When 'Adjusted' People Rebel: Volume 29: Economic Liberalization and Social revolts in Africa and the Middle East (1980s to the present day)

Since the 1970s, social movements and unrest in the Middle East and Africa have been caused by deteriorating living conditions. This volume investigates the ways in which the people of Africa and the Middle East experienced the upheavals brought about by structural adjustments policies, focusing on their daily and material lives and shared concepts of fairness and unfairness.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 10 June 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Since the 1970s, social movements and unrest have emerged in the Middle East and Africa due to deteriorating living conditions. While each event and movement had its unique logic, they all occurred within the framework of implementing neoliberal economic policies, commonly known as structural adjustment reforms. Structural adjustments have been extensively studied, primarily focusing on the perspectives of international financial institutions, national governments, and private enterprises. However, this volume proposes a different approach by shifting the focus to the revolts against and broader social responses to structural adjustment policies. It aims to investigate how these upheavals impacted the daily lives and material realities of the people in Africa and the Middle East, as well as their shared notions of fairness and unfairness.

The implementation of structural adjustment policies in the Middle East and Africa has had far-reaching consequences for the lives of its citizens. These policies, aimed at promoting economic growth and reducing government intervention, have often resulted in increased poverty, unemployment, and social inequality. The effects of these policies have been particularly pronounced in countries that were already vulnerable, such as Sudan, Somalia, and Zambia.

One of the primary mechanisms through which structural adjustment policies have impacted the lives of individuals is through the reduction of public spending on social services, such as healthcare, education, and social welfare. This has led to a decline in the quality of these services, as well as an increase in the cost of accessing them. For example, in many African countries, healthcare facilities have been forced to close due to lack of funding, leaving people without access to essential medical care.

Similarly, education has been severely affected by structural adjustment policies. In many schools, teachers have been laid off, and classrooms have been overcrowded, leading to poor quality education. This has had a particularly negative impact on the future prospects of young people, as it limits their ability to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to secure employment and build successful careers.

Furthermore, structural adjustment policies have led to increased unemployment and underemployment. Many people have lost their jobs as a result of government cutbacks in public sector employment, or as a result of the closure of industries and businesses. This has left many people without a source of income and has contributed to poverty and social unrest.

In addition to the economic impacts, structural adjustment policies have also had significant social and cultural consequences. These policies have often been imposed on countries without consideration for their unique cultural and social traditions. As a result, traditional practices and values have been eroded, leading to a loss of identity and a sense of belonging among communities.

Furthermore, structural adjustment policies have often been associated with human rights
rights violations and social unrest. In many cases, these policies have been implemented without consultation with local communities, leading to resentment and opposition. This has been particularly true in countries where there is a history of political instability and conflict, such as Sudan and Somalia.

Despite the negative impacts of structural adjustment policies, there have been some positive outcomes as well. For example, in some countries, such as Ghana and Tanzania, structural adjustment policies have led to increased economic growth and development. However, these benefits have not been evenly distributed, and have often benefited a small elite group of individuals while leaving the majority of the population in poverty and social unrest.

In conclusion, the implementation of structural adjustment policies in the Middle East and Africa has had a profound impact on the lives of its citizens. These policies have resulted in increased poverty, unemployment, and social inequality, as well as significant social and cultural consequences. While there have been some positive outcomes, such as increased economic growth, these benefits have not been evenly distributed and have often come at the expense of the majority of the population. It is essential that policymakers take into account the unique cultural and social contexts of each country when implementing economic policies, and that they prioritize the well-being and dignity of all individuals.

Weight: 342g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009069960