The Economics of the Colour Bar

THE argument of this essay is illustrated mainly by reference to policies and conditions in the Republic (formerly the Union) of South Africa. Through the pressure of world opinion and the force of internal criticism, these policies and conditions are currently in process of significant modification – some changes being in a seemingly liberal direction and others in a seemingly totalitarian direction. The changes have been continuing whilst this book has been in the press; but its purpose is not to provide an up-to-date account of the racial situation in South Africa. It simply uses the experience of that country in an attempt to expose the ultimate origins of colour injustices generally. Similar origins can, I suggest, be discerned for all colour, racial, caste, class or similar injustices wherever they may exist.