Traditions in Transition: How Colonial Legacies are reshaping Cultural Practices and Societal Structures in Post-Independence Comoros
Author
Issilam, Nouraya
Term
4. semester
Education
Publication year
2024
Abstract
This thesis examines how the encounter between Western-style democratic governance and pre-colonial Comorian institutions has shaped political stability since independence. Using a qualitative case study and thematic analysis of interviews, it explores the continued influence of practices such as matrilineal inheritance and the 'Grand Marriage' ceremony, which carry socio-political weight alongside formal state structures. The research question asks how the interaction between these systems has affected stability in post-independence Comoros. The analysis indicates that the top-down adoption of Western models—compounded by ongoing external (neo-colonial) influence, particularly from France—has contributed to instability, social inequality, and governance failures. These dynamics have weakened modern institutions and fostered corruption, marginalisation, and a disconnect between state and citizens. The study suggests that recognising and integrating elements of traditional governance into contemporary frameworks may support political stability and national cohesion in Comoros, while offering a small-island perspective to postcolonial debates with context-specific insights.
Dette speciale undersøger, hvordan mødet mellem vestligt, demokratisk styre og førkoloniale, komoriske styringsstrukturer har påvirket den politiske stabilitet siden uafhængigheden. Med et kvalitativt casestudie og tematisk analyse af interview belyses den fortsatte betydning af praksisser som matrilinear arv og ceremonien 'Grand Marriage', der udøver social og politisk indflydelse parallelt med de formelle statsinstitutioner. Specialets forskningsspørgsmål er, hvordan samspillet mellem disse systemer former stabiliteten i Comoros efter kolonitiden. Analysen peger på, at en topstyret indførelse af vestlige modeller – forstærket af vedvarende ekstern (neokolonial) indflydelse, især fra Frankrig – har bidraget til ustabilitet, social ulighed og styringssvigt. Disse dynamikker har svækket moderne institutioner og fremmet korruption, marginalisering og afstand mellem stat og borgere. Studiet antyder, at en bevidst integration af traditionelle styringspraksisser i nutidige rammer kan styrke politisk stabilitet og national samhørighed i Comoros, og bidrager samtidig med et småøstats-perspektiv til postkoloniale debatter med kontekstspecifikke indsigter.
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