The research project “Anomie & Insurgency” analyzes the potential interrelationship between social change, anomic conditions, and the shift to violent and organized groups (insurgency). The project is based on empirical research in the Niger Delta where violence occurs in various forms. The objective is to contribute to the early detection of risky social developments and hence to support the development of preventive measures against violent conflicts within a society.
In a joint partnership with the Center for Ethnic and Conflict Studies (CENTECS) at the University of Port Harcourt, SAD has launched a research project whose goal is the early detection of risky social developments. The project analyzes the interrelationship of social change, anomic conditions, and the shift to violent and organized groupings with a political agenda. Based on empirical research, SAD and CENTECS analyze the motives, on an individual level, that bring forth insurgent behaviour.
The empirical research is based primarily on two dominant schools of thoughts in anomie theory: On the one hand, Emile Durkheim assumed that rapid social change evokes anomie in the sense of normlessness and loss of orientation. Robert K. Merton, on the other hand, held the view that anomie is immanent to social structure itself: He assumed that a society is in an anomic condition if its members share certain cultural goals but not all the members have the means to achieve those goals. Hence, anomie evolves from an ends-means-discrepancy.
Both approaches consider anomie the motivational foundation of deviant behaviour. Until now, however, anomie theory has neither in the field of anomie nor in the field of insurgency, been applied to the research on non-state armed groups.
Research plan and methodology
Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa and characterized by its ethnic, religious and linguistic diversity. Even before the initiation of the democratization process in 1999, the country had faced numerous internal riots and insurgencies. Nigeria relapses regularly, which constitutes a huge challenge for the local population. This is particularly true in the Niger Delta where a majority of the population is living in extreme poverty in spite of the abundant resources in the area. Since the 1990s, the number of armed militias who revolt against the government and the oil companies has risen noticeably.
Research plan and methodology
The data of the research project is based on an empirical research in and around Port Harcourt. The research hypotheses will be tested on the basis of the survey data. Apart from the quantitative survey, SAD and CENTECS will also conduct focus group discussions. This qualitative data is meant to provide a better understanding of the quantitative data, and to investigate further research questions. The research project is being overseen by an expert committee of scientists and professionals from the field of development work.
Research objectives
- Identifying current levels of anomie in different social groups in and around Port Harcourt as well as their potential causes and consequences
- Testing the interrelationship between anomie and the support of and participation in non-state armed groups in the Nigerian context
- Contribution to the explanation of how “radical” ideologies and non-state armed groups develop
- Contribution to the development of an early-warning system that enables the prompt comprehension of processes in specific contexts that lead to violent revolts and hence the development of preventive measures.
Target group
The results of the study will be of interest to stakeholders who are confronted with potentially conflict-ridden situations. The results should assist them with detecting risky social developments in due time and implementing preventive measures accordingly.
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Partner
Center for Ethnic and Conflict Studies (CENTECS), Nigeria
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Contact
Michèle Fischer
Project Manager
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+41 (0)32 344 49 68
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