20 research outputs found
“They are poor and violent”: Stereotypes and the Ibadan urban motor park space
No full textIn this paper, we are interested in finding out how, and why, the interplay of poverty and violence – the park stereotypes – has problematised the motor park space, and consequently the culture that has evolved from that space. Of great concern to us are the origin and the operation of the park; the existence of these stereotypes, how, if ever, they relate and the implication of the interplay on the organization, operation and representation of the space vis-à-vis its relationship with the general public and government in Oyo State. Using Victor Turner’s concept of social drama, we hope to provide explanations for ruptured social relations on the park and answer why the public is so imbued with the stereotypes that they have refused to appreciate the internal mechanisms for resolving the ‘constant’ conflicts
DISCOURSE ON MORALITY, CORRUPTION AND CHANGE IN CONTEMPORARY AFRICA: DOES INTENTION MATTER?
Get PDFCorruption is widely regarded as a condemnable act because of its effects on the wellbeing of the populace. More than the
reason(s) for the supposed act of corruption, most scholars are of the view that the very act of „diverting‟ public funds, with
likely severe consequence(s), is unacceptable, and therefore immoral. But the question is: should the morality of an act be
decided strictly based on the consequence(s) of such an action or should the intent of the „performer‟ be considered? In
this paper we shall be examining the „consequences versus intent‟ factor in the definition of corruption within the public
space, using T.M. Scalon‟s „Predictive Significance‟. In the final analysis, the work suggests that neither consequences nor
intent is solely sufficient in evaluating the morality of corruption. We therefore suggest that both intent and consequences
should be duly considered within the ambit of Scalon‟s „Predictive Significance‟ when moralising corruption, most
especially in Africa where change is much needed
African Philosophers and the Quest for Development in Contemporary Africa
Get PDFThe tasks for African philosophers in crisis-ridden Afri a is the focus of this work. It examines the effect of the three decades debate on the existence, 'who is', as well as 'who is not', an African Philosopher on how they define their roles in channeling a path for African growth and development. It argues that the debate, while vital to the philosophical enterprise, need not distract those that claimed to be 'philosophers' or with 'Philosophy degrees' from contributing their quota to the discourse on African development. It ends by outlining the role(s) that contemporary African philosophers should play, both for the sake of relevance and justification of devoting hours to contemplations and rigorousthinking
How Not to Define Poverty: An Anthropological Understanding of Poverty in Yoruba Philosophy
Get PDFThere is an agreement among scholars that there is no 'one fits all' definition of poverty. Diverse reasons can be adduced for this agreement. This paper seeks to unravel the definition and cultural perception of poverty using the Yorubas of Southwestem Nigeria as a case study. Poverty among the Yorubas is generally perceived as an amalgam of diseases that requires more than money/income, capability development or empowerment, but also spiritual efforts to 'cure'. The essence of this preoccupation is to call the attention of scholars, and public policy experts, to the need to be mindful of local understanding of poverty and consider a holistic analysis of poverty while formulating or reviewing poverty reduction or eradication policies
African Philosophers and the Quest for Development in Contemporary Africa
Get PDFThe tasks for African philosophers in crisis-ridden Afri a is the focus of this work. It examines the effect of the three decades debate on the existence, 'who is', as well as 'who is not', an African Philosopher on how they define their roles in channeling a path for African growth and development. It argues that the debate, while vital to the philosophical enterprise, need not distract those that claimed to be 'philosophers' or with 'Philosophy degrees' from contributing their quota to the discourse on African development. It ends by outlining the role(s) that contemporary African philosophers should play, both for the sake of relevance and justification of devoting hours to contemplations and rigorous
thinking
How Not to Define Poverty: An Anthropological Understanding of Poverty in Yoruba Philosophy
Get PDFThere is an agreement among scholars that there is no 'one fits all' definition of poverty. Diverse reasons can be adduced for this agreement. This paper seeks to unravel the definition and cultural perception of poverty using the Yorubas of Southwestem Nigeria as a case study. Poverty among the Yorubas is generally perceived as an amalgam of diseases that requires more than money/income, capability development or empowerment, but also spiritual efforts to 'cure'. The essence of this preoccupation is to call the attention of scholars, and public policy experts, to the need to be mindful of local understanding of poverty and consider a holistic analysis of poverty while formulating or reviewing poverty reduction or eradication policies
Proverbs and conflict management in Africa: A study of selected Yoruba proverbs and proverbial expressions
Get PDFThis paper examines the role of proverbs and their use in conflict management and in enhancing
peaceful human co-existence. This is achieved through a content analysis of twenty-four (24)
randomly selected Yoruba proverbs, and proverbial expressions, with particular reference to the
themes of warning, cooperation, and diversity. The paper argues that proverbs are useful in
conflict management, and conflict resolution, and in making people have a peace-loving frame of
mind. The paper concludes that proverbs and proverbial expressions are, indeed, vital in
relationship management. It avers that anybody with a good understanding of proverbs and their
implications for peaceful coexistence would appreciate conflicts as an intricate part of existence
and harmonious living; and such person(s) would therefore avoid actions and inactions that
would promote violence
