From Racial Contract to Social Contract: A Comparative Study of Post-Jim Crow America and Post-Apartheid South Africa

Our objectives were to investigate and decipher similarities and differences between Jim Crowe segregation found in the Southern United States and Apartheid South Africa. While assessing the cultural, political, and institutional ramifications of ascribed racial classifications and racial separation, both Dr. Christopher Malone and I visited post-Apartheid South Africa during our studies. I attended the University of Stellenbosch for a nine-month exchange period. Dr. Malone visited the nation during a classroom exchange through a global service course. These first-hand experiences in South Africa gave us a better understanding of South African society both from a historical and present-day perspective. Our inquiry not only provided us with a better understanding of a racist and power-driven society, but also brought to light the corruption of political gerrymandering and the despicable aspects of discrimination and disfranchisement. The comparative study we conducted has benefited me greatly as I plan to study racial relations and other variables that influence the electoral and democratic process. I thank the committee and Dr. Malone for allowing me to conduct this research and for allowing me to travel to such an amazing continent