Examining Psychological Outcomes of Racial Inequality for Black South Africans

Abstract

South Africa remains an unequal society even after almost three decades of ending apartheid. This has put the country in the limelight of the discourse on racism and its enduring effects. This article represents a contribution to the literature on the effects of racism in South Africa as it particularly affects the Black population group. Social inequality during and after apartheid is examined with a highlight of the legal devices that were used to entrench racial discrimination among the citizens of the country. The enduring social inequality for Blacks was emphasised through national survey research that has consistently over the years shown this group to be disproportionately affected. The authors then interrogated using a psychological lens the effects that racial inequality could have on three behavioural outcomes; aggression, crime and social trust for Blacks. These variables were examined in the context of social inequality as a push factor for their manifestations. Lastly, the authors conclude on the importance of providing a forum to uncover and address the trauma of the apartheid era on Blacks. Furthermore, the importance of addressing the socio-economic inequality experienced by Blacks to ensure their well-being and capacity for self-restraint from social deviancy was emphasised.