Paradigmaverskuiwing in Afrikanerdenke

Abstract

The question of a possible shift of paradigm in the mainstream of Afrikaner thought is raised in the light of the political reforms which started with the 1977 constitutional proposals of the National Party and which were given concrete shape with the new constitutional dispensation in 1983. Following an investigation of the concept of paradigm and its original formulation in philosophy of science the use of the term in the field of political thought is explored. The possibility of a shift in the paradigmatic core structure in the mainstream of Afrikaner thought is investigated from the basis of the distinction between paradigmatic core structure (ideology), paradigm formulation (official policy) and paradigm applications (execution of policy). An important insight which becomes possible through the distinction amongst these three levels is that shifts in the latter two levels do not necessarily mean a shift on the former level. Through an explanation of the paradigmatic core structure of Afrikaner thought in terms of experiential awareness of Afrikaner identity, three patterns of identification are distinguished which correlate with three policy alternatives with regard to power sharing. Cultural identity and political power remain inextricably linked in the first two patterns of identification and the concomitant correlating policy viewpoints. Therefore only a transition to the third pattern of identification (a differentiated experiential awareness of Afrikaner identity) and policy alternative (true power sharing) would constitute a real shift in the paradigmatic core structure. The possibility of such a new paradigmatic core structure having already reared its head within the ruling Afrikaner elite does not exclude the continued existence of the old paradigmatic core structure, but can serve, amongst others, as an explanation for the “ideological struggle” which is raging in the National Party.