Ethnicity, social development and wellbeing in sub-Saharan Africa: A conceptual review

In this chapter, we offer a conceptual review and critique of the role of ethnicitywithin the context of social development and well-being of African communities. Webegin by reviewing key definitions of ethnicity offered by social scientists working withAfrican communities and making a case for adopting an amalgamation of socialconstructionist and psychological approaches to operationalising ethnicity. We review theextent to which ethnicity and ethnic communities have been placed at the heart of socialdevelopment through top-down instrumentalist projects by governments. The strengthsand limitations of these projects are outlined. Finally, we consider urbanization, religionand civil society action, as three alternative social categories that play significant roles onthe development and agency of social groups, and by extension on African social life andwell-being. These interacting, and mutually reinforcing, processes demonstrate thechallenges inherent in maintaining ethnicity as a 'resilient paradigm' for the study of fasturbanizing, globalizing and dynamic contemporary African communities.