Redistributive, Neoliberal or New Paradigm? New Directions in Social Policy in South Africa (Project Brief 11)

Social policy in South Africa appears to be at a crossroads. Both redistributive social aims and neoliberal economic objectives compete to shape its current trajectory. It remains uncertain whether social policy is moving towards a more redistributive model, whether it serves as a mere complement to primary economic goals, or if it is in fact moving in a new direction. The South Africa case study for the UNRISD project, New Directions in Social Policy: Alternatives from and for the Global South, aims to assess whether we are seeing a transformative shift in South African social policy.

This Project Brief was prepared by Roosa Jolkkonen and Joannah Caborn Wengler.

UNRISD Project Briefs pose questions, flag ideas and contribute knowledge that can improve the quality of development debates, policy and practice. They provide a concise summary of an UNRISD research project, situating it within wider social development debates; outlining its focus, objectives and methodology; and highlighting interim findings.