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The generational contract in flux: intergenerational tensions in post-conflict Sierra Leone

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 February 2012

Johanna Boersch-Supan
Johanna Boersch-Supan*
Affiliation:
Nuffield College, Oxford University, New Road, Oxford OX1 1NF, United Kingdom
*
Email: johanna@boersch-supan.de
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Abstract

Intergenerational solidarity and reciprocity are fundamental building blocks of any society. Simultaneously, socio-generational groups constantly struggle for influence and authority. In Africa, disproportionately male, gerontocratic and patrimonial systems governing economic, social and political life lend a special explosiveness to the social cleavage of generation. This paper draws on the concept of the generational contract to explore whether Sierra Leone's civil war – labelled a ‘revolt of youth’ – catalysed changes in the power asymmetries between age groups. I argue that youth 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 human rights discourse to create spaces for contestation and negotiation. These openings hold potential for long-term rearrangements of societal relations.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Modern African Studies , Volume 50 , Issue 1 , March 2012 , pp. 25 - 51
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012

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Interviews cited

Adult (3), Kailahun, 3.4.2009

Adult (22), Kailahun, 6.4.2009

Adult (73), Kono, 23.9.2009

Adult (78), Kono, 23.9.2009

Bike Rider Association (a), executive (group interview), Kailahun, 26.3.2009

Bike riders (b), (group interview), Kailahun, 29.3.2009

Bike Rider Association (c), executive, Kono, 17.9.2009

Ceremonial chief (g), Magburaka, 8.8.2010

Elder (b), Kailahun, 31.03.2009

Elder (c), Kailahun, 31.03.2009

Ex-RUF commander BM, Magburaka, 13.9.2007

Ex-RUF commander FM, Freetown, 7.8.2007

Ex-RUF commander GM, Freetown, 20.8.2007

GTZ staff, Freetown, 15.4.2009

Paramount chief (a), Kono, 14.9.2009

Paramount chief (b), Pujehun, 2.10.2009

Parliamentarian, Freetown, 15.4.2009

Section chief (a), Kailahun, 1.4.2009

Section chief (B), Freetown, 15.08.2007

Section chief (e), Magburaka, 7.8.2010

Speaker (a), Kailahun, 2.4.2009

Speaker (c), Kono, 16.9.2009

Speaker (d), Pujehun, 3.10.2009

Town chief (a), Kailahun, 27.3.2009

Town chief (b), Pujehun, 3.10.2009

Town chief (c), Pujehun, 5.10.2009

Youth (A), Freetown, 19.8.2007

Youth leader (h), Kono, 14.9.2009

Youth leader (i), Kono, 15.9.2009

Youth leader (j), Kono, 16.9.2009

Youth leader (m), Pujehun, 4.10.2009

Youth leader (n), Pujehun, 5.10.2009

Youth leader (t), Makeni, 8.11.2009

Youth leader (u), Makeni, 6.12.2009

Youth leader (x), Magburaka, 5.8.2010

Youth officer (a), Kailahun, 26.3.2009

Youth organisation (A), chairman, Freetown, 16.8.2007

Youth organisation (B), chairman, Freetown, 15.8.2007

Youth organisation (C), Chairman and auditor, Freetown, 19.8.2007

Youth organisation (d), Chairman and auditor, Freetown, 16.4.2009