Patriarchalism and paternalism in South African 'native administration' in the 1950s

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Periodical article

Title:	Patriarchalism and paternalism in South African 'native administration' in the 1950s
Author:	Atkinson, Doreen
Year:	2009
Periodical:	Historia: amptelike orgaan
Volume:	54
Issue:	1
Pages:	262-280
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	municipal government townships ethics segregation 1950-1959
Abstract:	This article analyses the normative dimensions of urban administration in South Africa in the 1950s, focusing on the administration of urban blacks. It argues that an 'ethical life' or ethos of patriarchalism prevailed, and that this formed the normative backdrop for widespread paternalism on the part of white officials. However, the ethos of patriarchalism was fraught with ambiguities, because the political future of urban blacks within 'white cities' remained unclear. Some officials believed that urban blacks would remain permanently subordinate in the cities, while others believed that they would eventually achieve full status as equals within a modern civil society. This ambiguity bedevilled the design of urban policies, and led to constant confusion and debates about appropriate urban management systems. Notes, ref., sum. in English and Afrikaans. [Journal abstract]