"The Micro-Foundations
of Mass Politics in Africa"

On behalf of the Afrobarometer Network, the Department of Political Science and the African Studies Center at Michigan State University are pleased to host a conference on the Micro-Foundations of Mass Politics in Africa.
To date, scholars of African politics have concentrated principally on the deeds -- and misdeeds – of political elites. Studies of mass participation have been largely limited to local cases and have been hampered by a lack of systematic data on public values, attitudes and behavior. The advent of the Afrobarometer, now comprising three rounds of national probability sample surveys in up to 18 African countries, 1999-2006, offers unique opportunities to delve into the foundations of individual political action.
The conference will feature 20 original research papers by leading and emergent scholars from Africa, Europe and the United States.  The themes of the papers include electoral participation, ethnic identity, economic wellbeing, social capital, and democratic citizenship.  All papers draw evidence from Afrobarometer public opinion data.  An edited volume is planned.
By April 15, 2007, conference papers will available on this website.