Does The Black Middle Class Exist And Are We Members?

Does the Black Middle Class Exist And Are We Members makes two contributions into the research of the Black Middle Class. First, it explores how Black South Africans conceptualize middle classness. Second, it demonstrates how this conceptualization informs researchers’ social identity within the Black middle class. The book draws on historical social science literature for theoretical grounding and focuses on enriching theoretical perspectives on race and class from the perspective of the interviewee and the interviewer. It contextualizes both subjective and objective definitions of the term ‘middle class’ while highlighting it’s constantly shifting perception. Does the Black Middle Class Exist And Are We Members reflects on the experience of the researchers interviews with Black middle class of South Africa. These reflections give a unique approach in understanding how researcher’s subjectivism reflects the experiences of the South African Middle class.

Grace Khunou is a Professor in the Sociology Department at the University of Johannesburg. Kris Marsh is an Associate Professor at the University of Maryland.  Polite Chauke is a PhD candidate and Teaching Assistant at the University of the Witwatersrand.  Lesego Plank is a PhD candidate at the University of Johannesburg.  Leo Igbanoi is a Social Sector Analyst at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies. Mabone Kgosiemang is a PhD candidate and Assistant Lecturer at the University of Johannesburg.