Social structure and conflict: Evidence from sub-Saharan Africa

Working paper • Vol/Iss. . • Harvard Scholar • • Published In • Pages: i-64 •
By Moscona, Jacob, Nunn, Nathan, Robinson, James A.

Abstract

Using a sample of 145 African societies, the authors seek to examine the relationship between segmentary lineage organization and conflict. Presented is evidence supporting the claim that segmentary lineage societies are more prone to conflict and to conflicts larger in scale and duration. The authors aim to contribute to a better understanding of the determinants of conflict, and additionally address the applicability of the present study beyond Africa.

Note

All analyses are repeated using an alternative measure of conflict (UCDP GED data). Results from the UCDP GED data and ACLED data are very similar. Additionally, the authors account for unobservables using Spatial RD Estimates, and find no evidence for omitted factors generating biased estimates.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Ethnographic Atlas (EA)Researcher's Own
Ethnographic Survey of AfricaResearcher's Own
Armed Conflict Location and Event Data ProjectResearcher's Own

Hypotheses (3)

HypothesisSupported
There will be a relationship between the traditional presence of a segmentary lineage system and the presence and intensity of conflictSupported
There will be a relationship between segmentary lineage and conflict, and this relationship does not work through prosperity or religionSupported
Onset and offset of conflict will be affected by segmentary lineage systemsSupported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: jack.dunnington  emily.pitek