Institutional Development in Divided Societies

One of the daunting challenges facing South Africa in the contemporary period is that of achieving social cohesion. Educational institutions should be at the cutting edge of the project to weave a common identity whilst promoting respect for difference. It was this challenge that motivated us to convene colloquia in 2003 and 2006 to discuss the current state of school desegregation and innovative ways to forge ahead in the complex processes of dismantling the legacies of the past and creating inclusive paradigms for our classrooms.

Leading intellectuals from business, organised labour, community organisations, government structures and academics examine the effects of a whole range of global forces on local forms of identity, coherence and cohesion. This compelling book merits close attention from anyone interested in the wide-ranging effects of globalisation on South Africa.

The decision to change one's job is usually preceded by a process of job evaluation and determining alternative employment opportunities. Dissatisfaction with the workplace can be a strong incentive to seek alternative opportunities. This study focuses on the role played by job satisfaction, morale and HIV/AIDS in educator attrition. The responses of educators who considered leaving their jobs were compared to the responses of those preferring to stay. Findings reveal that job dissatisfaction linked to poor salaries and limited possibilities for career development, as well as the lack of status and respect attached to the profession, may push educators out of the classroom. The low morale amongst potential leavers reflects this dissatisfaction, as well as the stress caused by curriculum transformation and the emotional impact of HIV/AIDS.

South African agriculture has always been ideologically contested, because of its relationship with controversial land ownership issues. This book takes the question of farm workers fortunes beyond the land debate, to consider their current and future livelihoods. The book argues that the question of farm workers needs to be understood as part of a broader spectrum of economic and social questions. Where should farm workers live? Should rural-urban migration be encouraged? What kind of job prospects can be fostered? How can their participation in the rural and peri-urban economy be promoted? Do farm workers need land, or jobs, or municipal services? Who should provide support to this neglected segment of society?