Social Structure of Modern Ghana Session 11 Ethnicity Lecturers: - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

College of Education School of Continuing and Distance Education

2016/2017

SOCI 224: Social Structure of Modern Ghana

Session 11 – Ethnicity

Lecturers: Dr. Fidelia Ohemeng & Dr. Mark K. M. Obeng Department of Sociology Contact Information: fohemeng@ug.edu.gh

Session Overview

This session seeks to help students understand the pervasive nature of ethnicity in Ghana. It starts by defining ethnicity, its effects on society and how it can be contained. Also discussed is the concept of tribalism

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Session Outline

The key areas to be covered in the session are as follows:

• Definition of ethnicity
• Importance of studying ethnicity
• Effects of ethnicity
• How can the abuse of ethnicity be minimised?

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Reading List

• Nukunya, G. (2014). Tradition and Change in Ghana: an

Introduction to Sociology. Accra: Ghana Universities Press. Pages 247-264

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Ethnicity (Tribalism)

• Polyethnic Ghana

– Over 40 ethnic groups in Ghana –linguistic difference

• Base for conflicts & national instability

– Rwanda: Hutus & Tutsis genocide – Nigeria: Biafran War – Kenya – Ethiopia – Ghana- EWE and Ashanti attempted a succession

» Kokomba & Nanumba » Kusasi & Mamprusi » Nkonya & Alavanyo » Abudus & Adani gates *

» Acheampong’s failed attempt to curb tribalism in Ghana

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Definition of Ethnicity

• Is an aggregation of people who claim direct ancestry

from a common ancestor or ancestress, real of putative.

– One history of origin – Common destiny – Common Aspiration – Same cultural traits – Language

• A group of people who speak the same language
• A strong in-group loyalty and a sentimental attachment

to ones own group and its traits

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Definition Cont.

• TRIBALISM/Ethnocentrism : a consciousness of

being different as a group and an evaluation of other groups in terms of the standard of ones own group

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Major Ethnic Groups in Ghana

• Individuals
• Organised groups*

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Why study ethnicity

• Potential Sources of disintegration in societies
• Potential Sources of understanding behaviour

– Inter -group relationship – Forces of integration and disintegration

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Negative connotation

• TRIBE : a denigrating term by Europeans
• CONCISE OXFORD DICTIONARY (1979): a group of

primitive class under a recognised chief and usually claiming a common ancestor Tribalism elicits Stigma and arousal of emotions. It has been used by politician and intellectuals for selfish gains

• Sharing of the “national cake” after the defeat of a common

enemy (Assimeng, 1981)

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Effects of Tribalism

• Tribalism breeds ethnocentrism

– “ism” as a kind of religion –devotion or sentimental attachment to an ideal (Assimeng 1981)

• Impact on bureaucratic procedure
• Stereotyping
• Utility- tribal associations to bring development to

their hometowns

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Containing Tribalism

• Deliberate sharing of common space
• Inter-tribal marriages
• Banning political parties formed on tribal lines
• Punishment for nepotism
• Abolition of Zongos*
• Common native language as lingua franca *

NOTE: REGIONALISM could help contain tribalism

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Assignment

• Tribalism plays a huge role in Ghanaian politics.

Discuss

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