Death and the Textile Industry in Nigeria

This book explores the effects of deindustrialization on deceased workers' families in Kaduna, Nigeria, focusing on the textile industry. It examines how the dead work for their families, as connections to extended family members, and as claims to land and houses. The author discusses the growth of Kaduna as a colonial construct, the establishment of textile mills, and the consequences of workers' deaths for their widows and children.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the profound implications of deindustrialization, particularly focusing on the decline of the textile industry in Kaduna, Nigeria. Through a thoughtful exploration of the lives and legacies of deceased workers and their families, the author sheds light on the diverse ways in which the dead continue to exert influence. The author reveals how the deceased work not only for their families, who eagerly await termination remittances, but also as vital connections to extended family members across Nigeria, serving as a means to maintain familial ties. Moreover, the dead hold significant claims to land and houses in Kaduna, adding another layer to their enduring presence.

Building upon this understanding, the author delves into three central themes that shed light on the complex interplay between the dead and the living. The first theme examines the growth of Kaduna as a colonial construct, characterized by organized neighborhoods, public cemeteries, and industrial areas. The second theme explores the establishment of textile mills in the industrial area, introducing new ways of thinking about work, labor organization, time management, and health, particularly the occupational ailments documented in mill clinic records. The third theme delves into the devastating consequences of KTL mill workers' deaths on their widows and children, highlighting the profound impact of industrialization on their lives and livelihoods.

This book holds immense appeal to scholars engaged in the fields of African studies, development studies, anthropology of work, and the history of industrialization. The Introduction, Chapter 2, and the Conclusion are freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 license. This license allows for widespread dissemination and reuse of the content, ensuring that the insights and knowledge contained within this book reach a broader audience.

In conclusion, this thought-provoking book offers a unique perspective on the enduring connections between the dead and the living, shedding light on the complex dynamics of deindustrialization and its impact on communities. It is a valuable resource for scholars and researchers seeking to understand the multifaceted aspects of human existence and the enduring legacies of past generations.

Weight: 317g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367524906