This special issue is entitled Living on the margins: the social dynamics of economic marginalisation. It draws on selected papers from an international conference held in Cape Town in March 2007, on the theme of ‘Living on the margins’. The important link between the conference and Development Southern Africa is that the conference explored the complex processes that shape life at the margins of the formal and mainstream economy (see Andries du Toit's introductory article in this issue). Topics pertinent to the social dynamics of society were discussed: margins, marginality, marginalisation, incorporation, equity, inequality, social justice and the mainstreaming economy.
Discussion of these issues is both timely and relevant to the current debates on poverty and inequality, sustainable development and livelihoods. Such debate cannot avoid touching on critical views pertaining to centre versus periphery. Here, definitions should be advanced to clarify what we mean by ‘borders’ between the ‘central spaces’ as opposed to the ‘periphery’ or ‘marginal space’. The question still remains: who should define these spaces? What should the motivation for such a classification be?
The definition of these spaces is squarely based on the socio-economic and political realities that face many communities battling to survive on a daily basis. If the answers are to be found in shifting the margins to the centre, then critical questions will be asked about what value the centre can offer, such as: Is moving the margins to the centre the only solution? Is it possible to transform the margins into a centre?
These questions are posed to raise awareness of class struggles, economic regimes and economic contestations, and will remain with us for years to come, as societies keep trying to bridge the economy divide, create sustainable communities and ensure a good quality of life for all.
The present issue offers a comprehensive conversation on a selection of these topics. We wish to thank Professor Andries du Toit, the guest editor for this special issue, who worked tirelessly with the Development Southern Africa editorial team to ensure timely publication of this special issue. We hope our readers will find it thought-provoking, and valuable for further research and policy engagement.