Overview

Beyond Tribal Lines: Reimagining Communities and Boundaries in Africa is about the perceptions, understandings, and experiences of difference between selves and communities in Africa and beyond. It focuses on the nature of difference in its many manifestations - social and communal, local and national - and the fundamental bases and typical consequences of such difference. Further, it explains the importance of difference between individuals, communities and societies; affirming that difference is natural to human social and individual existence. Critically, it takes up the challenge of how - given the many differences between us - a society may achieve peaceful co-existence and harmony among its members. The book makes the case that being different doesn't necessitate being enemies, antagonists or subjects of contestation. To address and live with said difference, the authors present thoughtful ideas on realizing social harmony through individual and community reflection and understanding.