| Dealing with Uncertainty in Contemporary African Lives Contributor(s): Haram, LIV (Author), Yamba, C. Bawa (Author), Reynolds Whyte, Susan (Epilogue by) |
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ISBN: 9171066497 ISBN-13: 9789171066497 Publisher: Nordic Africa Institute OUR PRICE: $25.65 Product Type: Paperback Published: January 2010 Annotation: This volume is the second publication based on the conference "Uncertainty in Contemporary African Lives." The papers deal with societies in rapid transformation and change, brought about by forces such as modernization and globalization, and the way such processes increase stress and uncertainties in the lives of young men and women. The approach was grounded in the awareness that it is important to see people not merely as victims of inauspicious circumstances, but rather as agents actively responding to their life situation, however adverse. Do people draw upon specific cultural models, techniques or prescriptions, and, thus, rely on a specific course of action when they face grave problems in life? Do they feel alienated and helpless in a risky and uncertain world, or do they take a pragmatic approach to suffering and misfortune? These are some of the issues discussed. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Social Science | Developing & Emerging Countries |
| Dewey: 302.12 |
| LCCN: 2010454317 |
| Physical Information: 0.48" H x 5.51" W x 8.5" (0.59 lbs) 228 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: The articles in 'Dealing with Uncertainty in Contemporary African Lives' are based largely on work in Tanzania which has been spared much of the turmoil that elsewhere has uprooted populations and destroyed communities. Nevertheless they illuminate phenomena common throughout sub-Saharan Africa as modernity in its many guises undercuts old certainties, outmodes established knowledge of how to order life and deal with crises, introduces new hazards, and frustrates ambition and expectations. But as the editors, Haram and Yamba, point out, uncertainty and insecurity have a positive side, providing the basis for 'curiosity and exploration'. The case studies demonstrate both the increasing uncertainty and insecurity of life in contemporary Africa and the ways that people respond, including warding off and reaching out. Scapegoats are sought. Witch beliefs become elaborated as explanations of failures and malaise while witchfinding becomes a lucrative profession. Pentecostal or other fundamentalist churches burgeon as they assure people that life has meaning and better times are before them if only they believe. Suicide and insanity are other possible responses. All in all, a thought-provoking volume. Elizabeth Colson, Professor Emeritus, University of California, Berkeley |
