Reordering state-society relations: Incorporation and disengagement

Victor Azarya*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

The postcolonial history of African states has been marked by conflict, turmoil and stagnation. State leaders have been unable to extricate themselves from powerful domestic and international interest groups. State control over the society has diminished despite increasing repressive and extractive tendencies. Incorporation and disengagement denote societal responses to state actions which lead to a perceived change in the field of opportunities of given groups or individuals. Incorporation may manifest itself in population migration from rural to urban areas and from remote regions to economic and communication centers. Traditional structures and authorities are incorporated into the state; traditional chiefs and leaders become state agents and their status is preserved and even enhanced by being made part of the state symbol. State reactions to incorporation and disengagement vary widely, ranging from encouragement to policy adjustments, repression and even reconciliation to a palpable decline in state control over the society.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Precarious Balance
Subtitle of host publicationState and Society In Africa
PublisherTaylor and Francis
Pages3-21
Number of pages19
ISBN (Electronic)9781000233063
ISBN (Print)9780367295318
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2019

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 1988 Taylor & Francis. © 1988 Taylor & Francis.

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