‘Social pain and social death’: poor white stigma in post-apartheid South Africa, a case of West Bank in East London

Abstract

This article looks at poor white stigma in post-apartheid South Africa. Drawing on my ethnographic engagement with my informants, I developed this article as a part of my broader argument that explores the complex nature of white poverty in South Africa. In the context of East London, where my study was based, I explore poor white stigma within the context of ‘coastal whiteness’, an ideological perception of white lives in the coastal environment. This paper is particularly interested in understanding the marginal spaces which are occupied by poor whites and how these spaces are imagined within dominant white communities. I argue that poor whites represent ‘abnormality’ within white communities. As such they are often perceived as contradicting the progressive value systems of ‘normal’ whites, who are beyond poverty and are said to be committed to hard work and self-improvement. Furthermore, poor whites are seen to represent a threat to the ideals of white culture that is perceived as immune to poverty. Because of this perception of poverty as some form of exceptionally negative condition, fear and shame are attached to it. The extent of stigma attached to the condition of white poverty actually alienates those trapped in this position. Because of the rejection that poor whites are subjected to, they are constantly made to endure social pain and social death. Their existence becomes null and void to many. They are made to feel like some form of reject product that carries little value.