Western donor agencies often assume that occupational change must accompany development and to lead to an improved material standard of living. But occupational change affects more than an individual’s economic status—it is central to an understanding of his or her social identity and affects the ethical foundations of their communities and nation states.

In times of exceptional economic crisis, as age-old occupational pursuits and work hierarchies erode, the search for alternative livelihoods can unleash economic and social experimentation. New occupational identities coalesce; social trust is put to the test in emerging work situations, mobility patterns and social agencies.

How Africa Works analyzes the effect on Africa’s political future. Rich case studies reveal a wealth of insights on the interaction between the state, market, community and household as sub-Saharan Africa’s economy is transformed. This book asks the question: how does occupationality change identity and help build consensus around a new social morality?

This book is important reading for academics and students of development studies and for policy makers.