| Tradition, Culture and Development in Africa: Historical Lessons for Modern Development Planning Contributor(s): Njoh, Ambe J. (Author) |
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ISBN: 0754648842 ISBN-13: 9780754648840 Publisher: Routledge OUR PRICE: $188.10 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: November 2006 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Social Science | Human Geography - Business & Economics | Development - Economic Development - Science | Earth Sciences - Geography |
| Dewey: 338.96 |
| LCCN: 2006023908 |
| Series: Heritage, Culture, and Identity |
| Physical Information: 240 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: The fact that Africa continues to lag behind all regions of the world on every indicator of development is hardly contentious. However, there is fierce debate on why this should be the case, despite national and international efforts to reverse this situation. While this book does not attempt to answer this question per se, it addresses a largely ignored, but important issue, which might provide some insights into the matter. This issue is the link between culture/tradition and socio-economic development in Africa. By weaving a common thread through these concepts, this book breaks new ground in the discourse on development. It highlights the differences between Euro-centric culture, which is rooted in capitalist ideology and Protestant ethic, and traditional African culture, where concepts such as capital accumulation, entrepreneurial attitudes and material wealth are not of top priority. In doing so, it dispels popular myths, stereotypes and distortions, as well as discounting misleading accounts about major aspects of African culture and traditional practices. |