People living in societies in Africa generally referred to as "pastoralists" are often depicted in simplistic terms: as backward, culturally conservative, resistant to development, and prone to violence. Westerners (and others) with imaginaries of authentic and exotic Africa of yesteryear. However, pastoralism in Africa is not a single phenomenon: it reflects a variety of cultural and historical settings and is becoming inextricable from global economic and political processes. This seminar provides ethnographic insights into select societies in East Africa (and beyond), such as the Nuer, the Maasai, and the Samburu, in order to critically reflect on issues of global significance. The seminar is designed to challenge myths about pastoralism in Africa; provide critical perspectives on issues like gender and sexuality, ethnicity and indigeneity, development and economics, conflict and insecurity; and reflect on the role of social anthropology and ethnographic writing.
- Lehrende/r: Uros Kovac