Migrants and Masculinity in High-Rise Nairobi: The Pressure of being a Man in an African City

Pipeline is a low-income, high-rise-tenement settlement in Nairobi's marginalized East and one of sub-Saharan Africa's most densely populated estates. This book explores how men who migrate to Nairobi from Western Kenya navigate the tension between expectations of success and repetitive failure. It reveals that many male migrants design their future on trajectories of personal and economic growth but have to adjust or indefinitely postpone their plans once they arrive in Kenya's capital.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 20 February 2024
Publisher: James Currey

In the bustling city of Nairobi, young male migrants navigate a complex web of expectations and challenges, striving to achieve success while grappling with the repetitive cycle of failure. Pipeline, a low-income, high-rise-tenement settlement in the marginalized East of Nairobi, serves as a beacon of aspiration, offering fleeting glimpses of capitalist consumption and the promise of upward mobility. However, this dream is often shattered by the harsh realities of economic, romantic, and personal setbacks.

In his groundbreaking book, "Pipeline: Men, Migration, and the Pursuit of Success in Nairobi," author Daniel Miller delves deep into the lives of these young men, exploring the tension between their aspirations and the realities they face. Through extensive fieldwork spanning over two years, Miller sheds light on the strategies employed by male migrants to navigate this complex terrain.

One of the key findings of the book is that many male migrants arrive in Nairobi with grand visions of personal and economic growth. They see Pipeline as a launching pad, a place where they can accumulate the necessary skills and connections to launch their careers and achieve financial stability. However, the reality of urban life in Kenya often proves to be more challenging than they anticipated.

Economic hardships, job insecurity, and the prevalence of informal economies make it difficult for male migrants to sustain their aspirations. They face constant pressure to succeed from romantic partners, spouses, rural kin, and children, who expect them to provide for their families and contribute to the development of their communities. This pressure can lead to feelings of inadequacy, stress, and even depression, as they struggle to meet these expectations.

To cope with these challenges, male migrants create and participate in homosocial spaces where they can find support and camaraderie. These spaces serve as a respite from the pressures of everyday life, providing a sense of brotherhood and shared experiences. Within these communities, male migrants can share their struggles, offer advice, and provide emotional support to one another.

Furthermore, male migrants also model their financial, physical, and mental well-being in three distinct masculine spaces: an ethnically homogenous investment group, an interethnic gym, and the semi-digital sphere of self-help books, workshops, and motivational trainings on man- and fatherhood. These spaces provide different avenues for men to assert their masculinity, build their confidence, and pursue their goals.

Through his ethnographic exploration, Miller offers a fresh perspective on urban African life and the nature of masculinity. He challenges traditional notions of masculinity, highlighting the diverse ways in which men navigate the complexities of urban life and strive for success. "Pipeline" is a valuable contribution to the field of urban studies, sociology, and anthropology, shedding light on the experiences of marginalized communities and challenging the dominant narratives of development and progress.

In conclusion, "Pipeline: Men, Migration, and the Pursuit of Success in Nairobi" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of urban life, masculinity, and the pursuit of success. Through his meticulous research and compelling storytelling, author Daniel Miller provides a deep insight into the lives of young male migrants in Nairobi, offering a valuable contribution to our understanding of urban Africa and the nature of masculinity.

Weight: 292g
Dimension: 156 x 232 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781847013521