ABSTRACT

This chapter argues that a major gap in the literature on peace-building and demilitarisation is the absence of a sociological lens, which focuses on the social interaction between individuals and groups as these are shaped by different identities, institutions and ideologies. Sociology emphasises the analytical principle of social disaggregation, which implies developing a gendered perspective on peace-building. The chapter is concerned with both the incidence of gun violence and the social reactions to it. These social reactions reflect how the transition from authoritarian rule in South Africa has created a deep well of social anxiety, as the familiar social identities and traditional practices have been disrupted and breached. The chapter shows that the high level of political and economic power embedded in military institutions is one of the primary barriers to the consolidation of democracy in many countries in Africa.