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Dualism or underdevelopment in South Africa: what does a quantitative assessment of poverty, inequality and employment reveal?

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  • Julian May
  • Charles Meth

Abstract

Debate over the nature of South African society has continued through the first decade of democratic government, including the question of a 'First' and a 'Second' economy. This paper focuses on the numbers and characteristics of those who might fit into the 'Second'. The data examined suggest that both poverty and inequality have increased in South Africa since 1993, while also suggesting the presence of poverty traps that may hinder mobility and prevent individuals getting ahead despite the dramatic economic and political reforms since 1994. We estimate that some 6.2 million could be described as belonging to the 'Second' economy. However, we argue that there is more to the relationship between those who are marginalised and those who are benefiting from South Africa's achievement than a dualistic and disarticulated 'First' and 'Second' economy. Linkages of inclusion and exclusion determine the size, characteristics and future of the two economies.

Suggested Citation

  • Julian May & Charles Meth, 2007. "Dualism or underdevelopment in South Africa: what does a quantitative assessment of poverty, inequality and employment reveal?," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(2), pages 271-287.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:deveza:v:24:y:2007:i:2:p:271-287
    DOI: 10.1080/03768350701327178
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Özler, Berk, 2007. "Not Separate, Not Equal: Poverty and Inequality in Post-apartheid South Africa," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 55(3), pages 487-529, April.
    2. Daniela Casale & Colette Muller & Dorrit Posel, 2004. "‘Two Million Net New Jobs': A Reconsideration Of The Rise In Employment In South Africa, 1995–2003," South African Journal of Economics, Economic Society of South Africa, vol. 72(5), pages 978-1002, December.
    3. Murray Leibbrandt & Laura Poswell & Pranushka & Matthew Welch & Ingrid Woolard, 2004. "Measuring recent changes in South African inequality and poverty using 1996 and 2001 census data," SALDRU/CSSR Working Papers 084, Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit, University of Cape Town.
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    Cited by:

    1. Frederick C.v.N. Fourie, 2011. "The South African unemployment debate: three worlds, three discourses?," SALDRU Working Papers 63, Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit, University of Cape Town.

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