The Social Context of the Mau Mau Movement in Kenya (1952-1960) / Edition 1

by Kinuthia Macharia, Muigai Kanyua

Overview

The Social Context of the Mau Mau Movement in Kenya (1952-1960) explores the social aspects of the Mau Mau Movement, which have been relatively unexamined in scholarly studies of the movement. This work situates the Mau Mau in the context of "Social Movement" literature; and more importantly, blends theory and practice through the use of first-hand narrative from Muigai Kanyua, a fighter in the Mau Mau forest for at least three years. Muigai Kanyua describes the need for strong social networks, trust, faith, and determination in the community and how the Mau Mau provided this courage and perseverance. Through detailed research and Kanyua's narrative, author Kinuthia Macharia explores the social climate that united different clans and ethnic groups and sustained the Mau Mau Movement. The work also examines the role of women in the movement and combat, and the enduring relevance of the Mau Mau movement in Kenya's politics and economic development.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761833895
Publisher:	University Press of America
Publication date:	03/03/2006
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	6.08(w) x 8.96(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Kinuthia Macharia, a native of Kenya, is Professor of Sociology at American University and previously taught at Harvard University. He was honored with a Distinguished Faculty Award from American University in 2004. He received his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of Social and Political Dynamics of the Urban Informal Economy in African Cities: Harare and Nairobi also from University Press of America. Professor Macharia is an active participant in academic conferences and forums on African and sociological issues and has contributed numerous articles to the scholarly discourse.

The late Muigai Kanyua was a member of the Muranga Mau Mau fighters in the Nyandarua forest ridges for nearly three years. He chronicled his experiences in his native tongue Kikuyu. Kinuthia Macharia translated Muigai Kanyua's narrative for inclusion in this work.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Preface and Acknowledgements Chapter 2 1. Introduction Chapter 3 2. What Makes Mau Mau a Social Movement Chapter 4 3. Gender Roles and the Contribution of Women in the Mau Mau Movement Chapter 5 4. The Beginnings Chapter 6 5. The Beginnings of Trials and Tribulations Chapter 7 6. Getting Into the Forest Chapter 8 7. Exchanging Souls with Food Chapter 9 8. The New Bush Chapter 10 9. Gathuki-ini Bush Chapter 11 10. Our Fortune Chapter 12 11. Micharage-ini Bush Chapter 13 12. Fleeing from Detention Chapter 14 13. The Mau Mau Legacy and Its Contribution to the Current Socio-Economic and Political Situation in Kenya Chapter 15 14. Conclusion Chapter 16 Bibliography Chapter 17 Index Chapter 18 About the Author

Editorial Reviews

.... an interesting read for anyone interested in this period of Kenyan history, the book also provide an interesting case study for discussions on research ethics.

Canadian Journal of Development Studies - Arja Vainio-Mattila

.... an interesting read for anyone interested in this period of Kenyan history, the book also provide an interesting case study for discussions on research ethics.
— Arja Vainio-Mattila, Centre for Global Studies, Huron University College

Canadian Journal Of Development Studies