Indians in South Africa: Tradition Vs. Westernization

Abstract

Indian (Hindu) social structure and caste and change is examined in the Durban community of Indians in South Africa. The joint family structure is discussed as well as the role of Indian women in the family and society. Historical background of the study area and Indians in Durban is provided. 1 major effect on Indian families was a result of the Group Areas Act of 1950 which restricted ownership of land and established segregation by group and expropriated property inequitably. Indians (Hindus Tamil and Telegu from south India and Hindi from north India) were imported to South Africa in the 1860s as indentured laborers for the sugar industry. Muslims and Gugerati-speaking Hindus came after 1974 as free Indians to engage in trade and commerce. The concept of the joint family is defined as dynamic but involving the relationship between 2 or more genealogically related families which can be coresidential and not commensal or coparcenary; or coresidential coparcenary but not commensal; or dispersed but still coparcenary but not coresidential and not commensal. The complexity of the joint family is further discussed based on an earlier study of 100 households is 1978 Durban and pertains to the nuclear family and segmentation. Caste endogamy varies within Hindu groups i.e. 96% marrying within the Gujerati 11% within the Hindi 31% within the Tamil and 57% within the Telegu. Status is based on achievement rather than ascription. Very few hereditary occupations prevail and occupation is based on education technical skills and business acumen. The concept of purity and pollution is nonexistent. Education and independence of women has lead to changing womens roles and the breakup of the joint family. Socioreligious obligations have a diminished impact. Western-oriented life styles are adopted. The nuclear family provides an opportunity for family progress vertically in terms of status and prosperity and freedom from Hindu social norms. Kinship patterns become more egalitarian.