Tradition, Culture and Development in Africa: Historical Lessons for Modern Development Planning (Heritage, Culture and Identity)

Njoh, Ambe J

ISBN 10: 0754648842 / ISBN 13: 9780754648840

Published by Routledge, 2006

About this Item

Seller Inventory # I-9780754648840

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Tradition, Culture and Development in Africa: Historical Lessons for Modern Development Planning (Heritage, Culture and Identity)
• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication Date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0754648842
• ISBN 13: 9780754648840
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

The fact that Africa continues to lag behind all regions of the world on every indicator of development is hardly contentious. However, there is fierce debate on why this should be the case, despite national and international efforts to reverse this situation. While this book does not attempt to answer this question per se, it addresses a largely ignored, but important issue, which might provide some insights into the matter. This issue is the link between culture/tradition and socio-economic development in Africa. By weaving a common thread through these concepts, this book breaks new ground in the discourse on development. It highlights the differences between Euro-centric culture, which is rooted in capitalist ideology and Protestant ethic, and traditional African culture, where concepts such as capital accumulation, entrepreneurial attitudes and material wealth are not of top priority. In doing so, it dispels popular myths, stereotypes and distortions, as well as discounting misleading accounts about major aspects of African culture and traditional practices.

About the Author

Ambe J. Njoh is Professor in the Department of Government and International Affairs, University of South Florida, USA.