Peace as societal transformation: intergenerational power-struggles and the role of youth in post-conflict Sierra Leone

Thesis

Intergenerational solidarity and reciprocity are fundamental building blocks of any society. At the same time, socio-generational groups constantly struggle for influence and authority. In Sub-Saharan Africa, disproportionately male, gerontocratic and patrimonial systems governing economic, social and political life lend a special explosiveness to the social cleavage of generation. This dissertation draws on the concept of the generational contract to explore whether Sierra Leone’s decade-long civil war (1991-2001) – labelled a ‘revolt of youth’ – catalysed changes in the power-asymmetries between age groups. Based on fieldwork conducted between 2007 and 2010, I argue that youth in post-war Sierra Leone question fundamental norms of intergenerational relations and challenge local governance structures demanding changes to the generational contract. Amidst a strong continuity of gerontocratic dominance and counter-strategies from elders, youth draw on organisational forms and a local rights discourse to create spaces for contestation and negotiation. These openings hold potential for long-term rearrangements of societal relations in the medium to long-term future.

Authors: Boersch-Supan, J

• Publication date: 2012
• DOI: 10.5287/ora-agkaopb0p
• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: history of Africa; Rights (development); integration; conflict; children and youth; governance in Africa; social cleavages; intergenerational relationships; social inequality; local government; Africa; social mobility; social status; human rights
• Subjects: Intergenerational relationships; Governance in Africa; Children and youth; Rights (development); Social Inequality; Human rights; Local Government; Social status; Social mobility; Social cleavages; Africa