The University of Johannesburg (UJ) recently hosted the inaugural lecture of Professor Kevin Durrheim, a distinguished figure in psychology, who delivered his professorial address on the topic “The psychology of social change: What went wrong – 30 years post-apartheid – and how to fix it!”
The event, held on Tuesday, 9th April 2024, at the Ubuntu Chambers on the Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, garnered significant interest from both academic circles and the broader community. Amongst the esteemed audience in attendance were Prof Saartjie Gravett, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation who served as VC Functionary and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Professor Kammila Naidoo.
Addressing critical questions
Professor Durrheim’s address delved into the complexities of social change in South Africa, particularly in the aftermath of apartheid. With three decades having passed since the country’s transition to democracy, Professor Durrheim’s insights were timely and thought-provoking. He meticulously analysed the successes and failures of the post-apartheid era, highlighting key challenges that continue to impede progress towards a more equitable society.
Professor Kevin Durrheim provided insights from his extensive work in the social psychology of social change in South Africa spanning three decades. He began by discussing how perceptions are pre-structured, illustrating this concept with Rembrandt’s sketch “Christ at the gates” to demonstrate how individuals see the world through the lens of their pre-existing knowledge and ideologies.
Challenges of Post-Apartheid social change
Prof Durrheim highlighted how apartheid in South Africa exemplified the intertwining of mind and world through ideological capture, where Verwoerd’s segregationist policies shaped both physical spaces and societal perceptions. He then explored the post-apartheid era, discussing the successes and failures of desegregation efforts, including Truth and Reconciliation initiatives and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment.
Drawing on social psychology theories of desegregation, particularly intergroup contact theory, Durrheim discussed how real-world desegregation often led to informal resegregation and increased feelings of threat and avoidance among different racial groups. Despite optimistic views on the potential for intergroup contact to reduce prejudice, empirical studies in South Africa showed mixed results, with persistent levels of race prejudice and limited changes in social attitudes.
Engaging dialogue
Following Professor Durrheim’s address, Professor John Dixon from the Open University in the United Kingdom offered a brief response, adding further depth to the discussions. Professor Dixon’s insights complemented Professor Durrheim’s analysis, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives. Attendees actively participated in the Q&A session, posing insightful questions and sparking constructive dialogue.
A distinguished career
Prof Durrheim’s academic journey, from undergraduate studies as a conscientious objector to obtaining a PhD from the University of Cape Town, reflects resilience and commitment to social change. Pioneering research in social psychology, particularly on intergroup relations and racism, has characterised his prolific career, yielding over 120 journal articles, 50 book chapters, and 8 books with 21,000+ citations.
Recognised with prestigious awards such as the 2018 Nevett Sanford award, he received an A2 rating from the NRF in 2020. Beyond academia, Prof Durrheim’s impact extends to initiatives like the UJ Method Lab at the University of Johannesburg, where he serves as Distinguished Professor, fostering African access to open science and collaboration.
Looking ahead and a call for collective action
The professorial inauguration of Professor Kevin Durrheim was not only a celebration of academic excellence but also a testament to UJ’s commitment to addressing pressing societal issues. As South Africa navigates the complexities of social transformation, events like these serve as catalysts for meaningful change. By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration, UJ continues to play a pivotal role in shaping a more just and inclusive society.
Throughout his address, Professor Durrheim emphasised the urgent need for collective action to address systemic issues and drive meaningful change. His nuanced approach to understanding the psychology of social dynamics provided a fresh perspective on tackling entrenched inequalities. By offering practical recommendations for policymakers, activists, and citizens alike, Professor Durrheim ignited a sense of agency and responsibility among attendees.
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