Globalization And Its Challenges On The African Conception Of The Person

ABSTRACT

This research focuses, in a specific way, on how globalization conception of the person as „I‟ is gradually eroding the African conception of the person as „we‟. Man as an individual in trdational African community is only Western thought rooted in money economy and creation of neo-liberal capitalist way of life that are carried across African communities by globalization. In African traditional societies throughout history, man was not primarily an individual but a member of the community (we). As communication technologies grow, as industries move into Africa and cities grow in size, African communities are experiencing an increase in individualism. In African traditional life, the individual does not and cannot exist alone except corporately. He is simply part of the whole. This „we‟ conception of the person is being challenged and constantly eroded by the „I‟ conception of the person of globalization which is manifested in money economy and capitalism that is transcending African community through globalization. The increase of individualism and excessive liberty is also challenging the powers of the African community in setting and evaluating the moral values which guided the behavior of the individual in the community. This erosion is associated with the increase of social evils such human trafficking, theft, sexual immorality like prostitution among others which are being experienced in most of African communities today. This research has been informed by John Stuart Mill‟s principles of liberty and individuality; the philosophical notion of individuality that is geared towards a creation of the highest happiness; not only to the individual, but also to the other. It has attempted to address the lacuna evident in globalization and the challenges faced by African societies while embracing globalization which is inevitable. The research methodology has been philosophical analysis and argumentation, and the materials have been sourced from documents on philosophy, globalization and ethics, which have been analyzed to address the problem of the study. It is our humble submission that this research shall have laid a foundation for the discussion of globalization and how we can harmonize our African traditional customs especially the “we” conception of the person with globalization‟ “I” conception of the person while embracing globalization which is a reality today.