Human Capital and Credentialism: The Sociological Explanation of Racial Inequalities in South Africa

Abstract

This article analyses outcomes in the labour market in South Africa and reveals the persisting institutionalized racial and class inequalities. In particular, it explores how Bantu education succeeded, during the apartheid era, in delivering cheap labour for South Africa, hence the black South African’s marginality and regression into mediocrity in the economic stature. This is continuity of past inequalities. An improvement in labour market processes and radical improvement of black South Africa’s educational alternatives to apartheid education have to be addressed by policy-makers yet again. The current problems of inequality and enormous racial wage gaps cannot be adequately dealt with until the legacy of Bantu education is overcome by policymakers. The article utilizes an economic theory—human capital—and a sociological theory—credentialism—to explain the marginal position of the black South African within South Africa’s economy.