Loudrastress

WHY DO WE FEAR AND HATE THE ‘OTHER’?
UNDERSTANDING XENOPHOBIA IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN CONTEXT

Xenophobia has been described as an intense dislike, hatred or fear of others perceived to be strangers. Xenophobia describes attitudes, prejudices and behaviour that reject, exclude and often vilify persons, based on the perception that they are outsiders or foreigners to the community, society or national identity.
The recent ‘xenophobic attacks’ has highlighted the lack of understanding of what xenophobia means in the South African context and its root causes and manifestations.
Against this background, this seminar will discuss theoretical understandings of xenophobia and their implications for policy making and implementation, research and advocacy, as well as interventions in the current context.
Topics:
• “Xenophobia: The politics of fear and the fear of politics” – Professor Michael Neocosmos Department of Sociology, University of Pretoria.
• “ The psychology of xenophobia: the development of social and cultural identities”
• “A critical analysis of the current legislation and policies around migration in South Africa and its links to xenophobia” – Forced Migration Studies Wits University
• “Practical interventions to uproot xenophobia: gains, gaps and challenges” – Consortium of Refugee Affairs.

DATE : MONDAY 26TH OF MAY
TIME : 14: 00 – 16:30
VENUE : CONSTITUTION HILL
RSVP BY FRIDAY 23 MAY: Sophie Mulaudzi – smulaudzi@csvr.org.za
Tel: 011 – 403 5102/3
LUNCH WILL BE SERVED AT 13:30