African Railwaymen; Solidarity and Opposition in an East African Labour Force

Grillo, R. D.

ISBN 10: 0521202760 / ISBN 13: 9780521202763

Published by Cambridge [Eng. ] University Press, 1973

About this Item

Fine cloth copy in an equally fine dw. Particularly and surprisingly well-preserved; tight, bright, clean and especially sharp-cornered. ; 215 pages; Bibliography: p. 196-200. Subjects: Railroads--Uganda--Employees. Urban anthropology--Case studies. , Series: African studies series, 10. 1 Kg. Seller Inventory # 40762

Bibliographic Details

Title: African Railwaymen; Solidarity and ...

Publisher: Cambridge [Eng. ] University Press

Publication Date: 1973

Binding: Hardcover

Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included

Edition: First Edition.

About this title

Synopsis:

This was the first anthropological monograph to have dealt at length with the labour force of a major East African industry. It is a study of the African employees of the East African Railways and Harbours stationed at Kampala, Uganda, and living on the Railway-owned Nsambya housing estate. Set in the years 1964–5, shortly after Uganda's and Kenya's Independence, the book explores some of the consequences for African migrant workers of the changes affecting their society. Dr Grillo describes how falling prices for primary agricultural products, educational expansion and rising wages have created a high demand for employment. Those fortunate enough to find work enjoy a relatively high standard of living. Partly in consequence, the Railway labour force has become stabilised with a low turnover of employees, the majority of whom bring wives and children to live in town. They are, however, still migrants who maintain social and economic ties with their areas of origin. By fulfilling customary and personal obligations, individuals retain a position within an 'ethnic' system which provides one framework for relationships of solidarity and opposition. The industry itself with its work-units, occupational groups and grading system provides another.

Book Description:

This was the first anthropological monograph to have dealt at length with the labour force of a major East African industry. It is a study of the African employees of the East African Railways and Harbours stationed at Kampala, Uganda, and living on the Railway-owned Nsambya housing estate.