There Used to Be Order: Life on the Copperbelt after the Privatisation of the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines

In There Used to Be Order, Patience Mususa explores social change in the Copperbelt region of Zambia after the re-privatization of the large state mining conglomerate, ZCCM, in the mid-1990s. The book examines life for those living in difficult economic circumstances and considers the tension between their life and the nature of an extractive area. It develops a theoretical model of trying that accounts for residents' aspirations and efforts.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 248 pages
\n Publication date: 07 October 2021
\n Publisher: The University of Michigan Press
\n

In the aftermath of the re-privatization of the large state mining conglomerate, the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM), in the mid-1990s, the Copperbelt region of Zambia experienced significant social change. The copper mines, which were considered Zambia's most valuable economic asset, were sold off, resulting in a significant loss to the country. Moreover, the privatization marked the end of a way of life for mine employees and mining communities, as their livelihoods were intertwined with the operations of the mining industry.

To explore the impact of these changes, author Patience Mususa conducted three years of ethnographic field research in the Copperbelt region. Through her work, she delves into the lives of individuals living in challenging economic circumstances, examining the tension between their daily existence and the nature of an extractive area. This unique perspective offers a fresh understanding of the Copperbelt, challenging the notion that it is solely a place where copper is extracted and its activities are influenced by market forces.

Mususa's account goes beyond a mere description of middle-income decline in Africa. She highlights the profound impact that the withdrawal of welfare has had on the residents of the Copperbelt. As jobs were lost and economic opportunities dwindled, individuals were forced to adapt and find new ways to survive. The book develops a theoretical model of "trying," which captures the aspirations and efforts of Copperbelt residents as they navigate the harsh realities of their economic situation.

Through her research, Mususa sheds light on the complex dynamics that shape the lives of those living in the Copperbelt. She explores the ways in which individuals cope with job loss, poverty, and social exclusion, while also examining the broader social and economic implications of the privatization and withdrawal of welfare. The book provides a valuable contribution to the study of social change in developing countries, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities that arise in the context of economic transition.

In conclusion, "In There Used to Be Order" is a thought-provoking and empathetic exploration of social change in the Copperbelt region of Zambia. Through her ethnographic research, author Patience Mususa provides a unique perspective on the lives of individuals living in challenging economic circumstances, challenging the conventional narratives of extractive industries and their impact on communities. The book offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of social change and the ways in which individuals and communities adapt and thrive in the face of adversity.

\n Weight: 400g\n
Dimension: 232 x 229 x 18 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780472054992\n \n