Selection of research questions: Political culture

Community system

• How did statehood come into being in a given country? Through:
  • Long-term independent developments and peaceful integration?
  • Violent conflicts and peace agreements
  • External or colonial imposition?
• Which of the above applies to South Africa?
• To what extent the historical route to statehood affects the sense of “national” identity?
• What political implications have the racial, ethnic, religious and regional identities in South Africa?
• Do the persisting socio-economic inequalities impact the quality of democracy in South Africa?
• In what way does this manifest?

Socio-cultural system

• How strong are authoritarian as opposed to participatory traditions in South Africa?
• What is the level of religiosity as opposed to secular orientations in the country?
• Is the South African society:
  • Male-dominated
  • Egalitarian
  • Open to diversity

• What is the level of social trust, social and political tolerance?
• What is the level of political interest and political information?
• What is the predominant pattern of elite recruitment?
  • Inheritance of positions
  • Specific social groups
  • Social class
  • Individual achievement

• Who are the major political opinion leaders in South Africa?
  • Traditional/religious authorities
  • Media personalities
  • Party leaders
  • Public intellectuals
  • Scientists 

Economic system

• Are there strong materialist (survival) or post-materialist (self-expression) orientations?
• Is there a high level of economic achievement orientation?
• Is there a high level of work ethic?
• Is there a high level of economic satisfaction or dissatisfaction?
• How does the level of economic satisfaction of dissatisfaction affect specific support for elites?

Political system

• To what extent do the dramatic experiences of apartheid authoritarian oppression play a role in the collective memory of South Africans?
• To what extent has the Truth and Reconciliation Commission helped to deal with the past during democratic transition and transformation?
• Are political leaders seen as competent in doing their job?
• Are political leaders regarded as having personal integrity?

External relations 

• Do South Africans view neighbouring countries with friendliness or hostility?
• Do South Africans regard the United States with friendliness or hostility?
• Do South Africans regard China with friendliness or hostility?
• Do South Africans regard the European Union with friendliness or hostility?
• What is the identification of South Africans with the rest of Africa?
• What is the identification of South Africans with the rest of the world?