Title:
The politics of age and gerontocracy in Africa : ethnographies of the past & memories of the present
Author:
Aguilar, Mario I.
ISBN:
9780865435971
9780865435988
Publication Information:
Trenton, NJ : Africa World Press, c1998.
Physical Description:
x, 312 p. : ill., maps ; 23 cm.
Contents:
Introduction: Gerontocratic, Aesthetic and Political Models of Age / Mario I. Aguilar -- Ch. 1. 'The New Generation ... Jeer at Me, Saying We Are All Equal Now': Impotent African Patriarchs, Unruly African Sons in Colonial South Africa / Benedict Carton -- Ch. 2. Gerontocrats and Colonial Alliances / George L. Simpson -- Ch. 3. Experiencing Old Age on Mafia Island (Tanzania) / Pat Caplan -- Ch. 4. Female and Male in Maasai Life: Aging and Fertility / Aud Talle -- Ch. 5. Youth, Maturity, Aging and Ancestors in the Society of Masks / Laurel Birch de Aguilar -- Ch. 6. In Search of Discipline: Generational Control, Political Protest and Everyday Violence in Cradock, South Africa, 1984-85 / Michael S. Tetelman -- Ch. 7. Streams of Contestation: Age and Politics in Maasai Land Claims and Conflicts / John G. Galaty -- Ch. 8. Some Effects on a District Boundary in Kenya / Gunther Schlee -- Ch. 9. Reinventing Gada: Generational Knowledge in Boorana / Mario I. Aguilar.
Bibliography A: Selected Works / Paul Spencer.
Abstract:
This volume critically reviews studies of age in Africa, and suggests the centrality of such paradigms in current and future studies of the continent. The contributors, representing current intellectual traditions in Europe, Africa, and North America, provide case studies that help illustrate, and discuss such paradigms. Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania are represented as case studies. The introduction provides a critique of such paradigms of age and gerontocracy, that is informed by current developments in anthropology, history and African Studies. This book presents one of the most comprehensive reviews of literature on the topic. Despite changes over time, the discussion of age in African development and politics is as central as ever.
Geographic Term:
Added Author: