Visual Identities in Flux: A South African Lens on Youth Culture and Identity Formation in the Post-Apartheid Era

Visual culture has played a significant role in shaping identity formation among young people in post-apartheid South Africa. The review synthesizes existing literature on visual culture and youth studies in South Africa, focusing on academic articles and ethnographic research from the last decade. A key theme identified is the proliferation of hip-hop aesthetics among urban youth, which serves as a unifying force despite social and economic disparities. Visual representations significantly impact how young people perceive themselves and others in South Africa's post-apartheid context. Further research should explore the intersectionality of visual culture with socio-economic status to provide nuanced insights into identity formation.