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Servants and Employers in Zambia 1900-1985: The Anthropology of Contemporary Africa

David Mitchell

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Published in Distant Companions: Servants And Employers In Zambia 1900 1985 (The Anthropology Of Contemporary Issues)

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An In-Depth Anthropological Examination of Domestic Service in Zambia

"Servants and Employers in Zambia 1900-1985: The Anthropology of Contemporary Africa" is a groundbreaking work that explores the complex and dynamic relationship between domestic servants and their employers in Zambia during the colonial and post-colonial periods. Drawing on extensive ethnographic research, the book provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the social, economic, and cultural factors that have shaped this relationship over time.

The Colonial Period: A Legacy of Exploitation and Inequality

The book begins by examining the origins of domestic service in Zambia during the colonial era. It shows how the establishment of European households in the country created a demand for domestic labor, which was often filled by young women from rural areas. These women were typically employed in low-paid, unskilled positions, and they faced significant exploitation and inequality at the hands of their employers.

The Post-Colonial Period: Transitions and Transformations

After Zambia gained independence in 1964, the relationship between domestic servants and employers began to undergo significant changes. The new government implemented a number of policies aimed at improving the working conditions of domestic workers, and there was a gradual increase in the number of women seeking employment in this sector. However, despite these changes, the legacy of colonialism continued to cast a long shadow over the relationship between servants and employers.

Distant Companions: Servants and Employers in Zambia, 1900–1985 (The Anthropology of Contemporary Issues)

by Karen Tranberg Hansen

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7621 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	342 pages

Social and Cultural Dynamics

The book also explores the complex social and cultural dynamics that have shaped the relationship between domestic servants and employers in Zambia. It shows how the different ethnic identities, social class backgrounds, and gender roles of servants and employers have influenced their interactions. The book also examines the ways in which the domestic space has been used to negotiate and contest power relations between these two groups.

Ethnographic Evidence and Oral Histories

The book is based on extensive ethnographic research conducted by the author in Zambia. The author conducted interviews with over 100 domestic servants and employers, and she also collected oral histories from elderly Zambians who had worked as domestic servants in the past. This rich ethnographic data provides a valuable insight into the lived experiences of domestic servants and employers, and it helps to bring the complex dynamics of this relationship to life.

A Must-Read for Students, Scholars, and Policymakers

"Servants and Employers in Zambia 1900-1985: The Anthropology of Contemporary Africa" is an essential read for students, scholars, and policymakers interested in the history of domestic service, the anthropology of contemporary Africa, and the social and cultural dynamics of Zambia. It is a valuable contribution to the growing body of research on the relationship between servants and employers in Africa and around the world.

Free Download Your Copy Today!

"Servants and Employers in Zambia 1900-1985: The Anthropology of Contemporary Africa" is available now from all major bookstores. Free Download your copy today and learn more about this fascinating and important topic.

Distant Companions: Servants and Employers in Zambia, 1900–1985 (The Anthropology of Contemporary Issues)

by Karen Tranberg Hansen

4 out of 5