Race or Class? Community and Conflict amongst Indian Municipal Employees in Durban, 1914-1949

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Periodical article

Title:	Race or Class? Community and Conflict amongst Indian Municipal Employees in Durban, 1914-1949
Author:	Vahed, Goolam H.
Year:	2001
Periodical:	Journal of Southern African Studies
Volume:	27
Issue:	1
Period:	March
Pages:	105-125
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	Indians civil service municipal government History and Exploration Ethnic and Race Relations Labor and Employment Politics and Government Urbanization and Migration
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/823292
Abstract:	This article explores different facets of South African Indian identity between 1914 and 1949 by focusing on the Indian municipal workers resident in Magazine Barracks, Durban (South Africa). In a situation of economic privation, heightened discrimination in Durban's racially segmented labour market, segregation and the growing radicalization of Indian politics, the article explains the saliency and vigour of a sense of 'Indianness' amongst municipal workers. It thereby offers a perspective on the failure to develop a strong tradition of class and non-racial politics. Drawing on a rich municipal archive, the article offers a broad cultural, social and economic context for struggles engaged by the municipal workers' union to better their members' lot. This case study illustrates that identities are forged historically and culturally and are not determined by external referents such as 'class'. Notes, ref., sum.