ADDIS ABABA
Migration and the Making of a Multiethnic Metropolis, 1941-1974

by Getahun Benti

Interdisciplinary in approach, historical in orientation and comparative in scope, this book examines the dynamics of migration to Addis Ababa from 1941 to 1974. Drawing from primary, secondary, archival and oral sources, reminiscences and newspapers, the book extensively discusses the political, economic and social transformations in Ethiopia during the period and their implications for the growth of Addis Ababa and migration to the city.

Interdisciplinary in approach, historical in orientation and comparative in scope, this book examines the dynamics of migration to Addis Ababa from 1941 to 1974. Drawing from primary, secondary, archival and oral sources, reminiscences and newspapers, the book extensively discusses the political, economic and social transformations in Ethiopia during the period and their implications for the growth of Addis Ababa and migration to the city.

The book’s details include the dual role of education in migration; rural landholding systems; the status of women in Ethiopian society and the socio-cultural causes of women’s migration; ethno-linguistic factors and the role of state in migration; concentration of modern economic activities and services in the city. Finally, the book discusses how the migrant population forged new relationships and learned how to live together (despite their divergent backgrounds and often conflicting interests) in order to cope with the realities of life in an urban setting.

Sociologists, economic and urban geographers, urban planning and policy makers, social anthropologists, and scholars of ethnic studies will find the interdisciplinary component of the book appealing. And its historical orientation will attract historians of various backgrounds: ethnic, economic, and social historians as well as historical geographers. Most importantly, it will also draw a wide audience among migration scholars and urban historians.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
GETAHUN BENTI received his B.A. and M.A. from Addis Ababa University (Ethiopia) and Ph.D. in African history from Michigan State University. He has taught at University of Asmara and Addis Ababa University. An assistant professor at Southern Illinois University – Carbondale - since August 2000, Benti teaches courses in African and world history, including a comparative slavery course. His research interests include urbanization-migration studies and the relationship between migration, language, and nationalism in Ethiopia.

CATEGORY
History/AFRICA