What social changes of the 1930s shaped Afrikaans literature?

The 1930s were a transformative decade for Afrikaans literature, shaped by significant social and political shifts that isolated Afrikaners and spurred a new generation of writers.

Key social changes influencing this period included:

• Urbanization: A severe drought forced many farmers to abandon their land and migrate to cities, marking a transition from a pastoral to an urban society. This shift introduced new stresses and frustrations for the city dweller, which began to permeate literary themes.12
• Political and Racial Conflict: The decade saw a sharpening of racial tensions and a deepening of the conflict between Afrikaans and English speakers. These pressures, combined with the political instability of the era, led to increased isolation for Afrikaners.2
• Rise of Nationalism: In response to these pressures, fiercely partisan organizations such as the Afrikaner-Broederbond and the Federasie van Afrikaanse Kultuurvereniginge gained significant influence.2

These conditions provided the backdrop for the Dertigers ("Poets of the '30s"), a group of talented writers including W.E.G. Louw, N.P. van Wyk Louw, and Elisabeth Eybers. Their experimental approach to form and language often challenged the conservative values of the time, marking a major turning point in the development of Afrikaans literature.12