The Dance of Politics

Gender, Performance, and Democratization in Malawi

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Music, Theory & Criticism, Ethnomusicology, History, Africa, South Africa
Cover of the book The Dance of Politics by Lisa Gilman, Temple University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Lisa Gilman ISBN: 9781592139873
Publisher: Temple University Press Publication: April 10, 2009
Imprint: Temple University Press Language: English
Author: Lisa Gilman
ISBN: 9781592139873
Publisher: Temple University Press
Publication: April 10, 2009
Imprint: Temple University Press
Language: English

Election campaigns, political events, and national celebration days in Malawi usually feature groups of women who dance and perform songs of praise for politicians and political parties. These lively performances help to attract and energize throngs of prospective voters. However, as Lisa Gilman explains, “praise performing” is one of the only ways that women are allowed to participate in a male-dominated political system.

Although political performances by women are not unique to Malawi, the case in Malawi is complicated by the fact that until 1994 all Malawianwomen were required to perform on behalf of the long-reigning political party and its self-declared “President for Life,” Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda+. This is the first book to examine the present-day situation, where issues of gender, economics and politics collide in surprising ways. Along with its solid grounding in the relevant literature, The Dance of Politics draws strength from Gilman’s first-hand observations and her interviews with a range of participants in the political process, from dancers to politicians.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Election campaigns, political events, and national celebration days in Malawi usually feature groups of women who dance and perform songs of praise for politicians and political parties. These lively performances help to attract and energize throngs of prospective voters. However, as Lisa Gilman explains, “praise performing” is one of the only ways that women are allowed to participate in a male-dominated political system.

Although political performances by women are not unique to Malawi, the case in Malawi is complicated by the fact that until 1994 all Malawianwomen were required to perform on behalf of the long-reigning political party and its self-declared “President for Life,” Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda+. This is the first book to examine the present-day situation, where issues of gender, economics and politics collide in surprising ways. Along with its solid grounding in the relevant literature, The Dance of Politics draws strength from Gilman’s first-hand observations and her interviews with a range of participants in the political process, from dancers to politicians.

More books from Temple University Press

Cover of the book Challenging the Chip by Lisa Gilman
Cover of the book Seeking Mandela by Lisa Gilman
Cover of the book Oye Como Va! by Lisa Gilman
Cover of the book The Smoke of the Gods by Lisa Gilman
Cover of the book Civic Talk by Lisa Gilman
Cover of the book The Textures of Time by Lisa Gilman
Cover of the book Essays on Twentieth-Century History by Lisa Gilman
Cover of the book The Parker Sisters by Lisa Gilman
Cover of the book Historical Thinking by Lisa Gilman
Cover of the book Disability and Passing by Lisa Gilman
Cover of the book Material Law by Lisa Gilman
Cover of the book Animals Property & The Law by Lisa Gilman
Cover of the book Hegemony by Lisa Gilman
Cover of the book From Warism to Pacifism by Lisa Gilman
Cover of the book Issei, Nisei, War Bride by Lisa Gilman
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy