Definition of Apartheid
Apartheid was a system of institutionalized racial segregation that existed in South Africa and South West Africa (now Namibia) from 1948 to the early 1990s. The term "apartheid" comes from the Afrikaans word meaning "separateness" or "the state of being apart". The system was characterized by an authoritarian political culture based on baasskap, which ensured that South Africa was dominated politically, socially, and economically through minoritarianism by the nations dominant minority white population. According to this system of social stratification, white citizens had the highest status, followed by Indians and Coloureds, then Black Africans.
Positive and Negative Aspects of Apartheid
There are no positive aspects of apartheid. The system was designed to oppress and discriminate against non-white South Africans, and it had devastating effects on the countrys social, economic, and political landscape. The economic legacy and social effects of apartheid continue to the present day, particularly inequality.
Ingredients or Materials of Apartheid
Apartheid was a system of laws and policies that enforced racial segregation and discrimination against non-white South Africans. The policies dictating the physical and political separation of racial groups were referred to as "grand apartheid," while the laws and regulations that segregated South Africans in daily activities were known as "petty apartheid". The implementation of apartheid was made possible through the Population Registration Act of 1950, which classified all South Africans as either Bantu (all Black Africans), Coloured (those of mixed race), or white. The Indemnity Act (1961) made it legal for police officers to commit acts of violence, to torture, or to kill in the pursuit of official duties.
In conclusion, apartheid was a system of institutionalized racial segregation that existed in South Africa and South West Africa from 1948 to the early 1990s. It was characterized by an authoritarian political culture based on baasskap, which ensured that South Africa was dominated politically, socially, and economically through minoritarianism by the nations dominant minority white population. The system was designed to oppress and discriminate against non-white South Africans, and it had devastating effects on the countrys social, economic, and political landscape. The policies dictating the physical and political separation of racial groups were referred to as "grand apartheid," while the laws and regulations that segregated South Africans in daily activities were known as "petty apartheid."
