Hegemony and culture : politics and religious change among the Yoruba /

Although the Yoruba of Nigeria are one of Africa's best documented ethnic groups, Laitin's sophisticated contribution is a valuable addition to the literature. The book's significance derives from the definition of an intriguing political problem: to explicate why the commitment to either Islam or Christianity by the vast majority of Yoruba has not been translated into divisive political action. Laitin's sophisticated theoretical analysis of this situation is offered to negate two prevalent views of contemporary African politics: on the one hand, the idea that independent Africa is inherently beset by primordial tribal conflicts, and on the other that such ethnic groups function in the political arena only as interest blocs. The author's subtle analysis of the relevant historical and ethnographical data is compelling with regard to the first assumption, but not so convincing on the second view. He offers in explanation an essentially Weberian view of culture and politics. His ``hegemonic'' view suggests that, rather than adjustment by conflicting social arrangements, one such subsystem in society provides a ``dominant symbolic framework that reigns as common sense'' (p. 76). In this case, continued adherence to traditional cultural features, particularly the ancestral city, provides the dominant framework. Laitin's study demonstrates the essential complexity of African politics, and is recommended for graduate students and faculty.-W. Arens, SUNY at Stony Brook