AFAS 343 - Capitalism, Exchange and Inequality in Africa

Institution:

Washington University in St Louis

Subject:

Description:

This course explores issues of power and inequality related to exchange and the emergence of market economies in Africa. Case studies include examinations of cattle and bridewealth among pastoralists in Sudan, welfare policies in contemporary South Africa, and sex work in West Africa. In each of these cases there is a complex balance between the value placed on maintaining social relationships and accumulating private property. We investigate the implications of this balance for the production of local and international forms of inequality. The course also introduces students to key ideas in economic anthropology such as the formalist-substantivist debate, rational choice theory, and neo-Marxist approaches to power and stratification. By the end of the course, students should be able to critically assess the value of these theories in understanding day-to-day economic activities in Africa. This class is a discussion-based seminar and in-class participation is highly encouraged. Students are graded on a series of analytical essays, a final paper, and in-class participation.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.wustl.edu

Phone Number:

(314) 935-5000

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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