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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Power, Legitimacy and 'Democratisation' in Africa
Author:Schatzberg, Michael G.ISNI
Year:1993
Periodical:Africa: Journal of the International African Institute
Volume:63
Issue:4
Pages:445-461
Language:English
Geographic terms:Subsaharan Africa
Africa
Subjects:legitimacy
democracy
Politics and Government
External link:https://www.jstor.org/stable/1161001
Abstract:This article explores the cultural bases of political legitimacy in sub-Saharan Africa. It proceeds by concentrating on the language, imagery, and metaphors that Africans use to convey perceptions about politics and political life. After examining the nature of power and reflecting on the importance of political language, it presents four premises of a model called the moral matrix of legitimate governance: fathers are providers, nourishers and protectors; fathers have to permit their children to grow up and eventually succeed them in power; fathers may 'eat', and even eat well, but limits are placed on how much they should consume; the rights of women may not be abused. The relationship of these premises to political legitimacy is noted and in conclusion, the analysis of power and legitimacy is related to the political turmoil current throughout much of Africa, focusing specifically on the question of 'democratization'. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. in English and French.
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