African Intellectuals in the Post-colonial World (Routledge Contemporary Africa) - Hardcover

Kalua, Fetson A

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 036726370X ISBN 13: 9780367263706

Publisher: Routledge, 2019

Synopsis

This book examines the role of African intellectuals in the years since the end of colonialism, studying the contribution that has been made by such individuals, both to political causes and to development within Africa.

Studying the concept of the "intellectual" within an African context, this book explores the responses of such individuals to crucial issues, such as cultural identity and knowledge production. The author argues that since the end of colonialism in Africa, various, often intertwining, factors, such as nationalism and co-option, have been used by black politicians or the political elites to muddle the roles and functions of black African intellectuals. Focusing on these confused roles and functions, the book posits that, over the years, most intellectuals in Africa have found the practice of "cheerleading" for a political cause more productive than making valuable contributions towards dynamic and progressive leadership in their countries.

This book will be of interest to students and scholars of African studies, politics, and development studies.

About this title

About the Author

Fetson A. Kalua is a professor of English at the University of South Africa.

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2019
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 036726370X
• ISBN 13: 9780367263706
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 102