Invisible barriers: ‘Academic’ xenophobia and class hierarchy

Abstract

This study explores how academic xenophobia and class hierarchies intersect within South African higher education institutions. Drawing on a decade of the author’s personal experiences through autoethnography and vignettes, it reveals the subtle, non-violent forms of xenophobia embedded in recruitment, classroom dynamics, and academic interactions. The research demonstrates how race, class, and nationality intersect to marginalise foreign academics, reinforcing exclusion and perpetuating structural inequalities rooted in apartheid. Framed by intersectionality and critical race theory, the study argues that these institutional practices mirror broader societal discrimination. The implications extend beyond individual experiences, affecting academic culture, staff wellbeing, and the pursuit of inclusive scholarship. By centring my lived experiences as a site of critical inquiry, this study contributes to the humanities debate by calling for a re-examination of policies and attitudes within universities to better support equity, diversity, and an inclusive scholarly environment.