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Subjective realities: Perceptions of identity and conflict in Ghana and Nigeria

Author

Listed:
  • Arnim Langer

    (Oxford Department of International Development (ODID), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK)

  • Ukoha Ukiwo

    (Centre for Advanced Social Science (CASS), Port Harcourt, Nigeria)

Abstract

Drawing on perceptions survey research conducted in Ghana and Nigeria, this article explores whether differences in the salience of ethnic and religious identities and interethnic and religious attitudes and interaction, might contribute to explaining the different histories of violence and conflict in these two countries. Based on the finding that ethnic identities are more salient in the Nigerian sampled communities than in the Ghanaian ones, whereas national and occupational identities are more salient in Ghana than in Nigeria, the authors suggest that ethnic mobilisation is more likely to be successful in Nigeria than in Ghana. The authors argue that this finding could possibly explain why Nigeria has experienced more incidents of violent conflicts along ethnic lines than Ghana; although the causality is likely to go both ways. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Suggested Citation

  • Arnim Langer & Ukoha Ukiwo, 2009. "Subjective realities: Perceptions of identity and conflict in Ghana and Nigeria," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 21(4), pages 483-494.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:21:y:2009:i:4:p:483-494
    DOI: 10.1002/jid.1570
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Christiaan Monden & Jeroen Smits, 2005. "Ethnic intermarriage in times of social change: The case of latvia," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 42(2), pages 323-345, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Andes Chivangue & Carlos Barros, 2017. "Poverty and Informal Trade," CEsA Working Papers 151, CEsA - Centre for African and Development Studies.
    2. Tahiru Azaaviele Liedong, 2022. "The Liability of Tribe in Corporate Political Activity: Ethical Implications for Political Contestability," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 181(3), pages 623-644, December.
    3. Juan Carlos Parra & George Joseph & Quentin Wodon, 2016. "Religion and Social Cooperation: Results from an Experiment in Ghana," The Review of Faith & International Affairs, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 14(3), pages 65-72, July.

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