed
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Social Change ◽  
Gospel Of John ◽  
New Order ◽  
Life And Death ◽  
The Earth ◽  
In The Beginning ◽  
The Mind ◽  
The Invisible

It is shown in this article that the Gospel of John describes a battle between darkness and light, life and death, chaos and God’s new order. Although the certainty is given right at the beginning of the Gospel that the darkness will not overcome the light, God does not take the possibility of darkness away. Darkness in John is darkness of the mind, not seeing the light, not comprehending, not accepting and not believing the Word. The battle between light and darkness is described at two levels – the visible level that you can see with your eyes and the invisible level that only those who have been regenerated by the Spirit can see. Although it may seem that the contrary is true, God is in control of both levels. Jesus made the invisible visible with his words and deeds and, eventually, with his resurrection. The diakonoi (servants) of Jesus are called to follow him in his task to honour the father by speaking the words of the father and doing the work of the father. In doing this, they will make the invisible God visible by their diakonia (service). Real social change will take place in God’s time, and he will use the diakonia of his children to bring order in the chaos, like he did in the beginning when he created the heavens and the earth. The results of the research are used to suggest guidelines on social change in South Africa.

scholarly journals Conference Report: Middle Classes, Protest, and Social Change in Africa and Beyond

2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 111-116
Author(s):  
Antje Daniel ◽  
Florian Stoll
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Social Change ◽  
Middle Class ◽  
Conference Report ◽  
Global South ◽  
Social Protest ◽  
Social Disparities ◽  
Middle Classes ◽  
The Core ◽  
Social Protests

South Africa is one of the world's most unequal societies. Social disparities provoke massive social protests, considered to be among the most frequent worldwide. Some of these are class-based, and members of the middle class are often perceived as part or even at the core of such initiatives. However, neither in South Africa nor in other cases is it clear how stratification – and middle-class positions in particular – relate to and translate into protest and political goals for social change. Against this backdrop, a conference on middle classes and protest, which took place from 17 to 21 March 2017 at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS), explored and discussed how middle classes and social protest are linked in African settings and other contexts of the so-called global South.

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