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Hahn, Hans Peter; Spittler, Gerd; Verne, Markus How Many Things Does Man Need? : Material Possessions and Consumption in Three West African Villages (Hausa, Kasena and Tuareg) Compared to German Students 2008 Book Chapter Spittler Anthropology, Comperative Study, Africa, Hausa, Kasena, Tuareg, Germany
Citation Hahn, Hans Peter; Spittler, Gerd; Verne, Markus 2008 Book Chapter Anthropology Comperative Study Africa Hausa Kasena Tuareg Germany Spittler

"How Many Things Does Man Need? : Material Possessions and Consumption in Three West African Villages (Hausa, Kasena and Tuareg) Compared to German Students"

by Hahn, Hans Peter; Spittler, Gerd; Verne, Markus (2008)

Abstract

In contrast to many other anthropological studies of consumption this paper focuses on material possessions and consumption in rural environments in West Africa. The empirical data are based on comparative research in West African village households including a comparison to German student households. The samples from West Africa show the following similarities: people do not possess more than 100-130 things. The differences between the African case studies concern mainly the value and origin of things. The …

Keywords

Anthropology, Comperative Study, Africa, Hausa, Kasena, Tuareg, Germany

Themes

Spittler

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