Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book argues that the sexual politics of Haitian women counters male domination and the sexual division of labour, contending that the present politics of sexuality had its genesis in Haitian slavery. It explores the complex role of intellectuals in conceptualizing the future of South Africa and the great diversity of theoretical opinions even among those who belong to the same social movements. The basic issues in these debates revolve round struggles over nationhood, national identity and national entitlements. The book provides another perspective on the relation of knowledge to power. It explores the theoretical and intellectual problems of promoting one stream of historical interpretation over another. Greece’s position in western European civilization and western thought provides the terrain for investigation. The book demonstrates the extent to which social control and power are embedded in symbols of race, gender and class.