MASS VIOLENCE IN DURBAN'S SETTLEMENTS IN THE 1980S

The focus of this study is on the occurrence of mass violence in Durban's settlements in the 1980s. Mass violence is defined as the violent reaction of crowds against targets, which may be people and/or objects- for example the stoning of buses or administration buildings, schools, etc. The theoretical framework for the study derives from recent realist philosophy emerging from prominent British social theorists. The method of analysis is based on a framework developed for the analysis of the UK inner city 'riots ' of the 1980s. The theory emphasizes the nature of the rela-tionship between the contending groups with particular at-tention paid to the presence of contingent factors. The analytical method was broadened so as to incorporate rebel