Children and Youth in African History

This textbook provides an overview of the academic scholarship on the history of childhood and youth in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly during the colonial and postcolonial eras. It argues that age is a valuable category for historical analysis and explores how power, youth, and seniority intersect and change over time. It is a synthesis of existing research rather than new primary source-based research.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 13 December 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive textbook provides an in-depth exploration of the academic scholarship on the history of childhood and youth in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a special emphasis on the colonial and postcolonial eras. Spanning seven chapters, it delves into crucial themes in the historical scholarship, contending that age serves as a valuable category for historical analysis in African history. Just as race, class, and gender can be employed to understand the historical structuring of African societies, age also holds immense significance in understanding the interplay of power, youth, and seniority over time. Rather than presenting fresh research based on primary sources, this book serves as a synthesis of existing knowledge. Consequently, it offers a valuable introduction to mainstream scholars of the history of childhood and youth, as well as scholars specializing in youth studies within the broader field of the history of children and youth.

The colonial period in Sub-Saharan Africa was marked by significant changes in the social, economic, and political landscape. Children and youth played a vital role in these transformations, both as agents of change and as victims of oppressive policies and practices. The textbook explores the various ways in which children and youth were affected by colonialism, including forced labor, child marriage, education, and health. It also examines the ways in which they resisted and challenged colonial rule, through protests, resistance movements, and cultural practices.

The postcolonial era saw the emergence of new political systems, social movements, and economic opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, it also brought with it new challenges, such as poverty, inequality, and political instability. Children and youth continued to be marginalized and exploited, and their voices and perspectives were often overlooked in the development of policies and programs that affected their lives. The textbook explores the ways in which children and youth have responded to these challenges, through education, activism, and cultural practices.

One of the key themes in the textbook is the role of age in shaping historical experiences and identities. It argues that age is not just a numerical category but a powerful tool for understanding the complexities of power, youth, and seniority. The book explores how age intersects with other social categories such as race, class, and gender to shape the experiences of children and youth in different historical contexts. It also examines how age can be used to understand the changing dynamics of power and authority over time.

Another important theme is the impact of globalization on the history of childhood and youth in Sub-Saharan Africa. The book explores how global economic, political, and cultural forces have influenced the experiences of children and youth in the region, both positively and negatively. It also examines the ways in which children and youth have responded to these forces, through education, activism, and cultural practices.

The textbook is organized into seven chapters, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the history of childhood and youth in Sub-Saharan Africa. The first chapter provides an overview of the colonial period and the ways in which children and youth were affected by colonialism. The second chapter explores the postcolonial era and the challenges that children and youth faced in the new political and social contexts. The third chapter examines the role of education in shaping historical experiences and identities. The fourth chapter explores the impact of globalization on the history of childhood and youth in Sub-Saharan Africa. The fifth chapter explores the ways in which children and youth have responded to these challenges through education, activism, and cultural practices. The sixth chapter examines the historical significance. The seventh chapter explores the future.

In conclusion, this textbook provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the history of childhood and youth in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular focus on the colonial and postcolonial eras. It offers a valuable introduction to mainstream scholars of the history of childhood and youth, as well as scholars specializing in youth studies within the broader field of the history of children and youth. By examining the various ways in which children and youth have been affected by colonialism, postcolonialism, and globalization, the textbook sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of their historical experiences and identities. It serves as a valuable resource for students, researchers, and policymakers interested in understanding the past youth in Sub-Saharan Africa and the broader global context.

Weight: 360g
Dimension: 153 x 234 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031110962
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022