Religion and Inequality in Africa

(Hardback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

This volume reveals how religion interfaces with inequality in different African contexts. Some contributors undertake detailed analyses of how religion creates (and justifies) different forms of inequality that holds back individuals, groups and communities across the continent from flourishing, while others show how religion can also mitigate inequality in Africa. Topics addressed include gender inequality, economic inequality, disability, ageism and religious homophobia. Specifically focusing on the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal 10 to reduce inequality within and among countries, this book highlights the extent to which Africas notoriously religious identity needs to be taken into account in discourses on development.

Reviews

At a time when Africas inequality question is often tilted towards the economic and political, this volume takes a forward leap. Bringing together newer voices to dissect the twin subjects of religion and inequality, the editors of this volume contribute to our understanding of everyday life in Africa. This book is well detailed, clearly written, easily understandable and above all, it is important reading for almost anyone. * Toyin Falola, Professor of History, University Distinguished Teaching Professor, and the Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities at the University of Texas at Austin, USA *
In an era when the Covid-19 Pandemic has exposed grave socio-economic inequalities both within nation-states and at a global level, this important and innovative collection examines how religion can discriminate along lines of wealth, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, age and physical ability in a manner that blights individual and societal development within Africa and beyond. Written by a dynamic group of scholars, each chapter brings a fresh and innovative approach to the subject matter. The provocative case studies raise key questions for debate and set an important agenda for social and economic transformation. * David Maxwell, Dixie Professor of Ecclesiastical History, University of Cambridge, UK *

Author Bio

Ezra Chitando is Professor of History and Phenomenology of Religion, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe, and Theology Consultant on HIV and AIDS for the World Council of Churches. He is also an extraordinary professor at the Desmond Tutu Centre for Religion and Social Justice, University of the Western Cape, South Africa. Joram Tarusarira is Assistant Professor of Religion, Conflict and Peacebuilding at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands. Loreen Maseno is Research Fellow in the Department of Ancient and Biblical Studies, University of South Africa, South Africa, and Senior Lecturer in Religion, Theology and Philosophy at Maseno University, Kenya.