...RACE, GENDER AND GROWTH OF THE AFFLUENT MIDDLE CLASS IN POSTAPARTHEID SOUTH AFRICA BIENNIAL CONFERENCE OF THE ECONOMIC SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA, UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE, BLOEMFONTEIN, SOUTH AFRICA, 25-27 SEPTEMBER 2013 Justin Visagie justinvisagie@gmail.com Abstract This paper examines the development of the middle class in post-apartheid South Africa, using data from the 1993 Project for Statistics on Living Standards and Development, the 2000 Income and Expenditure Survey/Labour Force Survey and the 2008 National Income Dynamics Study. The affluent middle class are defined as individuals residing in a household with a per capita income of R1,400 – R10,000 per month in 2008 prices. The paper explores changes in the size of the middle class as well as the racial and gender profile of the middle class within the context of Black Economic Empowerment in South Africa. The affluent middle class experienced very modest growth over the period, only slightly ahead of population growth. There was however substantial churning in the racial composition of the middle class, with a large increase in the number of Africans accompanied by a fewer number of Whites. The gender profile of the middle class showed less conclusive evidence of transformation. The upper class similarly experienced significant racial transformation and more than doubled in size, and also accrued a higher share of total income (at the expense of the income shares of middle and lower classes). 1. Introduction South...
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...other developing countries where an urban middle class has initiated large-scale demonstrations in opposition to an elected populist government; this has occurred in Bolivia, the Philippines, and Venezuela. The 2009 military coup in Hondouras against Zelaya's elected administration shares many similarities to the political circumstances in Thailand, as it was mostly the middle-class who took to the streets of Tegucigalpa in support of the coup. Similarly, in China, the rise of the middle class may thwart any further moves towards democratization, as the urban elite fear a loss in status if a rural, peasantry majority ruled politics. Why might an urban middle-class in a developing country turn against majority rule, despite social scientists arguing that this class is the precursor of democracy?...
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...live in the middle class. I live in the middle class, my friends live in the middle class, and my teachers live in the middle class. The middle class are divided into three parts: the upper middle class, the mid-middle class and the lower middle class. What divides us all is, the amount of money we make. However, we count on each other to survive. The way that the economy is suffering is affecting us all. The state that the economy is in won’t let Americans change their status and have a better life than they were raised with. The Middle Class in the United States is suffering, they are the 99% of Americans that have to work to survive in America, usually children in the middle class don’t get to go to different classes. In paragraph 2 it’s states, “It said that we are becoming a society in which the poor tend to stay poor, no matter how hard they work.” This is true to most citizens in the United States and even other countries. There are only a few people that either: go above the middle class, go to the lower class, or in the lower class and just get up to the middle class. In paragraph 10 is states, “Very few children of the lower class are making their way to even moderate affluence. This goes along with other studies indicating that rags-to-riches stories have become vanishingly rare, and that the correlation between fathers' and sons' incomes has risen in recent decades. In modern America, it seems, you're quite likely to stay in the social and economic class into which...
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...believed it was at the fault of the labour party whereas some thought it was down to Harold Macmillan for his outlook and prosper. For example, Source 7 states “Macmillan was proving himself a very able and competent Prime Minister” which shows that some people believed he was the most able candidate for Prime Minister, as opposed to Hugh Gaitskell. This idea is also supported by this quote from source 6: “I believe that the party [Labour] in 1959 had allowed itself to get a bit out of date”. Jay has stated that the idea of the Labour supporter being someone who wears a cloth cap was then outdated which I know from my own knowledge was outdated. Many of those who once considered themselves as working class were beginning to think of themselves as middle class, due to increased affluence and post-war prosperity. However, there are some similarities. They both mention Harold Macmillan as a key figure. Despite source 6 using him as a mockery to the Conservative party and source 7 supporting him, he is certainly acknowledged as a key member by both sources. Source 6 states “there was a sense of...
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...a traditional Porsche customer. The buyer decision process of a traditional Porsche customer reflects the four factors influencing consumer behavior; cultural, social, personal, and psychological. Porsche targets the affluent and creates a culture of exclusivity in owning a Porsche. The typical customer buys into this culture and buys the car for these reasons. Porsche owners tend to believe they are their own Social class. Porsche customers’ social factors are driven by roles and status. Porsche owners feel that have a certain status and the Porsche vehicle reflects that role or status to others when they are seen driving it. The personal factors that drive a Porsche customer are economic situation and lifestyle. Porsche customers are generally in a higher economic class and they don’t like if their car is affordable to the masses. Porsche owners also feel that owning the care is a lifestyle, driving the car is an adventure. The psychological factors of a Porsche customer are their beliefs and attitudes. Porsche buyers truly believe they are in a class all by themselves and display that confident and exclusive attitude when driving the car. (Kotler, Armstrong, 2014, pg. 137-151) 2. Contrast the traditional Porsche customer decision process to the decision process for a Cayenne or Panamera customer. The customer decision process of a traditional Porsche owner to Cayenne customer or a Panamera customer has many similarities. Both customers want the high-end product and...
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...de la classe. STOP DRINKING? STOP DRINKING?? O CONTRAIRE MON CAPITAN In a statistical study receiving 9,000 responses, researchers have concluded that over-drinking is a “middle class phenomenon,” that is possibly a major strand of social dissonance, causing unnecessary health...
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...Running head: AMERICA'S AFFLUENCE AND OBESITY America's Affluence and Obesity Cassandra L Thomas American Intercontinental University Abstract The problem of obesity in America has risen to epidemic levels. Congress in 2002 charged the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to find ways to prevent this epidemic. The IOM appointed nineteen experts to handle this issue, experts in health, obesity, nutrition, physical activity, and public health. It has been determined that it is not just up to Congress but also the individual. ("Preventing Childhood Obesity:" 2005). This paper will take a look at how the affluence of America plays a part in this epidemic. (I.O.M 2004). America's Affluence and Obesity America’s Affluence and Obesity Since the beginning of America, folks have lived off the land. Vegetables, fruits were grown on lands free from pesticides and fertilizers. Animals used for food were allowed to eat what the land offered. People grew vegetable gardens, and traded with each other. They made their own preserves, from fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh foods were in great abundance and there was very little waste. Then there came an educated generation that had no use or respect for the land. New Generation This new educated generation, felt they were much too educated to work the land, they went after the dollar, it became all about making money. Money to buy bigger houses, bigger cars, lusting the glamour, and glitter of Hollywood. The world became aware...
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...Arguments of Peter Singer PHI200: Mind and Machine (ABT1315A) April 19, 2013 Singer’s goal in the article “Famine, Affluence and Morality” is to get people to think differently about famine relief, charity, and morality. These are key issues that people need to be more aware of and act on them. People who are financially stable and well off should take more of an active role by giving more. They should feel obligated in helping those in need. There are many people suffering severely, those who can help are doing nothing. People should be more willing to give help rather than being obtuse & self-centered. Singer argues it is wrong for a person to suffer from homelessness, hunger, or lack of medical attention. These needs are essential in life and without them can alimentally lead to one’s death. Another argument Singer gives is if a person is wealthy, they are more than capable to help others financially. They need to feel obligated to do so. Instead of a person spending money on extras and materialistic items for themselves, they should donate that money to the poor. The money should help with necessities for the poor and uplift them. On the same point he points out, one should not sacrifice if it would put them in harm’s way. Singer’s concept of marginal utility is that one should give as much as possible to the unfortunate; it should never create a hardship to the giver. This would be doing more harm than good. When a person contributes to the poor...
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...neo-Marxism in the US – partly result of social conflicts evident in America in late 1960s which threw doubt of the utility of the structural-functionalist paradigm. ❑ In the 1970s – re-emergence of radical political economy in both the USA and Western Europe. Produced the Union of Radical Political Economists and the journal Insurgent Sociologist in USA and wide array of groups and journals in Western Europe – of which the most well known are: New Left Review, Capital and Class and Economy and Society. • In the late 1960s in the USA two sets of ideas had emerged within the social sciences which formed the concepts against which Braverman reacted: ❑ H. Marcuse, One Dimensional Man: a German social philosopher, member of the Frankfurt school, who argued that the affluence generated by advanced capitalism had produced a mass-consumer culture that incorporated the working class into such societies. Accordingly, the working class was no longer a revolutionary class and the central foci of radical transformation lie with those groups marginalized by the capitalist process: ← Blacks & Hispanics in the USA ← Students in the USA...
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...Hennessy: The name of LVMH's spirits business LVMH's cognac and spirits sales reached €1.742 million in 2011, an increase of 11% from 2010, with 6% of growth driven solely by Hennessy. Volume growth came from Hennessy's recovery in the US market, exceeding even its pre-recession levels, and the continuous trend of increased demand in China and in other emerging economies. The value growth can be attributed to up-trading in line with the move to the more premium Asia Pacific markets where the entry level is VSOP, unlike the VS-dominated traditional markets. Hennessy has a share of 43% of global cognac volume sales, with a 63% share of its major market the US, due to a successful repositioning of the brand from an elderly and affluent target to a young and urban one. The brand is in a very favourable position to capitalise on the global 5% CAGR expected for cognac over 2011-2016, as the growth will be driven predominantly by China, where the company has its own strong distribution network, further enhanced with capacity and market knowledge via the acquisition of the Wenjun distillery. Hennessy: Volume Sales by Geography Spirits: Cognac vs Total Spirits Market by Y-o- Growth 2011-2016 45,000 40,000 35,000 30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 2006/2011 Rest of the World Eastern Europe US 6 5 4 3 Western Europe 2 Other Asia Pacific China 1 2006 2011 0 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016 Global spirits volume growth...
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...roles, and the change of industrial workers’ roles. The amount of continuity does not compare to the amount of change in any shape, form, or fashion. The Industrial Revolution had remarkable effects on the people of society that were contemplated as a part of the “lower class”. Due to the occurrence of this event,...
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...The Importance of Being Earnest Draft The opening scene of ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ establishes the play as a Comedy of Manners as Wilde as immediately introduces some of the key ideas behind his satire of the middle classes, for example triviality and a lack of moral values. The setting of a flat on Half Moon Street immediately gives a sense of affluence. The description of the furniture with the adverbs ‘luxuriously and artistically’ deliberately focuses on aesthetic and makes no reference to substance or function, which reflects the superficiality of the upper classes whom Wilde will be satirising throughout the play. This introduces a sense of decorous pretence, which creates the perfect mood for Wilde’s comedy of manners. Algernon’s initial dialogue is a conglomerate of puns which immediately establishes him as a comical character and the archetype of the upper class bachelor. This is essential as Algernon is central to Wilde’s comedy of manners as he exemplifies the frivolity and hypocrisy of the upper classes, which Wilde will be satirising throughout the play. ‘…I play with wonderful expression. As far as the piano is concerned, sentiment is my forte.’ The use of the word ‘forte’ here is punning and ironical, as it can mean both a speciality, and a technique used by musicians in which the volume is increased to emphasise emotion. While Algernon did indeed play loudly, he claims ‘sentiment is my forte’, which is a reversal of the purpose of the musical...
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... * Topshop market entry in to Mexico * The targeting and positioning strategies * The Marketing Mix: Product, place & distribution, pricing and promotion. The main finding and recommendations from the analysis of these main areas include, * Mexico has a large, young, growing population * There is a high level of poverty and low level of education * Government policies support FDI * There is a competitive retail environment in Mexico * Mexico’s infrastructure is poor but improving and is high on the political agenda * Topshop has recently sold 25% stake of the Topshop and Topman chain, making them debt free and open to investing in global expansion * There is a growing middle class * The target demographic is middle class females between the ages of 15-34 * A joint-venture with a department store is recommended initially to test the environment and reduce risk while building strategic partnerships and relationships * Franchising is recommended once the joint-venture has been successful, once brand recognition has increased and brand image has been implemented * Brand recognition and loyalty need to be built, achieved by...
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...This shows that Leisure, VFR and Business remain the top three motivations for people to travel. In the luxury travel market, travellers from US, Europe and Japan are the dominant consumers. Continued growth in global GDP, change of leadership in countries like India and meetings like BRICs promise increase in economic performance in foreseeable future. In this backdrop, tourism scene looks promising as countries in Asia and Middle East compete to attract investments and visitors, and Europe and America look to seek partnerships with developing countries. Increase in affluence, disposable income and leisure time fuelled the desire to travel for new experiences. Provisions like Visa on Arrival and Visa Waiver Program enable hassle-free entry and saves time on travel formalities. Stressful professional life also necessitates the motivation to take short breaks by young professionals. Business travellers are often combining leisure element or bring their partners on the trips. Low cost business class-only flights like La Compagnie and cheaper business class fares on carriers like Flydubai, Jazeera Airways are striving to cater to this segment. Recent decrease in fuel price may also catapult more travel. Medical tourism too has been a fast emerging area of tourist interest, due to high cost of treatments and complex healthcare system in America and Europe,...
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...Introduction Since ages poverty has been a major problem across globe, and with every passing day this issue is spreading and engulfing different classes of society. Poverty is one critical reason for many socio-economic problems including population explosion, unemployment, rampant rise in child labour and rising graph of crimes. Poverty can’t be ignored as an issue of a specific class, or any specific nation. In the present scenario when every class, society or for that matter every nation is interlinked with each other, this issue of poverty cannot be overlooked. Important to note is that poverty today is not just a problem of third world countries like India, or Africa but developed nations like Canada, America and one major part of Europe are also pondering on this serious issue. Based on Salvation Army Report, 2011 “Canadians ranked poverty as the third most important issue facing the country today, after the economy and health care.” (S. Army, 1-8) Thus it underlines the fact that how poverty remains a cause of concern for developed countries like Canada. For a country like Canada where more than 1 in 10 Canadians between 18 to 65 live in poverty this fact highlights that how poverty is impacting people across different age groups. Poverty today is not about problem of one specific individual it is every body`s problem, if one part of society experiences success then the other part experiences poverty. Poverty eradication should be taken up as a matter of fundamental...
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