Politics as an environmental factor in population development: reviewing the South African situation

The political factors that affect the development of a successful population policy in South Africa are examined. "It is concluded that despite the important role of socioeconomic development, the success of the population development programme ultimately depends upon (a) the actual distribution of political power to all communities; (b) the degree of legitimacy enjoyed by the government among the broader population; and (c) a general political consensus regarding the urgency for curbing the population growth rate."     

The development status of women in South Africa: Patterns and progress in the provinces

The development status of women in South Africa declined between 1996 and 2001. This study examined whether the decline was pervasive throughout the nine provinces, and whether any development patterns were apparent among the provinces. The findings revealed that women had lost ground across the board, both in absolute terms and relative to men. They also showed that certain ranking patterns prevailed among the nine provinces and, notably, that women in provinces with pre-existing poor development statuses may also be predisposed to a poor development status relative to men. This double burden may translate into a perpetuation of poverty for women who find themselves in these provinces.     

Changes in the development status of women in South Africa from 1996 to 2001: for the better or for the worse?

The adoption of the 1996 Constitution mainstreamed women's issues in South Africa, but, despite the commendable progress in this sphere over the past ten years, success is only discernible if it translates into the betterment of women's lives. This paper aims to ascertain whether the development status of women improved or worsened between 1996 and 2001 by employing a gender-adjusted human development index (HDI). To offset the limitations of an aggregate measure, while compensating for the potentially distorting effects of HIV/AIDS on an aggregate human development indicator, a framework of supporting measures of well-being is also analysed to augment and validate the findings of the gender-specific HDI. The study finds that between 1996 and 2001 the development status of women in South Africa regressed, in both absolute and (especially) relative terms.     

Upgrading and low-income housing initiatives: Indicating their value to the people of Freedom Square,Bloemfontein

Since 1990, hundreds of informal settlements have grown rapidly around cities throughout South Africa as a result of the changing political context, poverty and the enormous housing backlog. The impact of this uncontrolled urbanisation became apparent in the fact that hundreds of thousands of poor people had to make a living with limited access to running water, electricity and formal housing. This article explores the development experiences, needs and expectations of the residents of Freedom Square – previously Bloemfontein's largest informal settlement and home to 17 200 people – over a period of 8 years. This is approached by means of a comparative overview of four surveys (1990, 1993, 1995 and 1997), all relating to the social impact of upgrading-orientated and low-income housing initiatives within the study community.     

Das Leontief-Paradoxon des Außenhandels

Ohne ZusammenfassungMit 10 Textabbildungen