Publication

This paper examines South Africa’s black middle class and its role in aiding the endurance of democracy in the post-apartheid period. Using statistical data on income, occupation, physiological security, and higher education in 2011, the author argues that the political engagement of the increased new middle class remains limited. Members of this class are less likely to voice their concerns by voting, contacting officials, or joining with others to achieve political outcomes and are less supportive of the governing African National Congress (ANC).