DOCSLIB.ORG

Roho Churches of Western Kenya in the Era of Globalization

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Roho Churches of Western Kenya in the Era of Globalization Spirit, Desire and the World: Roho Churches of Western Kenya in the Era of Globalization by Timothy John Padwick A thesis submitted to The University of Birmingham for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Department of Theology School of Historical Studies The University of Birmingham March 2003 University of Birmingham Research Archive e-theses repository This unpublished thesis/dissertation is copyright of the author and/or third parties. The intellectual property rights of the author or third parties in respect of this work are as defined by The Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 or as modified by any successor legislation. Any use made of information contained in this thesis/dissertation must be in accordance with that legislation and must be properly acknowledged. Further distribution or reproduction in any format is prohibited without the permission of the copyright holder. 1st of 3 files Introductory material and chapter 1 The remaining chapters and the appendices are in two additional files Abstract This thesis is a study of the Roho churches of Vihiga District, Western Kenya, from their beginnings in 1927 to the present. After an initial historical overview of this group of African Independent Churches, it examines their creation of a vernacular theology – the founders’ vision. This was characterized by a strong pneumatology, in which the Holy Spirit acts as guardian of the community. The thesis locates this vision, and its rejection of modernist, western, and capitalist modes of development, in the articulation of the traditional communal mode of production in contradistinction to the European industrial capitalism characteristic of Kenya in the 1930s. It examines the desire of Roho leaders to play a role in the public sphere and recounts their attempt to influence national political life through an indigenous conciliar movement at the time of political independence. Finally, it examines the process of re-envisioning undertaken by Roho leaders and members to meet the dual challenges of pauperization and modernization at the present day. Dedicated to the Bishops and Archbishops of the Roho churches of Vihiga, who first introduced me to Roho Christianity, and who continue to encourage me to enter more deeply into that faith Acknowledgements This work has its roots in my life and work in Kenya over the past thirty years, and I am unable to name all those who have contributed in one way or another. Thanks to all the people of Kenya who have made me feel at home. In particular I would like to thank the leaders of Kenya United Independent Churches for their support, friendship, and encouragement, especially Archbishop Moses Aseri, one of my sponsors in Vihiga; Archbishop James Kisibo, a good guide to Roho church life and a spiritual father; Archbishop Christopher Ondolo, for his faith, perseverance, and humility; Archbishop Elijah Joji for his enthusiastic advocacy of Roho traditions; the late Archbishop Eliakimu Keverenge for his grace and spiritual wisdom; Archbishop James Chabuga for his unshakenness and good sense; Bishop Willington Esikuri for his grace and humility; Archbishop Richard Ong’anda for his practical wisdom; and Archbishop Philip Bulimu whose tenor of life continues to remind me of the seriousness of it all. In addition to these elders, I would like to thank especially my age-mates, the late Rev. Ayub Kenyan Kedogo, and Mrs. Gladys Kedogo, of African Holy Zionist Church, who invited me into their home in 1987, and to whom I have been a brother; and Archbishop Manoah Keverenge, whose energy and networking is always challenging. Archbishop John Kivuli II of African Israel Church Nineveh, my chairman at Kenya United Independent Churches, was a good if sometimes exacting employer and has been a supportive friend. Kennedy Mbayagi has been a good companion and guide on difficult journeys. The people of Holy Spirit Church of East Africa, Bukoyani, have welcomed, supported, and taught me much about the Roho faith. I hope I have captured in this work a little of the vision of the church’s founders and martyrs. Special thanks to Archbishop Joel Sande, General Secretary Rev. Joseph Zare, and National Treasurer Rev. Dishon Osore. There are many others in the church too numerous to mention. Some of their names occur in the text of the thesis itself. Bishop Antonious Markos, Organizing Secretary of OAIC, first gave me the opportunity to meet AIC leaders of great power and vision, including the late Rev. (Ntate) Samuel Mohono, OAIC General Secretary, 1982-6. Rev. Agustin and Rev. Dr. Rosario Batlle challenged me with their commitment to build the theological capacity of AICs while respecting their integrity. More recently, without the continued support of the current OAIC General Secretary, Archbishop Njeru Wambugu, this work would have never been re-started, nor reached completion. His constantly re-iterated challenge that AICs should become conscious of their heritage and engage effectively with the problems and strengths of the African continent has forced me (and everyone at OAIC) to ask radical questions about the goals, values, and methods of theology and ‘development’ in Africa. In this task, I have benefited immensely from a continuous and continuing critical dialogue with my colleagues Nicta Lubaale, and the late Maurice Onyango. Pastor Elisha Otieno has continued to support me in the task of articulating Roho theology. Rev. Lawford Imunde gave me the encouragement I needed to begin this thesis, and his own costly dedication to the continent of Africa remains an inspiration. My colleagues at OAIC, Rev. Fr. Michael Ng’ong’a, Rev. John Gichimu and Rev. Emmanuel Simwa have always been ready with wise advice and friendship during times of uncertainty and confusion. I thank especially Teresa Ntarara, Jane Nkrumah, Rose Onyango, Samson Koinange, Ernest Nyaudha, and Arthur Wekesa, without whose support and hard work I could never have completed this work. Finally I thank the OAIC International Chairman, Baba Aladura Dr. G.I.M. Otubu, for encouragement and support. I am grateful to all my colleagues at the Church Mission Society for supporting and encouraging me in a life-project that must often have seemed risky or quixotic. In particular I would like to mention here Christopher Carey, Tim Dakin, Zak Niringiye, Peter Kenworthy and Tim Sanders. I trust that their vision and generosity has been adequately rewarded. My supporting churches in the UK, especially St. Martin’s Morden, St. Martin’s Epsom, Christchurch Aughton, Cottage Lane Mission Ormskirk, and St. Giles Bredon, have helped practically, and with fellowship and support, when I needed them most. In the academic field, David B. Barrett and Harold W. Turner first introduced me to the positive and sympathetic study of AICs. Jack Thompson, Stan Nussbaum, Ralph Woodhall, Allan Anderson, Philomena Mwaura, and Esther Mombo have continued the task, giving encouragement, sympathy, advice and support from their respective bases at the former Selly Oak Colleges, the University of Birmingham, the Network on AICs, and Kenyatta University, and St Paul’s University College, Limuru. In particular Allan Anderson has seen this thesis through to completion. To have attempted this thesis without the co-operation and commitment of my research assistants would have been impossible. Raphael Otakwa has kept me and my material organized, and has assisted in more ways than I can list. Rev. Albert Obede has been a wise and perceptive interpreter of Roho spirituality and politics. Lauden Kedogo, Stephen Muguga, and Rosemary Osore shared with me in conducting interviews and did much arduous work in transcribing and translating. Rev. Albert Obede, Rev. Francis King’anga, and Rev. Daniel Oguso have for many years been sharing with me their views and ideas; they also helped by reading part of the text and offering suggestions. I thank my father, Tim Padwick, for proofreading the text; Jim Harries also assisted. Rev. John Gichimu helped with the Swahili. Last but not least, Jackson Lwoyero has been a constant support to me for over a decade; he has made for me a home and a base which has made all this has possible. Table of Contents Table of Illustrations....................................................................................... i Glossary of common Swahili words............................................................... ii List of Abbreviations and Acronyms.............................................................. v Maps...................................................................................................... Following p. vi Chapter One. Articulating ‘local’ values and visions Part One. Introduction ♦ Spirit or flesh?……………………………………………………………. 1 ♦ African Independent Churches …………………………………………... 5 ♦ A personal journey……………………………………………………….. 8 Part Two. Theoretical considerations……………………………………… 13 ♦ Globalization, modernity, & modernization ……………………………… 13 ♦ Articulation of modes of production theory…………………………………. 19 ♦ Theological assumptions…………………………………………………. 26 Part Three. Local realities and global pressure…………………………… 28 ♦ Development theory and practice………………………………………… 29 ♦ Vernacular theologies and local churches ………………………………... 32 ♦ The founders’ visions…………………………………………………….. 35 Part Four. Methodological issues………………………………………….. 37 ♦ Ethnography and the interpretation of symbols…………………………. 37 ♦ Oral history as social construction……………………………………….. 40 Part Five. Living, working, and researching at the grassroots ♦ ‘Uppers’ and ‘Lowers’: bridging the
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Trilingual Codeswitching in Kenya – Evidence from Ekegusii, Kiswahili, English and Sheng
    Trilingual Codeswitching in Kenya – Evidence from Ekegusii, Kiswahili, English and Sheng Dissertation zur Erlangung der Würde des Doktors der Philosophie der Universität Hamburg vorgelegt von Nathan Oyori Ogechi aus Kenia Hamburg 2002 ii 1. Gutachterin: Prof. Dr. Mechthild Reh 2. Gutachter: Prof. Dr. Ludwig Gerhardt Datum der Disputation: 15. November 2002 iii Acknowledgement I am indebted to many people for their support and encouragement. It is not possible to mention all by name. However, it would be remiss of me not to name some of them because their support was too conspicuous. I am bereft of words with which to thank my supervisor Prof. Dr. Mechthild Reh for accepting to supervise my research and her selflessness that enabled me secure further funding at the expiry of my one-year scholarship. Her thoroughness and meticulous supervision kept me on toes. I am also indebted to Prof. Dr. Ludwig Gerhardt for reading my error-ridden draft. I appreciate the support I received from everybody at the Afrika-Abteilung, Universität Hamburg, namely Dr. Roland Kießling, Theda Schumann, Dr. Jutta Becher, Christiane Simon, Christine Pawlitzky and the institute librarian, Frau Carmen Geisenheyner. Professors Myers-Scotton, Kamwangamalu, Clyne and Auer generously sent me reading materials whenever I needed them. Thank you Dr. Irmi Hanak at Afrikanistik, Vienna, Ndugu Abdulatif Abdalla of Leipzig and Bi. Sauda Samson of Hamburg. I thank the DAAD for initially funding my stay in Deutschland. Professors Miehe and Khamis of Bayreuth must be thanked for their selfless support. I appreciate the kind support I received from the Akademisches Auslandsamt, University of Hamburg.
    [Show full text]
  • Complete Paper
    A Second or Foreign Language? Unveiling the Realities of English in Rural Kisii, Kenya Martha M. Michieka East Tennessee State University 1. Introduction This current study explores the presence and accessibility of English in rural Kisii, Kenya. A total of 111 youths were surveyed by use of a questionnaire. The respondents were asked to report the presence and use of English in their immediate environment such as its presence at home, at school, in the media, and in other social places. The findings show that there is limited presence of English in this rural context. Modern technology, which is indisputably a great resource in the global spread of English, is lacking. Although it is too early to draw generalized conclusions, the findings show that rural Kisii leans more toward English as a foreign language (EFL) context calling for a need for a re-evaluation of the choice of the language of instruction in rural Kisii schools and maybe other rural contexts as well. At independence, in 1963, Kenya adopted a capitalist economy, which consequently means that wealth is not equally distributed. As Prewitt (1974) observes, there are several geographical and educational inequalities in Kenya and a big gap between the haves and have-nots. The majority of the wealthy Kenyans live in Nairobi or other big cities where there is easy access to resources and development opportunities. However, a large percentage (70 to 75%) of the Kenyan population is rural and only 25% of the population lives in the cities (Ember &Ember, 2001; Gall, 1998,). Unlike the urban areas, most rural areas are remote, making it difficult for people who live there to enjoy public services such as education, better transport, and communication.
    [Show full text]
  • Identity Dynamics in the Context of Male Circumcision and HIV/AIDS Among Luo Youth in Kisumu, Kenya Dissertation Committee: Dr
    Negotiating Identity: Identity Dynamics in the Context of Male Circumcision and HIV/AIDS among Luo Youth in Kisumu, Kenya By Salome N. Wawire B.A., Agra University, 1994 M.A., University of Nairobi, 2000 A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Anthropology at Brown University Providence, Rhode Island May 2010 Copyright 2010 by Salome N. Wawire This dissertation by Salome N. Wawire is accepted in its present form By the Department of Anthropology as satisfying the Dissertation requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Date______________ __________________________________ Nicholas Townsend, Advisor Recommended to the Graduate Council Date______________ __________________________________ Daniel J. Smith, Reader Date______________ __________________________________ Philip Leis, Reader Date ______________ Wanjiku Khamasi, Reader Approved by the Graduate Council Date______________ __________________________________ Sheila Bonde, Dean of Graduate School iii SALOME N. WAWI RE Brown University, Department of Anthropology, Box 1921● Providence, RI, 02912 ●USA - - - ● Cell: 1-401- 588-0615 ● Fax: 1-401- 863-7588 [email protected] Education Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island Ph.D., Anthropology (2010) Pre-doctoral Trainee, Anthropological Demography Dissertation: Negotiating Identity: Identity Dynamics in the Context of Male Circumcision and HIV/AIDS among Luo Youth in Kisumu, Kenya Dissertation Committee: Dr. Nicholas Townsend (Chair),
    [Show full text]
  • South Nyanza Historical Texts Volume I
    SOUTH NYANZA HISTORICAL TEXTS VOLUME I THEODORA OLUNGA AYOT THIS TIIERIR FMS Itl'^V A rTEPTKD FOT Tm: d m - » AND A ( - . , pi tu UN 'iUU UaiVKUSITY U ^uAliU UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY 1076-1978 UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI LIBRARY 0100157 7 TABLE OF CONTENTS Pag* Introduction 11 CHAPTER 1 JO-KARACHUONYO.................. 1 2 THE HAS I PUL. i.................. 43 3 THE KABONDO. .1................. 71 \ 4 KANYADA.......................... 05 5 JO-KOCBIA........................ 121 \ 6 THE KAGAN........................ 140 7 JO-GEM........................... 140 8 KANYAMWA......................... 160 0 THE KARUNGU..................... 172 10 KADEM............................ 102 11 KWABWAI, KANYADOTO fc KANYIKELA... 200 12 JO-KAMAGAMBO.................... 230 , 13 THE KANYAMKAGO.................. 256 14 JO-SAKWA......................... 264 15 JO-KOGELO..... ............... 282 16 JO-ALEGO......................... 306 17 JO-CHULA......................... 341 i / ,1 Introduction South Nyanza Historical Texts consists of the material collected during 1976-1978 field research. The research was conducted among the people of Kanyamwa, Kabuoch, Karungu, Kadera, Kwa- bwai, Kanyadoto, Kanyikela, Kanyada, Kochia, Kagan, Gem, Karachuonyo, Kabondo/Kasipul, Kamagambo, Sakwa, Kanyarakago, Jo-Kogelo, Alego and Jo-Chula. CHAPTER 1 JO-KARACHUONYO Intro due Mo n Tho history of Jo-Karachuonyo is the history of the Southern Luo migrations into Kenya between 1450-1750. Karachuonyo derives its name from 'Rachuonyo* who accord­ ing to tradition was the ancestor of most of the lineages living here. Roughly it is bordered to the south by Jok- O.iiolo group of Kochia, Kagan and Gem, To the South east are the Gusli and Kipsigis peoples respectively and to north is Nyakach and the rest of the ..rta is bordered by Nyanza Gulf.
    [Show full text]
  • Harmonizing the Orthographies of Bantu Languages: the Case of Gĩkũyũ and Ekegusii in Kenya
    The University of Nairobi Journal of Language and Linguistics, Vol. 3 (2013), 108-122 HARMONIZING THE ORTHOGRAPHIES OF BANTU LANGUAGES: THE CASE OF GĨKŨYŨ AND EKEGUSII IN KENYA Phyllis W. MWANGI, Martin C. NJOROGE & Edna Gesare MOSE Kenyatta University Despite the multiplicity of African languages, available literature on the development of these languages points to the need to have their orthographies harmonised and standardised. This is because properly designed orthographies can play a monumental role in promoting their use in all spheres of life, and hence contribute to Africa’s socio- economic development. Such harmonisation is practical, especially among languages such as Gĩkŭyŭ and Ekegusii, two distinct Kenyan Bantu languages that are mutually intelligible. This paper examines how similar or dissimilar their phonologies and orthographies are, with a view to proposing how they can be harmonised. The paper concludes that there are benefits that can accrue from such harmonisation efforts, especially because there will be greater availability of literacy materials accessible to the speakers of the two languages. 1. INTRODUCTION Kioko et al. (2012a: 40) have noted that a number of scholars in Africa have conducted research on and advocated the harmonisation of orthography in African languages (also see Prah, 2003; Banda, 2003). Prah points out that one way to address the multiplicity of African languages is to capitalize on their mutual intelligibility by clustering them and harmonising their orthographies. This makes practical sense because, as Prah’s (2003: 23) research reveals, 85% of Africa’s total population speaks no more than 12 to 15 languages. To illustrate, many Kenyan languages fall under Bantu, Nilotic and Cushitic language families.
    [Show full text]
  • Songs and Dances Among the Abagusii of Kenya : a Historical Study Evans Omosa Nyamwaka
    Songs and dances among the Abagusii of Kenya : a historical study Evans Omosa Nyamwaka To cite this version: Evans Omosa Nyamwaka. Songs and dances among the Abagusii of Kenya : a historical study. History. 2000. dumas-01332864 HAL Id: dumas-01332864 https://dumas.ccsd.cnrs.fr/dumas-01332864 Submitted on 16 Jun 2016 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci- destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents entific research documents, whether they are pub- scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, lished or not. The documents may come from émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de teaching and research institutions in France or recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires abroad, or from public or private research centers. publics ou privés. SONGS AND DANCES AMONG THE ABAGUSII OF KENYA: A HISTORICAL STUDY SERA EMU in vl FRA0011008 0 7 / 0,31 o,5 BY Y A . 76. NYAMWAKA EVANS OMOSA A THESIS SUBMITTED TO GRADUATE SCHOOL IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS OF EGERTON UNIVERSITY August,2000 11 DECLARATION AND APPROVAL This Thesis is my Original Work and has not been presented for award of a degree to any other University. Signature fvJ Date RO\ g ZDOC) NYAMWAKA, EVANS OMOSA This Thesis has been submitted for examination with my approval as the Candidate's Supervisor. Signature Date LJ— PROF. MWANIKI H.S.K. iii DEDICATION DEDICATED TO MY DEAR FATHER, SAMUEL NYAMWAKA OINGA, MY DEAR MOTHER, SIBIA KWAMBOKA NYAMWAKA AND MY BROTHER, GIDEON OYAGI iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENT First and foremost, I wish to thank our heavenly Father for having created me and exposing me to the world of intricacies whereby I have encountered several experiences which have shaped me to what I am today.
    [Show full text]
  • FGM Emerging Trends Among the Kisii Harmful Traditional
    The More Things Change, The More They Remain the Same: FGM Emerging Trends among the Kisii Komba E1., Esho T2. & Van Eerkert3 1 Gender, Governance and Development Expert, Nairobi, Kenya 2 Sexual medicine and Public Health Expert, Nairobi, Kenya 3 PhD student, University of Antwerp/University of Ghent Harmful traditional practices continue to define the lives of many women and girls across the world. In particular Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Early marriages has affected the social and economic well being of numerous generations of women and girls. Globally, many campaigns have been mooted to help end these harmful traditions. In Africa, numerous campaigns have been put in motion to counter these cultural practices such as FGM and early marriages. A number of governments, NGOs, CBOs, CSOs, and other institutions have also adopted various intervention methods to tackle FGM. One of the strategies that have been employed in Kenya, for instance, is the strengthening of policy and legal frameworks. This has taken the form of legislation and institutionalization through an anti FGM board with a mandate to coordinate and support the abandonment of these harmful practice. There has been a steady decline in the prevalence of FGM in Kenya over the last few decades1. However, even as the country is making progress towards the abandonment of FGM not all actors share in this vision. In some FGM practicing regions, disparate voices continue to champion continuation of harmful practices. One such region is in the south west of Kenya, home to various communities including the FGM practicing Maasai, Kisii and Kuria ethnicities.
    [Show full text]
  • Historical Study of Border Interactions and Militarism Between the Abagusii of Southwestern Kenya and Their Neighbouring Communities, 1850-2007
    HISTORICAL STUDY OF BORDER INTERACTIONS AND MILITARISM BETWEEN THE ABAGUSII OF SOUTHWESTERN KENYA AND THEIR NEIGHBOURING COMMUNITIES, 1850-2007 By NYAGOSIA SHARON BICHAINE Bachelor of Arts (HISTORY/CRE) - Egerton University A Thesis Submitted to the School of Post Graduate in partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts in History of the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, Department of Humanities, Kisii University. 2017 DECLARATION Declaration by the student This Thesis is my original work and has not been presented for a degree in this or any other University. ………………………….. ……………………… Signature Date Sharon Bichaine Nyagosia. MAS11/60057/14 Declaration by the supervisors This proposal has been submitted with our approval as university supervisors ……………………………. ……………………… Signature Date Dr. Evans Nyamwaka, PhD Department of Humanities, Kisii University, Kenya. ………………………. ……………………… Signature Date Dr. Evans Mecha, PhD Department of Languages and Literature, Kisii University, Kenya. ii PLAGIARISM DECLARATION DECLARATION BY STUDENT i. I declare I have read and understood Kisii University Postgraduate Examination Rules and Regulations, and other documents concerning academic dishonesty. ii. I do understand that ignorance of these rules and regulations is not an excuse for a violation of the said rules. iii. If I have any questions or doubts, I realize that it is my responsibility to keep seeking an answer until I understand. iv. I understand I must do my own work. v. I also understand that if I commit any act of academic dishonesty like plagiarism, my thesis/project can be assigned a fail grade (“F”) vi. I further understand I may be suspended or expelled from the University for Academic Dishonesty.
    [Show full text]
  • A New Dawn? Popular Optimism in Kenya After the Transition
    Working Paper No. 33 A NEW DAWN? POPULAR OPTIMISM IN KENYA AFTER THE TRANSITION by Thomas P. Wolf, Carolyn Logan, and Jeremiah Owiti with Paul Kiage Copyright Afrobarometer AFROBAROMETER WORKING PAPERS Working Paper No. 33 A NEW DAWN? POPULAR OPTIMISM IN KENYA AFTER THE TRANSITION by Thomas P. Wolf, Carolyn Logan, and Jeremiah Owiti with Paul Kiage March 2004 Thomas Wolf is an independent consultant based in Nairobi, Kenya. Carolyn Logan is Associate Director (MSU) of the Afrobarometer in the Department of Political Science at Michigan State University. Jeremiah Owiti is the Executive Director of the Center for Independent Research (CIR), Nairobi, Kenya. Paul Kiage is Data Manager at CIR. We gratefully acknowledge the primary support for this survey project provided by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NMFA), as well as additional support for dissemination activities provided by Trocaire Regional Office for Eastern Africa. Copyright Afrobarometer ii AFROBAROMETER WORKING PAPERS Editors: Michael Bratton, E. Gyimah-Boadi, and Robert Mattes Managing Editor: Carolyn Logan Afrobarometer publications report the results of national sample surveys on the attitudes of citizens in selected African countries towards democracy, markets, civil society, and other aspects of development. The Afrobarometer is a collaborative enterprise of Michigan State University (MSU), the Institute for Democracy in South Africa (IDASA) and the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD, Ghana). Afrobarometer papers are simultaneously co-published by these partner institutions. Working Papers and Briefings Papers can be downloaded in Adobe Acrobat format from www.afrobarometer.org. Printed copies of Working Papers are available for $15.00 each plus applicable tax, shipping and handling charges.
    [Show full text]
  • Logoli Women of Western Kenya Speak:Needs and Means
    t LOGOLI WOMEN OF WESTERN KENYA SPEAK: NEEDS AND MEANS by / Judith M. Abwunza i University of NAIROBI Library A Thesis submitted in conformity with the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the University of Toronto ® Judith M. Abwunza 1991 o / S'% . - W oA % % > / ABSTRACT Logoii Women of Western Kenya Speak: Needs And Means Judith M. Abwunza University of Toronto Department of Anthropology The research on women's power in collective and capitalist structures recognises the important economic position of women. Research in Maragoli, Kenya, shows that women's work is not universally confined to the domestic sphere, nor is gender inequality in productive relations a result of the eclipse of communal and family-based production and property ownership. Women believe gender / inequality is increasing in Maragoli and are resisting. Logoii women attribute the trend to increasing gender inequality to men's actions in entrenching traditional cultural values of patriarchal ideology which serve to reduce and deny women's growing productive role and value. Maragoli women are not controlled by patriarchal ideology although these values are part of the cultural rhetoric. In Maragoli, women assume a posture of ideological and institutional acceptance attached to "the Avalogoli way" as deliberate social action while recognising that "today life is not fair to women". They are producers of both use and exchange value in the collective and capitalist structures, ii extending "home work” responsibilities to "outside work" using cultural avenues to power. Their skills are generated within the collectivity through the accumulation of information and influence which accords them a culturally- valued reputation as "good Logoli wives".
    [Show full text]
  • Knowledges, Fuelwood and Environmental Management in Kisumu District, Kenya
    Durham E-Theses Knowledges, fuelwood and environmental management in Kisumu district, Kenya Mahiri, Ishmail O. How to cite: Mahiri, Ishmail O. (1998) Knowledges, fuelwood and environmental management in Kisumu district, Kenya, Durham theses, Durham University. Available at Durham E-Theses Online: http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/5016/ Use policy The full-text may be used and/or reproduced, and given to third parties in any format or medium, without prior permission or charge, for personal research or study, educational, or not-for-prot purposes provided that: • a full bibliographic reference is made to the original source • a link is made to the metadata record in Durham E-Theses • the full-text is not changed in any way The full-text must not be sold in any format or medium without the formal permission of the copyright holders. Please consult the full Durham E-Theses policy for further details. Academic Support Oce, Durham University, University Oce, Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3HP e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +44 0191 334 6107 http://etheses.dur.ac.uk 2 Knowledges, Fuelwood and Environmental Management in Kisumu District, Kenya Ph.D. Thesis Ishmail O. Mahiri The copyright of tiiis diesis rests with tlie autlior. No quotation from it should be published without die written consent of die audior and information derived from it should be acknowledged. A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to the Department of Geography, University of Durham, England 1998 4 FEB 1999 Declaration This thesis has been composed by myself and it has not been submitted in any previous appHcation for a degree.
    [Show full text]
  • Studying the Impacts of Medical Male Circumcision on Traditional Beliefs
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Research Repository Negotiating Change: Studying the Impacts of Medical Male Circumcision on Traditional Beliefs in Western Kenya Margaret Kabare Thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Murdoch University, 2019 DECLARATION I declare that this thesis is my own account of my research and contains as its main content work which has not previously been submitted for a degree at any tertiary education institution. Margaret Kabare ii ABSTRACT Medical male circumcision (MMC) was introduced in various sub-Saharan African countries from 2007 as a biomedical intervention for HIV prevention. The introduction of MMC for HIV prevention has occurred at a time when African societies are experiencing rapid transformations in the face of modernisation and globalization. Combined, the processes of modernisation and globalization are altering how individuals engage with traditions. Among the areas where striking changes have occurred is health. Various scholars have drawn attention to the ongoing intensification of medicalization and public health interventions premised on the modern notion of rational decision-making individuals, although the complexity of how these changes interact with traditional and localized contexts is not well understood. With a focus on the Kenyan context, this mixed-method, multi-sited study explores the extent to which medical male circumcision impacts on traditional ideas, beliefs, and behaviours and vice versa. The study draws on perspectives about male circumcision (MC) in a region where some ethnic groups practice MC as a cultural tradition while others do not, and where MMC is now promoted as an intervention for HIV prevention.
    [Show full text]