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Cited by 108Political Conflict and GovernanceCulture, Economy, and Development StudiesAfrican Studies and Ethnography

Segmentary Lineage Organization and Conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa

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Moscona, Jacob, Nunn, Nathan, Robinson, James A.·2020·Econometrica
DOI 10.3982/ecta16327
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Abstract

We test the longstanding hypothesis that ethnic groups organized around “segmentary lineages” are more prone to conflict. Ethnographic accounts suggest that in such societies, which are characterized by strong allegiances to distant relatives, individuals are obligated to come to the aid of fellow lineage members when they become involved in conflicts. As a consequence, small disagreements often escalate into larger‐scale conflicts involving many individuals. We test for a link between segmentary lineage organization and conflict across ethnic groups in sub‐Saharan Africa. Using a number of estimation strategies, including a regression discontinuity design at ethnic boundaries, we find that segmentary lineage societies experience more conflicts, and particularly ones that are retaliatory, long in duration, and large in scale.

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Research works printed but not linked: 2

  1. [3]3. NUNN, N. (2010): "Religious Conversion in Colonial Africa," American Economic Review, 100 (2), 147-152.
  2. [4]4. NUNN, N., AND L. WANTCHEKON (2011): "The Slave Trade and the Origins of Mistrust in Africa," American Economic Review, 101 (7), 3221-3252.

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Authors
Moscona, J., Nunn, N., & Robinson, J. A.
Affiliations
Harvard University (US)
ORCID
Venue
Econometrica
Publisher
The Econometric Society
Published
2020
Volume
88
Issue
5
Pages
1999-2036
ISSN
0012-9682 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3982/ecta16327
OpenAlex
W3089292266
Cited by
108
References
57
Citations by year
2026: 5 · 2025: 28 · 2024: 19 · 2023: 20 · 2022: 14 · 2021: 11 · 2020: 10 · 2018: 1
FWCI
18.42
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Econometrica (publishedVersion)
  • DSpace@MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Political Conflict and Governance
  • Social Sciences › Demography › Culture, Economy, and Development Studies
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › African Studies and Ethnography
Keywords
ethnic conflict, lineage organization, ethnic boundaries, retaliation, conflict escalation, kinship obligations, sub-Saharan Africa

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