Unveiling inequality: the sociological dynamics of road infrastructure development and social justice in rural Eastern Cape, South Africa
This paper examines the systemic and multidimensional impacts of inadequate road infrastructure on social inequality in the rural Eastern Cape province of South Africa, focusing on the Hlankomo community from Mdeni to Upper Tsitsana. By integrating a sociological framework, the study explores how de...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Sociology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoc.2024.1481133/full |
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| author | Siyabulela Christopher Fobosi Thelma Malima |
| author_facet | Siyabulela Christopher Fobosi Thelma Malima |
| author_sort | Siyabulela Christopher Fobosi |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This paper examines the systemic and multidimensional impacts of inadequate road infrastructure on social inequality in the rural Eastern Cape province of South Africa, focusing on the Hlankomo community from Mdeni to Upper Tsitsana. By integrating a sociological framework, the study explores how deteriorating road conditions perpetuate structural and symbolic violence, exacerbating economic marginalization, social exclusion, and cultural disempowerment. Drawing on site observations, qualitative interviews, and photographic evidence, the research highlights how poor road infrastructure restricts access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, deepening historical and spatial inequalities. The findings underscore the urgent need for transformative, equity-driven infrastructure policies that address governance inefficiencies, historical neglect, and systemic marginalization. By prioritizing inclusivity, social justice, and sustainable development, this paper contributes to the broader discourse on rural development and infrastructural justice in South Africa’s marginalized landscapes. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-a782c83a52c94b4daac5c30d8192510e |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2297-7775 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Sociology |
| spelling | doaj-art-a782c83a52c94b4daac5c30d8192510e2025-01-17T06:50:34ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Sociology2297-77752025-01-01910.3389/fsoc.2024.14811331481133Unveiling inequality: the sociological dynamics of road infrastructure development and social justice in rural Eastern Cape, South AfricaSiyabulela Christopher FobosiThelma MalimaThis paper examines the systemic and multidimensional impacts of inadequate road infrastructure on social inequality in the rural Eastern Cape province of South Africa, focusing on the Hlankomo community from Mdeni to Upper Tsitsana. By integrating a sociological framework, the study explores how deteriorating road conditions perpetuate structural and symbolic violence, exacerbating economic marginalization, social exclusion, and cultural disempowerment. Drawing on site observations, qualitative interviews, and photographic evidence, the research highlights how poor road infrastructure restricts access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, deepening historical and spatial inequalities. The findings underscore the urgent need for transformative, equity-driven infrastructure policies that address governance inefficiencies, historical neglect, and systemic marginalization. By prioritizing inclusivity, social justice, and sustainable development, this paper contributes to the broader discourse on rural development and infrastructural justice in South Africa’s marginalized landscapes.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoc.2024.1481133/fulleastern caperural communitiesroad infrastructuresocial inequalitysociological implications |
| spellingShingle | Siyabulela Christopher Fobosi Thelma Malima Unveiling inequality: the sociological dynamics of road infrastructure development and social justice in rural Eastern Cape, South Africa Frontiers in Sociology eastern cape rural communities road infrastructure social inequality sociological implications |
| title | Unveiling inequality: the sociological dynamics of road infrastructure development and social justice in rural Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| title_full | Unveiling inequality: the sociological dynamics of road infrastructure development and social justice in rural Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| title_fullStr | Unveiling inequality: the sociological dynamics of road infrastructure development and social justice in rural Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| title_full_unstemmed | Unveiling inequality: the sociological dynamics of road infrastructure development and social justice in rural Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| title_short | Unveiling inequality: the sociological dynamics of road infrastructure development and social justice in rural Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| title_sort | unveiling inequality the sociological dynamics of road infrastructure development and social justice in rural eastern cape south africa |
| topic | eastern cape rural communities road infrastructure social inequality sociological implications |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoc.2024.1481133/full |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT siyabulelachristopherfobosi unveilinginequalitythesociologicaldynamicsofroadinfrastructuredevelopmentandsocialjusticeinruraleasterncapesouthafrica AT thelmamalima unveilinginequalitythesociologicaldynamicsofroadinfrastructuredevelopmentandsocialjusticeinruraleasterncapesouthafrica |