Status and Respectability in the Cape Colony, 1750–1870
A Tragedy of Manners

This 1999 book is a cultural interpretation of South Africa's colonial history, specifically the Cape Colony, between 1750 and 1870.

Robert Ross (Author)

9780521621229, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 1 July 1999

220 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.4 cm, 0.485 kg

Review of the hardback: 'There are many valuable insights in this subtle book, often with major historiographical implications … Ross has produced a bold and original book, which mixes mature reflection with fresh creative enthusiasm. He has confirmed his status as one of the leading historians of the eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Cape.' The Times Literary Supplement

In a compelling example of the cultural history of South Africa, Robert Ross offers a subtle and wide-ranging study of status and respectability in the colonial Cape between 1750 and 1850. His 1999 book describes the symbolism of dress, emblems, architecture, food, language, and polite conventions, paying particular attention to domestic relationships, gender, education and religion, and analyses the values and the modes of thinking current in different strata of the society. He argues that these cultural factors were related to high political developments in the Cape, and offers a rich account of the changes in social identity that accompanied the transition from Dutch to British overrule, and of the development of white racism and of ideologies of resistance to white domination. The result is a uniquely nuanced account of a colonial society.

1. Introduction
2. Under the VOC
3. English and Dutch
4. The content of respectability
5. Christianity, status and respectability
6. Outsiders
7. Acceptance and rejection
8. Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900 [HBLL], African history [HBJH]