Strikes and stayaways in relation to political developments in South Africa, 1970-1987

This study is an attempt to assess the degree to which strikes and stayaways in South Africa are related to broader political developments. Traditional theories of industrial conflict are first evaluated. This is followed by a direct study of industrial conflict in relation to wider political developments in South Africa in the 1970-87 period. The broad themes emerging from these chapters are then compared to established theories pertaining to strike action. The conclusion reached is that certain aspects of theory are of relevance to the South. African situation, but none are adequate in their entirety. It is noted that it is important to include theories covering the nature of broader society to make possible a coherent explanation as to the nature of strikes and stayaways in South Africa. The conclusions reached verify the stated hypothesis that political factors play an important role in determining the nature of strikes and stayaways. Furthermore, it appears evident that this relationship has become stronger over the 1970-87 period, especially following the declaration of the State of Emergency which has severely curtailed most other avenues of peaceful protest.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Sociology

Year dc:date.issued

1989

Author dc:creator

• Wood, Geoffrey

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/17233

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/17233