Ironies of Solidarity Insurance and Financialization in South Africa

Mon, 24 February 2020 17:00 – 19:00

An ethnographic study of how financial products and services affect inequalities and conflicts in South Africa

About this Event

The Book Discussion with author Erik Baehre will look at how financial products and services affect inequalities and conflicts in South Africa.
Set in one of the world’s most unequal and violent places, this ethnographic study reveals how insurance companies discovered a vast market of predominantly poor African clients. After apartheid ended in 1994, South Africa became a ‘testing ground’ for new insurance products, new marketing techniques and pioneering administrative models with a potentially global market. Drawing on Rorty’s notion of irony for understanding how the contradictions inherent to solidarity affect inequality and conflict as well as drawing on a vast array of case studies, Ironies of Solidarity examines how both Africans enjoy the freedoms that they have gained in financial terms and how the onset of democracy effected the risks faced in everyday life. Bähre examines the ways in which policies are sold and claims are handled, offering a detailed analysis of South Africa’s insurance sector.

Speakers: Author Erik Baehre (Leiden), Maia Green (Manchester)
Discussant: Christopher Webb (Carleton Univ, Canada)
Chair: Elizabeth Hull (SOAS)
The event is followed by a drink reception and supported by the Southern Africa Seminar Series, University of London

More Camden Listings MORE

Camden Sunday 20 July

Jota.pê

🎶 With influences ranging from Jorge Ben and Caetano Veloso to the manguebeat energy of Chico Science, Brazilian…

Camden Sunday 27 July

Mortimer

Hailing from Jamaica and quickly establishing himself as one of the island’s most compelling voices, Mortimer brings his…

Camden Friday 1 August

Gyptian

A voice that bridges generations and genres, Gyptian brings his soulful fusion of reggae, R&B and pop to…

Camden Thursday 14 August

Orchestre Poly Rythmo De Cotonou

Hailing from the vibrant heart of West Africa, Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou stands as one of the continent’s…

Camden Friday 29 August

Roni Size

We are thrilled to announce a very special night at The Jazz Cafe, as we welcome none other…

Camden Thursday 11 September

Gilsons

In recent years, Brazil’s music scene has experienced a remarkable resurgence, capturing the attention of audiences far beyond…