Intergroup relations among "born frees" in a rapidly changing South Africa: a qualitative study

Abstract

The present qualitative study investigates intergroup relations in post-apartheid South Africa. Six focus groups were conducted with participants from the city of Pretoria. Participants were between the ages of 18-35 years old and were thus all Born Frees who came politically of age after the political transition. The findings reveal that the apartheid legacy was seen as a warning not to repeat past atrocities as well as a facade to condone stereotyping of Whites. Social categorization and social identification remain important and it appears that ingroups provide security in the highly heterogeneous society. Socio-economic differences represented both realistic and symbolic threats hindering intergroup contact and intergroup friendships. Intergroup anxiety and cultural differences furthermore kept groups apart. Instances of de-categorization and personalization leading to deeply personal positive cross-race relations were nevertheless reported. It is concluded that superfluous intergroup contact is often insufficient to change intergroup attitudes. Opportunities should be created for prolonged and intimate interaction between members of different racial groups to promote differentiation and personalization which could, in turn, foster intergroup friendships and improve relations.