Political studies in South Africa: an assessment of the discipline and the profession

Abstract

This two‐phase triangulated survey of political studies in South Africa explores the state of the discipline against the background of ongoing socio‐political and educational transformation. It draws on the findings, first, of a 1997 quantitative survey of the discipline, and, second, on a 1997–98 qualitative survey of political studies departments in South African universities. It compares the findings with previous assessments of the discipline. The current assessment notes significant changes in the composition of the political studies student body and in curriculum content. A reorientation in the discipline by the late 1990s was the prelude for transformation into career‐oriented curricula, which incorporate vibrant foci on outreach, community, relevance and development. Yet, there was a fundamental dissonance in the discipline. The political studies community appeared ill at ease with the state of their own discipline. There was some consensus on top names in the discipline, but severe criticisms of a lack of direction, development and tone‐setting relevance in scholarship. The picture that emerges is one of occasional excellence, continuous imperatives of university and disciplinary restructuring, and frequent expressions of the needs of disciplinary advancement. This survey and analysis presents a preliminary assessment. There is a need to supplement the current project with regular in‐depth appraisals.