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Abstract
Questioning the applicability of analytical frameworks based on the Western political tradition of constitutional democracy, an attempt is made to outline the applicability of “pluralism” as a theoretical focus for the analysis of South African political problems and the identification of alternative patterns for the accommodation of intergroup conflict A distinction is made between ideological models of pluralism based on the protection of groups (variously defined) as basic units of society on the one hand, and several descriptive models of the patterns of interaction in plural societies on the other. Specific reference is made to the characteristics of the “conflict” model, the “consensus” model and the “consociational” model as examples of descriptive models.
The crucial issues underlying the South African political situation are analysed in broad outline and the conclusion is reached that the traditional structure of group interaction to a large extent resembles the “conflict” model of plural societies. The analysis next turns to the rationale and objectives of the present government's policy of “separate development” as a direction of change. The conclusion is reached that there are several discrepancies between policy objectives and policy implementation that call for adaptations in the selection of objectives as well as in the style of implementation. Finally tentative suggestions are made for the pluralistic devolution of power along the lines of the “consociational” model of plural societies.