Originally published in 1971 this book argues that certain aspects of traditional African social systems have been misunderstood because of a failure to appreciate what is implied by important differences between the technologies of the major traditional African states and those of Europe and Asia. Differences in the modes of agricultural production were connected with differences in other aspects of the social system such as the relations between subjects and chiefs. This means that comparisons with the feudal systems of Western Europe or the monarchies of Asiatic states have definite limitations. Differences in technology not only affected not only the means of production but also of destruction. The importance of differential access to the means of domination is stressed as a critical factor in African political systems. This is an aspect which has been obscured in many studies that have relied largely on material gathered after the establishment of colonial rule.
| ISBN: | 9781138585300 |
| Publication date: | 29th April 2020 |
| Author: | Jack Goody |
| Publisher: | Routledge an imprint of Taylor & Francis Ltd |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Pagination: | 102 pages |
| Series: | African Ethnographic Studies of the 20th Century |
| Genres: |
Social and cultural anthropology Sociology Cultural studies: customs and traditions Political structure and processes |
Originally published in 1971 this book argues that certain aspects of traditional African social systems have been misunderstood because of a failure to appreciate what is implied by important differences between the technologies of the major traditional African states and those of Europe and Asia. Differences in the modes of agricultural production were connected with differences in other aspects of the social system such as the relations between subjects and chiefs. This means that comparisons with the feudal systems of Western Europe or the monarchies of Asiatic states have definite limitations. Differences in technology not only affected not only the means of production but also of destruction. The importance of differential access to the means of domination is stressed as a critical factor in African political systems. This is an aspect which has been obscured in many studies that have relied largely on material gathered after the establishment of colonial rule.
Technology, Tradition and the State in Africa features in the following genres: Social and cultural anthropology, Sociology, Cultural studies: customs and traditions, Political structure and processes
Technology, Tradition and the State in Africa is available in Paperback, Hardback, Ebook
Technology, Tradition and the State in Africa was written by Jack Goody and published by Routledge an imprint of Taylor & Francis Ltd
Technology, Tradition and the State in Africa has 102 pages
Yes it is part of African Ethnographic Studies of the 20th Century series
£32.39