The 'state' of social cohesion: re-stating the question of social cohesion and 'nationbuilding'

SOURCE: State of the Nation: South Africa: 2012-2013
OUTPUT TYPE: Chapter in Monograph
PUBLICATION YEAR: 2013
TITLE AUTHOR(S): V.Barolsky
SOURCE EDITOR(S): F.Nyamnjoh, U.Pillay, G.Hagg, J.Jansen
KEYWORDS: DEMOCRACY, GOVERNANCE, NATION BUILDING, POST APARTHEID SOUTH AFRICA, SOCIAL COHESION
DEPARTMENT: Developmental, Capable and Ethical State (DCES)
Print: HSRC Library: shelf number 7657
HANDLE: 20.500.11910/3029
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11910/3029

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Abstract

This chapter's engagement with the state's discourse around social cohesion is informed by a concern with the way in which knowledge produces power. The methodology utilised here attempts to unpack the production of knowledge about the social realm in order to understand the way in which the state's aspirations towards social cohesion are linked to the project of post-apartheid nation-statebuilding, in a manner that is either marginalising or inclusive, democratic or antidemocratic.