Infrastructure Inequality and Privileged Capacity to Transform Everyday Life in COVID-19 South Africa

Abstract

This chapter uses the example of South Africa to highlight how the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated pre-existing inequalities with regard to access to health and other forms of infrastructure. It articulates that the ability to follow public health advice is privileged and that this advice requires local contextualization, particularly in the Global South. It also covers two core arguments: first, that human capacity to adhere to public health advice is privileged; and second, that global public health advice requires local contextualization. The chapter identifies inequalities in the capacity of South Africa's population to comply with lockdowns and social distancing requirements. It demonstrates how COVID-19 highlights and exacerbates existing inequalities.