Social Cohesion in Post-Genocide Rwanda : Local (Re)conceptions Beyond Global Definitions
Media records
Abstract
- Abstract
- en In light of global dynamics threatening the social ties that hold societies together, recent research has turned to exploring 'conceptions of social cohesion' in Africa. Focusing on Rwanda, this paper argues that while post-genocide government documents (1999-2012) align with globalized definitions of cohesion—emphasizing inclusive identity, trust, and cooperation—Rwanda's approach to rebuilding national unity is deeply rooted in localized notions. Rwandan notions of social cohesion revolve around 'culture' and 'kinship,' which throughout history have played a crucial role in (re)framing social orders in response to inter-group conflict and shifting conceptions of the nation. This case study suggests that beyond trust in institutions and fellow citizens, understanding the normative narratives and cultural frameworks that define social order, as well as the population's familiarity with these, is crucial to assessing cohesion—especially in contexts of nation-building where social trust has been eroded by violent conflict.
Subjects
People & roles
- Place of publication
- Bayreuth
Origins & context
- Title
- Social Cohesion in Post-Genocide Rwanda : Local (Re)conceptions Beyond Global Definitions
- Publication type
- Working paper
- Language
- English
- Series
-
Academy reflects
Value Annotations
Value Annotations
- volume
- 13
- Date
- 2025
- Number in series
- 57
- pages
- VI, 26
- Number of pages
- 26
Identifiers & sources
Full text
- Full text
- 57 University of Bayreuth African Studies WORKING PAPERS Social Cohesion in Post-Genocide Rwanda Local (Re)conceptions Beyond Global Definitions Erika Dahlmanns, 2025 academy reflects 13 University of Bayreuth African Studies Working Papers (LVII) 57 University of Bayreuth African Studies WORKING PAPERS Social Cohesion in Post-Genocide Rwanda Local (Re)conceptions Beyond Global Definitions CC-BY 4.0 Erika Dahlmanns, 2025 ii Social Cohesion in Post-Genocide Rwanda Institute of African Studies (IAS) The University of Bayreuth African Studies Working Papers are published by the Institute of African Studies (IAS) in Bayreuth, Germany. The IAS promotes African Studies at the University of Bayreuth by supporting scholars from a wide range of academic disciplines from almost all faculties. It facilitates cooperation between researchers and institutions engaged in Africa-related projects, as well as teaching, both on campus and around the world. The IAS consists of three central bodies: the Iwalewahaus, the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence, and the recently opened Africa Research Center (Forschungszentrum Afrika). The Working Papers give scholars the space to present empirical studies, theoretical reflections, and report preliminary findings, ongoing projects, and current research. The Working Papers usually reflect works-in-progress and invite discussion and feedback. Submitted papers are subject to internal review at the University of Bayreuth. Contributions may be submitted to the editor-in-chief: Dr. Malick Faye (IAS@uni-bayreuth.de) The University of Bayreuth African Studies Working Papers feature on the EPub document server at the university library: 2005 - 2018 https://epub.uni-bayreuth.de/view/series/Bayreuth_African_Studies_Working_Papers.html 2018 - ongoing https://epub.uni- bayreuth.de/view/series/University_of_Bayreuth_African_Studies_Working_Papers.html Institute of African Studies Director: Prof. Dr. Gabriele Sommer Vice-Director: Prof.… Read the full text about 13,037 words
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