'Africa must be... one place, one country': Xenophobia and the unmediated representation of african migrants in South Africa

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

This chapter reports on a study of the interrelationships between two migrant groups, namely Egyptians and Malawians, and South African Indians in Johannesburg. Based on a broader qualitative study that sought to understand the construction of migrant communities in Johannesburg, the study reveals that new migrant communities withdraw into enclaves, allowing new identities to emerge where social networks and social capital facilitate economic and social integration. In their search for community and a sense of belonging, migrants develop a contingent and instrumental solidarity, which closely relates to place and space. An interesting tension that was explored arose between African migrants and South African Indians concerning xenophobia and the migrants' claim of belonging to Africa, which at times resulted in a contingent solidarity and at other times an instrumental solidarity.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMediating Xenophobia in Africa
Subtitle of host publicationUnpacking Discourses of Migration, Belonging and Othering
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Pages251-266
Number of pages16
ISBN (Electronic)9783030612368
ISBN (Print)9783030612351
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 24 Nov 2020

Keywords

  • Belonging
  • Egyptians
  • Malawians
  • Solidarities
  • Xenophobia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Social Sciences

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