Economic Growth in South Africa under Apartheid: Drivers and Consequences of Institutionalized Inequality

This paper aims to deeply explore the economic growth dynamics during the apartheid era in South Africa and its long-term consequences on social inequality. In terms of research methods, by reviewing the historical background and implementation of apartheid policies in detail, this paper adopts various means such as literature research, historical analysis, data analysis, and case studies to analyze how this policy strengthened the economic disparity between whites and blacks through key areas such as land distribution, educational resources, the labor market, and capital flows. The paper further discusses its specific impact on South Africa’s economic growth, particularly in the mining, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. Meanwhile, this paper will also study how institutionalized inequality further exacerbates social inequality through channels such as the labor market, income distribution, and social security systems. In addition, this paper focuses on how these inequalities continue to influence South Africa’s economic structure and social development after the end of apartheid, assessing the economic structural challenges faced by South Africa in the post-apartheid era and exploring the far-reaching impacts of these challenges on modern South African economic development and social equity issues.