A New Framework for the Analysis of Social Structures in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

This chapter presents the new framework for social structure analysis beyond class applied for the case of Kenya. The analysis starts with the identification of different social situations, considering economic resources, access to social welfare and security, social needs and identity, and risk and vulnerability. Socio-cultural differentiation is described with seven milieus that cut across different income strata. The milieus are defined according to six dimensions (moral views, orientation towards socio-economic advancement, social scope of future aspirations, political activity, consumption and rural-urban links). The chapter ends with a consideration of the possible transfer of Kenyan social situations and milieus to other African societies, based on the wider empirical findings of the previous chapters.