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Researching Africa south of the Sahara. A sociologist's perspective

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  • Dieter Neubert

Abstract

This paper presents key concepts for sociological research in Africa considered important for a wider sociological debate. For the integration of our already given knowledge based on case studies we need a comparative approach. This offers the chance to overcome the trap between simplifying generalizations on Africa as a whole and the restriction of the analysis of stand-alone case studies. Two fields of research are proposed to implement the comparative approach. First, the African state shall be understood as a societal institution that is constituted in every day life. Second, sociology shall develop useful categories to describe social differentiation in African societies. African studies still use outdated concepts of class and strata and ignores the conceptual development in sociology. "Uncertainty" and "reflexive modernity" may work as a kind of conceptual umbrella to link research on Africa with the theoretical sociological debate.

Suggested Citation

  • Dieter Neubert, 2005. "Researching Africa south of the Sahara. A sociologist's perspective," Africa Spectrum, Institute of African Affairs, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies, Hamburg, vol. 40(3), pages 429-444.
    • Handle: RePEc:gig:afjour:v:40:y:2005:i:3:p:429-444
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    Cited by:

    1. Roelfs, David J. & Shor, Eran, 2024. "The problematic nature of existing explanations for differential immigrant mortality: Insights from a comparative cross-national systematic review and meta-analysis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 349(C).
    2. Sieds, 2013. "Complete Volume LXVII n.3-4 2013," RIEDS - Rivista Italiana di Economia, Demografia e Statistica - The Italian Journal of Economic, Demographic and Statistical Studies, SIEDS Societa' Italiana di Economia Demografia e Statistica, vol. 67(3-4), pages 1-244, July-Dece.
    3. Michela C. Pellicani & Valeria Moro, 2013. "Age Structure Evolution In Some Sub-Saharan Countries: The Advantage Of Ageing," RIEDS - Rivista Italiana di Economia, Demografia e Statistica - The Italian Journal of Economic, Demographic and Statistical Studies, SIEDS Societa' Italiana di Economia Demografia e Statistica, vol. 67(3-4), pages 207-214, July-Dece.

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