Eddie Webster, a pioneering sociologist and emeritus professor at the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, passed away on March 5, 2024, at the age of 82. His death is a great loss to the academic community and to the field of social science, as he was a leading figure in the study of industrial sociology in South Africa.
Born in 1942, Webster grew up in a time of great social and political change in South Africa. He was deeply influenced by the anti-apartheid movement and the struggle for equality and social justice. This passion for social justice would become the driving force behind his academic career.
Webster’s interest in sociology began during his undergraduate studies at the University of Cape Town, where he was exposed to the works of influential sociologists such as Max Weber and Karl Marx. He went on to complete his PhD at the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom, where he focused on the impact of industrialization on the working class in South Africa.
Upon his return to South Africa, Webster joined the faculty at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he would spend the rest of his career. He quickly established himself as a leading expert in the field of industrial sociology, with a particular focus on the impact of globalization on labor and inequality.
Webster’s research was groundbreaking and had a significant impact on the understanding of industrialization and its effects on society. He was one of the first sociologists to study the informal economy in South Africa, shedding light on the struggles and challenges faced by those working in the informal sector. His work also highlighted the growing inequality in the country and the need for policies to address this issue.
In addition to his research, Webster was a dedicated teacher and mentor to countless students. He was known for his passion and enthusiasm for his subject, and his lectures were always engaging and thought-provoking. Many of his former students have gone on to become leading sociologists in their own right, a testament to his influence and impact.
Webster’s contributions to the field of sociology were not limited to academia. He was also actively involved in social and political activism, using his knowledge and expertise to advocate for social justice and equality. He was a vocal critic of the apartheid regime and played a key role in the anti-apartheid movement. Even after the fall of apartheid, Webster continued to be a strong advocate for social change and was involved in various initiatives to address inequality and promote social justice.
Throughout his career, Webster received numerous accolades and awards for his work, including the prestigious Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship and the Order of the Baobab from the South African government. He was also a fellow of the Academy of Science of South Africa and served as president of the International Sociological Association.
Webster’s passing is a great loss to the academic community, but his legacy will continue to live on through his groundbreaking research and the countless students and colleagues he has inspired. His work has had a profound impact on the understanding of industrialization and inequality in South Africa and has paved the way for future research in this field.
As we mourn the loss of this great sociologist, let us also celebrate his life and the immense contributions he has made to the field of social science. Eddie Webster will be remembered as a pioneer in the study of industrial sociology in South Africa and a tireless advocate for social justice and equality. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of sociologists and activists to strive for a more just and equal society.
