41. Balandier, Georges. The Sociology of Black Africa: Social Dynamics in Central Africa translated by Douglas Carman. New York: Praeger, 1970.

A discussion of black African millennialism, with emphasis on the movements of André Matswa and Simon Kimbangu. Ambiguity is inherent in colonialism, which increases social discrepancy. Why do some not "catch" the millennium? Balandier's comparison of two tribal groups shows significant differences. The millennium seems to follow not only from acculturation but also from attachment to place, which, at least among the BaKongo, is equivalent to the ancestors. Colonialization leads to a sense of displacement and consequent loss of dignity; the messiah will restore the land to its rightful owners. Syncretism, by contrast, occurs among those (the Fang) who have no such attachment to the land. A "guilt culture" is another significant factor: prophets restore confidence when social disorder lowers it. The feeling of exile is keenest in cities. A split outlook, where both return and progress are impossible, is another important factor. Christianity was the only available idea that allowed for the possibility of revolution and for making change.

Return to Indexes