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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The 'greying' of Central: a case-study of racial residential desegregation in Port Elizabeth
Authors:Ownhouse, S.J.
Nel, E.L.ISNI
Year:1993
Periodical:Urban Forum
Volume:4
Issue:1
Pages:81-92
Language:English
Geographic term:South Africa
Subjects:race relations
suburban areas
External link:https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF03036584
Abstract:In common with inner-city suburbs in other South African cities, Port Elizabeth's suburb of Central is undergoing a significantly higher degree of racial integration than the rest of the city. This paper looks at the process of racial residential desegregation, or 'greying', currently in progress in Central, based amongst others on interviews and a questionnaire survey of recent black (African, Asian and so-called 'coloured') in-migrants and white residents undertaken in 1991. After presenting an outline of the causes and features which characterize the 'greying' of South Africa's cities, as well as the perceived effects of this, according to the literature, the authors give a historical sketch of Central and discuss the situation there and the results of the survey, looking at patterns of racial mixing and the influence of Penmill Holdings, a property company, the general characteristics of Central's residents, and the differences between black and white residents. They discern clear parallels between Central and the experiences of other South African cities. These relate specifically to the relatively youthful nature of in-migrants, who have few family commitments, a sense of upward mobility and a desire for improved lifestyles and accommodation, as well as to the high degree of rental tenancy in apartment blocks, the possibility of exploitation by landlords and the low levels of racial friction. Bibliogr.