Race and Resources: Black Parents’ Perspectives on Postapartheid South African Schools

• In Event: Roundtable Session 107
  In Roundtable Session: Curricula of Resistance Across the World

Abstract

The dismantling of apartheid brought changes in curriculum and educational policies in South Africa, including the desegregation of public schools. While this transformation was significant, Black students still face challenges, including racism and lack of resources in schools. This paper draws on an in-depth qualitative study with the parents of Black students, examining their “common sense” about racism and lack of resources in public schools. Based on the findings, I make a claim that parents have clear and informed opinions about the education of their children. They are aware of the challenges of racism and insufficiency resources. They make different choices and articulate a nuanced grasp of the complexities affecting their choice as they respond to these opposing problems.

Author

• Bekisizwe S. Ndimande, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign