Money and violence : financial self-help groups in a South African township / by Erik Bahre.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Bähre, Erik.

Series:

Afrika-Studiecentrum series ; v. 8.

Afrika-Studiecentrum series, 1570-9310 ; v. 8

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Xhosa (African people)--South Africa--Cape Town--Economic conditions.

Xhosa (African people).

Mutual funds--South Africa--Cape Town.

Mutual funds.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (203 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Leiden ; Boston : Brill, 2007.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

This ethnographic study reveals how financial self-help groups (burial societies and credit groups) are islands of hope for Xhosa migrants living in the townships and squatter camps of Cape Town, South Africa. Many are caught up in a sea of insecurity, unemployment, murder, rape, AIDS, and social conflict, entangled with apartheid politics as well as post-apartheid development. Particularly women create these de-politicized social spaces to feel secure and trusted, and know that money is subject to their control. This intimate account challenges romanticized views on urban poverty and solidarity groups. It explores the anxiety among members, the fragility of trust and solidarity, as well as the emergence of conflicts with kin, household members, and neighbours, over desperately needed money.

Contents:

Preliminary Material

1 Introduction

2 The (Post)Colonial Economy And Social Relations

3 The Economy Of Development And Social Relations

4 Creating Mutuals: Reluctant Solidarity

5 Maintaining Mutuals: Hope For Islands Of Trust

6 Spending Money: Consumption, Friendship And Friction

7 Conclusion

References

Index.

Notes:

Revised thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Amsterdam, [2002].

Includes bibliographical references (p. 177-189) and index.

ISBN:

1-281-92620-5

9786611926205

90-474-1960-X

OCLC:

646789856

Publisher Number:

10.1163/ej.9789004157262.i-193 DOI