Representation & reality: portraits of women's lives in the Western Cape 1948-1976

Abstract

Drawing on the personal narratives of women from across the political spectrum in the Western Cape, this book presents an unusual and regional perspective on the political history of South African women. Within the context of the broad social and political processes affecting women at the time, the study examines some of the local social and political forces that informed women's lives in the Western Cape. The women's narratives provide nuanced insights into how issues of identity, race, class and culture intersected with politics in their lives, and demonstrate the sometimes painful intersections of the public and personal realms. This well-researched account of the struggles of diverse women is an engaging contribution to academic literature in the area.