About the book
Although international development discourse considers the state as a crucial development actor, there remains a significant discrepancy between the official norms of the state and public services and the actual practices of political elites and civil servants.
This text interrogates the variety of ways in which state policies and legal norms have been translated into the set of practical norms which make up real governance in sub-Saharan Africa. It argues that the concept of practical norms is an appropriate tool for an ethnographic investigation of public bureaucracies, interactions between civil servants and users, and the daily functioning of the state in Africa. It demonstrates that practical norms are usually different from official norms, complementing, bypassing and even contradicting them. In addition, it explores the positive and negative effects of different aspects of this ‘real governance’.
This text will be of key interest to academics, students and researchers in the fields of development, political science, anthropology and development studies, African studies, international comparative studies, implementation studies, and public policy.
Editions of Real Governance and Practical Norms in Sub-Saharan Africa
- EBook
- ISBN 9781317527732
- PDF
- ISBN 9781317527749
Read an Excerpt
Although international development discourse considers the state as a crucial development actor, there remains a significant discrepancy between the official norms of the state and public services and the actual practices of political elites and civil servants.
This text interrogates the variety of ways in which state policies and legal norms have been translated into the set of practical norms which make up real governance in sub-Saharan Africa. It argues that the concept of practical norms is an appropriate tool for an ethnographic investigation of public bureaucracies, interactions between civil servants and users, and the daily functioning of the state in Africa. It demonstrates that practical norms are usually different from official norms, complementing, bypassing and even contradicting them. In addition, it explores the positive and negative effects of different aspects of this ‘real governance’.
This text will be of key interest to academics, students and researchers in the fields of development, political science, anthropology and development studies, African studies, international comparative studies, implementation studies, and public policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Real Governance and Practical Norms in Sub-Saharan Africa about?
Although international development discourse considers the state as a crucial development actor, there remains a significant discrepancy between the official norms of the state and public services and the actual practices of political elites and civil servants.
This text interrogates the variety of ways in which state policies and legal norms have been translated into the set of practical norms which make up real governance in sub-Saharan Africa. It argues that the concept of practical norms is an appropriate tool for an ethnographic investigation of public bureaucracies, interactions between civil servants and users, and the daily functioning of the state in Africa. It demonstrates that practical norms are usually different from official norms, complementing, bypassing and even contradicting them. In addition, it explores the positive and negative effects of different aspects of this ‘real governance’.
This text will be of key interest to academics, students and researchers in the fields of development, political science, anthropology and development studies, African studies, international comparative studies, implementation studies, and public policy.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Real Governance and Practical Norms in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Earth Sciences, Geography, Environment, Planning > Geography > Regional geography
Where can I read a sample of Real Governance and Practical Norms in Sub-Saharan Africa?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781317527732
Is Real Governance and Practical Norms in Sub-Saharan Africa part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Routledge Studies in African Politics and International Relations
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Real Governance and Practical Norms in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Jean-Pierre OLIVIER de SARDAN, Tom De Herdt
Who is the Publisher of the book Real Governance and Practical Norms in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Taylor and Francis
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Real Governance and Practical Norms in Sub-Saharan Africa is available as ebook(ISBN 9781317527732) and pdf(ISBN 9781317527749)