African Development And Income Inequalities - 3098 Words

Africa is a continent rich in culture, resources, and potential. But when compared to the rest of the world, Africa stands as the poorest continent despite having some of the world’s richest natural resources. Africa has some of the poorest life expectancy, highest HIV/AIDS rates, malnutrition and infant mortality rates in the world (African Development Bank Group, Income Inequality in Africa, 2012, p. 2). It leaves one to question the reason for such disparity within the continent. The following will provide an in-depth analysis into one of the many reasons for such inequalities and poverty. I will argue that tribalism imbedded in African culture has had a significant role in the lack of economic development and income inequalities.†¦show more content†¦Without taking to account the loyalty people have for their various tribes and ethnic groups, attempts to combine tribes failed and further heightening tribal tensions and conflicts (Ethnicity and Tribalism in Africa : The Truth, 2014). Instead of working towards transitioning from the unfavorable hierarchy it so long endured, the African â€Å"bourgeoisie† inherited the practices of exploitation from its European colonizers (Tribalism, Colonialism and Capitalism, 2014). Like the Europeans, Africans wanted to make economic gains in the expense of the working people. Therefore, today we see African politics made up of unequal advantages stemming from tribalism and ethnic discrimination (Tribalism, Colonialism and Capitalism, 2014). Tribalism, which is the â€Å"behavior and attitudes that stem from strong loyalty to one s own tribe or social group†, is believed to be the reason for inequality and tension between people within a country and between countries (Clay, Nation, Tribe and Ethnic Group in Africa, 1985). It is argued that if African states are to make any substantial economic and social development, tribalism must first be destroyed (Clay, Nation, Tribe and Ethnic Group in Africa, 1985). The reasoning for this notion being that it, tribalism is threatening to the authority and distribution of resources. As mentioned in the previous sections, Africa has some of the richest natural resources in the world,