City Life in Africa: Anthropological Insights

This book explores the anthropology of urban life in Africa, examining what ethnography can reveal about African city dwellers' ideas, practices, and reflections. It covers topics such as rural-urban migration, livelihoods, gender roles, authority, and leadership, and highlights the contributions of female, African, and Diaspora scholars to an emerging urban anthropology of Africa. The chapters are organized around everyday activities of city dwellers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 27 July 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Social anthropologists have delved into the intricate tapestry of urban life in Africa since the early 20th century, shedding light on the unique perspectives, practices, and reflections of African city dwellers. Their extensive research has addressed a multitude of pressing questions that continue to resonate today: What transpires when rural individuals migrate to urban environments? What livelihoods do they pursue? How does city life shape moral values and practices related to gender roles, marriage, parenthood, and intergenerational relations? In what social contexts do ethnic and other collective identities take center stage? How do individuals establish a sense of home in the urban landscape? What forms of authority and leadership emerge in urban governance? How do people articulate their experiences of city life?

This groundbreaking book seeks to answer these profound inquiries by exploring what anthropologists have learned about Africans' perceptions of urban life. It provides a critical appraisal of ethnographies in English, French, and German, highlighting the invaluable contributions of female, African, and Diaspora scholars to the emerging field of urban anthropology in Africa. The chapters are thoughtfully organized according to the daily activities of city dwellers, encompassing movements, connections, governance, work, dwelling, and wayfinding.

For students and researchers in social anthropology, African and urban studies, as well as professionals working in research and development organizations, think tanks, and other institutions focused on urban Africa, this book is an indispensable resource. It offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics that shape urban life in Africa, providing valuable insights into the lived experiences and cultural expressions of African city dwellers.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367699246