Date of Award
5-2018
Degree Type
Report
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Political Science
Committee Chair(s)
Anna Pechenkina
Committee
Anna Pechenkina
Committee
Colin Flint
Committee
Chris Conte
Abstract
Since gaining independence in 1961, Tanzania has enjoyed high levels of national identification, far higher than other states in east Africa. Yet, between 2005 and 2015, the Afrobarometer survey recorded a decline in the national identity and an increase in ethnic identities in Tanzania. These changes are striking because of the successful nation-building policies implemented by former president Julius Nyerere. In addition, during the same period of 2005-2015, states bordering Tanzania have increased their level of national identification. This thesis reviews the literature on how changes in institutions, economic modernization, and conflict create incentives for political competition that may in turn reshape identities. The preliminary results suggest that while the introduction of the multiparty rule in 1992 in Tanzania created a more competitive and democratic political process, it may have also brought about a longer trend of identity shift in the Tanzanian population: the national identity has been declining, while ethnic identities have been rising
Recommended Citation
Wendt, Alexander C., "Determinants and Mechanisms of National Identity Shift in Tanzania" (2018). All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023. 1231.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/gradreports/1231
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