Question

can we define social class in Africa the same we might here in the United States? What role does class play in African politics?

Answer 1

In Africa we see classes of either rich or poor but not middle class. Where as in America have many social classes as rich poor and middle class. Also the social classes are mainly dependent on the income, education and type of occupation. While coming to politics, people with higher income play a major role as a higher income attains education and wealthy status. But in recent times, middle class in Africa are being emerging. In America, the voter turnout will be more from higher income people then the lower income people. This shows higher income people play major role in politics of America. In Africa, previously, definition of class is not given properly. Because there, people with minimum income are classified as middle class people which is not a fair approach in defining the class. After that, middle class people are being identified as people with varied incomes, interests, with high goals and aspirations. The rise of middle class in Africa is a phase of struggle to emerge as a social class. . In America, social classes also dependent on important factors like culture education and tradition. Where is in Africa it is mainly on the income. Both are not same when it comes to social class classification. Because of middle class in Africa, famine and poverty factors slowly started diminishing and started urbanization which contributed to growth and development. Middle class played a major role in expansion and growth of democracy and greater rule of law in Africa. The middle class has demanded for accountable government and public services. So majority of the politics in Africa is been influenced by the middle class people which also contributed to growth in Africa economically and politically