Nationalism, urban poverty and identity in Maputo, Mozambique

Jason Sumich

LSE Research Online Documents on Economics from London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library

Abstract: This paper examines the changing perceptions of Frelimo's nationalist project amongst members of the middle class in Maputo, Mozambique's capital. I argue that nationalism in Mozambique created a system of meaning and new forms of identity that are especially relevant for more privileged urbanites. However, growing urban poverty and inequality has had an effect throughout the social spectrum in Mozambique. The self-same set of nationalist values provides a critique for the failings of the regime as everyday life continually conflicts with the government's message of unity and progress for all and this is causing a loss of support even among the regime's beneficiaries.

Keywords: Maputo; Frelimo; nationalism; urban poverty (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: N0 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 15 pages
Date: 2010-02
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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