Customer Reviews

African Friends and Money Matters: Observations from Africa (Publications in Ethnography, Vol. 37)

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is an incisive, sociological story that grips like a good novel.

In the musical "My Fair Lady", Professor Henry Higgins when realizing that he cannot control his "project" student, Eliza Doolittle, sings lamenting "Why can't a woman be more like a man..." It is very easy for us born into a certain culture to have that feeling about particularly 3rd world cultures, and especially about sub-Saharan Africa. Westerners (North Americans and Europeans) often come away from Africa perplexed about life-style and ways of doing things. "Why do they...." and "How do they..." preface our questions when we think of actions we observe that seem counter-productive or may appear to "shoot a society in the foot." Why might money given for fertilizer to be purchased in May, instead be spent on a family wedding in April? How can one be a friend without seeming like a "sugar-daddy"? How can anyone maintain 40 "very-close friends"?

David Maranz, an anthropologist with 25 years experience working in Senegal with the Summer Institute of Linguistics, has written an introduction to the whys and hows of African life, based on his experience and numerous interviews he has had with both native Africas and Westerners living in Africa. This is an "Aha!" type of book, some of which may apply to societies in other countries as well. Dr. Maranz's discoveries are fascinating and often entertaining. Better yet, they provide important answers and background necessary for the respectful and productive interaction of drastically different cultures. He is clear to make the point that his assessment is not a one-size-fits-all in describing the many countries and multiple tribes within countries of Africa. This book is not complicated reading, but serves as an introduction to those curiosities and differences we have with the cultures of a large continent

This book is a MUST READ for anyone who has been to Africa, will be visiting Africa, knows anyone in Africa, or who has any interest in Africa and world affairs. It would also be helpful to native Africans wishing to better understand Western culture. This information may also suggest why what has perhaps worked well for African groups for centuries, may not work so well in the future.

African Friends and Money Matters is essential reading for anyone working in Africa, particularly for short term NGO and mission workers. Unfortunately, I didn't read it until after my second trip. I'll be better prepared on my next trip, after having read it. It will save me from some embarassing and occasionally quasi-confrontational moments as I relate to people I really care for. For you who have been deluged with requests for money and financial help, during and after your visit, it will explain some cultural issues, and will help you to better deal with these issues. I regard it as essential reading for mission organizations, mission workers, and other NGOs working short term or long term in Africa.

Ken Moore
Board Member
Lifewater International

Having only read this book after returning from a month in Africa, I had wished I'd read it before going ....and it is absolutely invaluable if one has any economic or cultural dealings with mainstream African "friends and money matters."

The cultures are so vastly different - in regards to their perceptions, beliefs and use of material resources - that one is tempted to regard "US" (yes, U.S. and Westerners!) as being "right" and our African friends as being "wrong" .... that is, until one gets the perspective of this excellent book.

It's telling that a used copy's asking price is higher than the original! I can attest from personal experience that this is an excellent and accurate work, and it's got plenty of practical illustrations and examples. Anybody working in Africa, NGO, governmental or business, would do well to STUDY this work.

My only complaint is that there isn't a discounted price for ten or so copies, as I'd love to share it with many. Not knowing what's contained in it's pages will cost you in terms of money, relationships ...and - therefore - effectiveness. They should offer a "double your money back" customer satisfaction guarantee.

The cultural differences are so great it's hard to summarize in one brief review. The main thing is: their system works for them, where they are; ours works for us ... but we can learn much from each other. If you want to be effective in Africa, i.e.: if the topic is relevant, read the book.

William Ellison
Engineering Consultant (short-term missions volunteer)

After living and working in Africa over 20 years I found myself saying "yes", "uhuh!", "So true" on almost every page. This book really explains a lot of the reasons for frustration and misunderstanding between those from a Western culture and those in Africa. I wish this book would have been written when I first started work here. One may not agree with all the principles given but they are all helpful to understand the African mindset. If you plan to visit Africa, work there for a short time, or if you work with African visitors in your country, be sure to read this book. It will go a long way to help you have a better relationship with those from the African continent.

I purchased this book because I interact with people from Kenya who are in a partnership with our Presbytery (district church organization) and everything I read in this book rings true with my experience. Now, instead of thinking "they just want our money" or "they're always asking" I can look at the frequent requests as a difference in our outlook on money and personal relationships. There is a richness in their attitudes that I can appreciate and I can learn to respond in more thoughtful ways that express our cultural viewpoint while accepting their community understanding of the use of resources, especially money. How much we have to learn from one another!
This book is easy to understand, practical, and caring.

I have been working in E. Africa doing aid work in one village in particular now for about 4 years, including 5 visits. It has always been a great experience, but sometimes the things that happen are baffling, and we seem to run into far more cultural barriers than language barriers.

When I read this book before my last trip, I was stunned! Finally, so many things began to make sense! I tried many of the suggestions put forward, and they were right on the money. Things went much more smoothly, and we felt like we really had begun to understand the meaning behind so many of the actions that have always left us confused and feeling like we might have just made a big mistake...but we aren't sure what it was!

I recommend this to anyone who is going to be dealing closely with Africans and wants to increase their cultural intelligence. It's not just about money, it's about culture, and our view of the world vs their view of the world. Unbelievably helpful!

David Maranz describes a variety of experiences which finally ends up being a tapestry of African culture. Reading this book helps explain why so much African aid is misdirected, misspent and misappropriated.

Anyone wanting to gain a deeper understanding of Africa's problems must read this book. At times there is some redundancy in the anecdotes related. But overall it is a valuable book.

This book was referred to me by the American Ambassador's wife in Malawi and I found it most helpful in trying to understand what was happening around me and to navigate in a culturally competent manner during my two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer.

Although I had taken courses on intercultural communication and training design, and had learned the theories such as individualism vs collectivism, this book explained what I was experiencing and made it understandable on a very personal level. I never thought there could be such different perspectives on so many daily interactions. The book goes into detail explaining things such as; Africans prefer to apologize symbolically rather than verbally when they have made a mistake or feel personal shame. Understanding this fact can alter one's expectations of a friendship relationship. Among the other important things the book explains are the huge role jealousy plays in many African cultures and the reasoning behind what I perceived to be the unnecessary withholding of information.

If you are headed to Africa to do more than be a tourist, then this book is invaluable. You will find yourself turning to it over and over again for answers.

How many africans deal with money and property really doesn't make sense to us. Of course, how we deal with it doesn't make sense to them. So, this is a natural area for misunderstanding and tension. Set aside a week to read it and take time between chapters to absorb what you've read. If you're like me, you won't be able to accept it, but you'll be mentally prepared for it, lessening the major cultural shock when situations similar to the ones described in the book come up.

I read this book while on mission in Kenya and was so thankful I had it with me. I may have gone the entire six weeks without learning the key elements of African culture. The understanding gained stretches far beyond that of finances. This is a must read before or while you are in Africa!