Preconditions and Limits in the Formation of Associations: The Self-Help and Cooperative Movement in Sub-Saharan Africa

bibliographic database
Line

Periodical article

Title:	Preconditions and Limits in the Formation of Associations: The Self-Help and Cooperative Movement in Sub-Saharan Africa
Author:	Hamer, John H.
Year:	1981
Periodical:	African Studies Review
Volume:	24
Issue:	1
Period:	March
Pages:	113-128
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Subsaharan Africa
Subjects:	self-help associations cooperatives Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Development and Technology
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/523914
Abstract:	Purpose of this article is to examine some of the conditions necessary for establishment and the limits of usefulness of associations. After defining voluntary associations - this article is concerned with self-help and cooperative societies predominantly controlled by men - the author analyses the historical background of age sets, secret societies and fraternities as precursors of modern self-help and cooperative movements. The question as to whether breaking down cultural homogeneity based on kinship, creating cohesion through opposition to other groups, independent means of social control, and a leadership capable of linking diverse kinship segments are necessary attributes for establishment of self-help and cooperative societies in newly emerging states in Subsaharan Africa is examined in the rest of the paper. Notes, ref.