Circular Arguments and Self-Fulfilling Definitions: 'Statelessness' and the Dagaaba

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Periodical article

Title:	Circular Arguments and Self-Fulfilling Definitions: 'Statelessness' and the Dagaaba
Author:	Yelpaala, Kojo
Year:	1983
Periodical:	History in Africa
Volume:	10
Pages:	349-385
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Ghana
Subjects:	Dagari traditional polities History and Exploration Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/3171701
Abstract:	In this paper the author criticizes several concepts that have plagued the literature of the so-called stateless societies for generations. He develops a theory of state transformation that is counter-evolutionary and diachronic in nature. He uses the Dagaaba (northwestern corner of Ghana, with part of the population in Upper Volta) in Ghana as a case in point to demonstrate the new theory within the framework of a non-centralized state going through transformation into a centralized one by the fact of colonialism. Such a transformation was achieved by domination and imposition. As a result the ideals, philosophy, and methods of colonialism clashed violently with those of the Dagaaba, whose otherwise coherent system was disrupted by the contradictions inherent in the ways of the British colonial government, the new benevolent despot. Details of some of the fundamental elements of Dagaaba social and political organization are provided. Fig., notes.