Book
Wax & gold: tradition and innovation in Ethiopian culture
University of Chicago Press • Chicago • Published In 1965 • Pages:
By: Levine, Donald Nathan.
Abstract
In this book Levine analyzes traditional and transitional Amhara culture from four different vantages: historical, sociological, anthropological and psychological. Each aspect of traditional culture touched on by the author is considered in light of Ethiopia's transition to a modern state. The problems facing Ethiopia as a developing nation are pointed out and some suggestions are made concerning their solution. Examined in depth are the roles of Amhara peasants, elites, intellectuals, adolescents, clergy and military. The education and socialization process and the political process are examined extensively to determine in what ways traditional patterns conflict with or contribute to the modernization process. In the last two chapters, the author delves into the psychological development of the Amhara personality. More specifically, these last two chapters are concerned with the personality factors which the author considers inhibitive of creative leadership, solidary action and social progress. Field methods included analysis of literary texts and oral traditions, use of questionnaires, projective tests, interviews and participant observation. Levine spent from 1958 to 1961 carrying out field research, serving part of that time as a lecturer in the University College of Addis Ababa.
- HRAF PubDate
- 1998
- Region
- Africa
- Sub Region
- Eastern Africa
- Document Type
- Book
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Sociologist
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Helen Gunsher Bornstein ; John Beierle ; 1972
- Field Date
- 1958-1961
- Coverage Date
- 1270-1961
- Coverage Place
- Ethiopia
- Notes
- Donald N. Levine
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 287-302)
- LCCN
- 65018340
- LCSH
- Amhara (African people)