How Africa Works (Occupational change, identity and morality)

Occupational change is generally assumed to accompany ‘development’ and to be a necessary part of achieving improved standards of living. But occupational change goes beyond individuals’ economic activities and income-earning to redefine their social identity and contribute fundamentally to the reconfiguration of the ethical foundations of local communities and nation states. The search for alternative, viable livelihoods in times of economic crisis involves age-old occupational pursuits and work hierarchies eroding and new occupational identities and ethics coalescing. Social trust is put to the test as novel work situations and mobility patterns emerge. How Africa Works identifies the influence of changing work modes on the moral economy and social dynamics of the continent. Probing how occupational change alters identity and moulds consensus towards a new social morality, this book challenges the view that development is secured through a market or alternatively a state-led path. Case studies reveal a wealth of insights into the interaction between states, markets, communities and households, and illustrate how material reality and ethical values transform in unexpected ways. This book is important reading for students, academics and policy makers working on Africa.