African Railwaymen

Solidarity and Opposition in an East African Labour Force

R. D. Grillo (University of Sussex)

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English

Cambridge University Press
05 February 2009

General & world history; Sociology: work & labour; Labour economics; Railway transport industries

Series: African Studies

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.

By: R. D. Grillo (University of Sussex)
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Volume: 10
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 13mm
Weight: 350g
ISBN: 9780521100779
ISBN 10: 0521100771
Series: African Studies
Pages: 232
Publication Date: 05 February 2009
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

1. The social and economic framework; 2. The railway community in East Africa and at Kampala; 3. Towards an African proletariat?; 4. Social relationships and the industrial framework; 5. Status, reputation and class; 6. Social mobility : strategies for success and responses to failure; 7. Urban associations and competition for status.