Reimagining Host-Migrant Relationships and Social Cohesion in a Post-COVID-19 South Africa
Institutional Affiliation
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Start Date
3-11-2023 11:30 AM
End Date
3-11-2023 1:00 PM
Proposal Type
Presentation
Proposal Format
On-campus
Proposal Description
Reimagining Host-Migrant Relationships and Social Cohesion in a Post-COVID-19 South Africa
Dr Dorcas Ettang
Senior Lecturer
University of Kwazulu-Natal
Pietermaritzburg
COVID-19 has affected not only the economic and political systems of societies but the relationships between individuals, groups and communities. Pre-COVID-19, South Africa has been known for solid xenophobic sentiments and violent clashes between foreigners and locals, and these identities have emerged more strongly with COVID-19. The impact of the lockdown has resulted in adverse economic outcomes affecting the most vulnerable. The resulting loss of income and livelihoods and the increased dependence on the government's limited assistance create dissent and dissatisfaction between groups. In cases like these across the globe, other identities are blamed for these unfortunate circumstances.
This paper focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on social cohesion and relationships between foreigners and locals in South Africa and how the perspectives and discourses around Xenophobia will shift and re-emerge. Through the scapegoat theory and the conflict transformation theory, this paper examines the impact of COVID-19 on identities, anti-Xenophobic sentiments and how existing relationships can be changed into more constructive and positive relationships that negate the use of violence. Through discourse and document analysis, this paper will draw from a wide range of sources to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on South African society's social and psychological fabric and the human relationships embedded within it. This paper concludes with how to build social cohesion and transform relations between locals and foreigners (many of whom contribute to the economy and health sectors of the society) in South Africa's post-COVID-19 context. This study is essential as the impact of COVID-19 will remain for the next few years, and Xenophobia will continue to shape interpersonal relationships on the African continent.
Reimagining Host-Migrant Relationships and Social Cohesion in a Post-COVID-19 South Africa
Reimagining Host-Migrant Relationships and Social Cohesion in a Post-COVID-19 South Africa
Dr Dorcas Ettang
Senior Lecturer
University of Kwazulu-Natal
Pietermaritzburg
COVID-19 has affected not only the economic and political systems of societies but the relationships between individuals, groups and communities. Pre-COVID-19, South Africa has been known for solid xenophobic sentiments and violent clashes between foreigners and locals, and these identities have emerged more strongly with COVID-19. The impact of the lockdown has resulted in adverse economic outcomes affecting the most vulnerable. The resulting loss of income and livelihoods and the increased dependence on the government's limited assistance create dissent and dissatisfaction between groups. In cases like these across the globe, other identities are blamed for these unfortunate circumstances.
This paper focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on social cohesion and relationships between foreigners and locals in South Africa and how the perspectives and discourses around Xenophobia will shift and re-emerge. Through the scapegoat theory and the conflict transformation theory, this paper examines the impact of COVID-19 on identities, anti-Xenophobic sentiments and how existing relationships can be changed into more constructive and positive relationships that negate the use of violence. Through discourse and document analysis, this paper will draw from a wide range of sources to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on South African society's social and psychological fabric and the human relationships embedded within it. This paper concludes with how to build social cohesion and transform relations between locals and foreigners (many of whom contribute to the economy and health sectors of the society) in South Africa's post-COVID-19 context. This study is essential as the impact of COVID-19 will remain for the next few years, and Xenophobia will continue to shape interpersonal relationships on the African continent.