The construction of Muslim identities and social change in Zinder, Republic of Niger
- Title
- The construction of Muslim identities and social change in Zinder, Republic of Niger
- list of authors
- Robert S. Glew
- Abstract
-
Social scientists have long debated the appropriate perspective from which to study cultural phenomena. On one side are objectivist perspectives which focus on structure and the constraints society places on the individual. Conversely, subjectivist approaches centralize the actions of the individual and are thus concerned with the influence the individual has on society. In this study of Muslim identity construction in Zinder, Niger is used as a vehicle for mediating objectivist and subjectivist views of culture. Practice theory provides the framework for the analysis of Muslim identity construction in Zinder which in turn furthers an understanding of the relationship between structure and practice.
Based on data collected in Zinder during individual interviews, group interviews and participant observation, several conclusions emerge. First, a consideration of both objectivist and subjectivist perspectives is important for understanding cultural phenomena. Second, this is evident in the dialectical relationship which exists between structure and practice as seen in the dialectical relationship which exists between society and the individual. And finally, although both perspectives need to be considered, it is by focusing on the actions of individuals that one learns the most about culture. - Type
- Thèse de doctorat
- University
- Michigan State University
- Provenance
- East Lansing
- Date
- 1997
- number of pages
- 424
- Language
- Anglais
- Subject
- social change
- Zinder
- Spatial Coverage
-
Niger