THE CONSEQUENTIALISM OF THE POLITICAL CULTURE OF GERONTOCRACY AND GERONTOPHOBIA

Abstract

The existence, persistence and practise of Gerontocracy prevalent in the political dispensation and sector has given birth to Gerontophobia of the Youths which has ultimately affected Youth’s participation in Politics and detrimental to national growth and development. This research work x-rays the consequences of operating a Political Gerontocratic System of Government in African Nations and Nigeria in a particular way, as it works against Democracy and induces Gerontophobia in the younger generation. A close attention will be paid to the philosophical underpinnings of gerontocracy, African concept of leadership, Nigerian political culture as well as Gerontocracy as another dimension or form of democracy vis-à-vis Gerontophobia. Using critical review, the researcher will review and make contributions which are meant to bridge the gap between leadership by the old (Gerontocracy) and effective participation of the Youths (Youthocracy).

Keywords: Gerontocracy, Gerontophobia, Africa, Nigeria, Politics, Culture. 

Introduction

African society before the advent of the colonial masters had a political structure which was government by the aged. The aged were said to know a lot of things which the younger once may not know. It was generally believed that what the old sees sitting, no matter the experience of the young, he cannot see it. Knowledge is acquired as we grow older and for some people, experience is the best teacher. Gerontocracy is the rule by elders or a type of government that associates leadership with elders. Spencer & Spencer, (2013) opined that Samburu community in Kenya is a good example to shed light in the leadership of elders who are males. Peter( 2014a) however informs us that in the matrilineal societies such gerontocracy is associated with women as elders and judges such as in some ethnic groups in Mozambique.