Beggary in West Africa

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Cultural Studies
• Islamic Studies

Background:

• Western visitors often express surprise at the prevalence of begging in West Africa.
• Begging is a characteristic feature in many Islamic societies, including West African nations.
• Traditional societal structures emphasize mutual solidarity, influencing attitudes towards giving alms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the diverse motivations behind begging and almsgiving in West Africa.
• To examine the attitudes of youth towards the increasing phenomenon of begging.
• To understand the cultural and religious underpinnings of begging in the region.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of societal attitudes and motivations.
• Review of traditional societal structures and Islamic principles.
• Examination of public discourse involving Senegalese cultural figures and policymakers.

Main Results:

• Begging is widely accepted due to Islamic traditions and ancestral principles of solidarity.
• The increasing scale and forms of begging have raised national concerns in Senegal.
• Despite religious acceptance, a critical attitude towards begging is emerging, particularly among youth.

Conclusions:

• The phenomenon of begging in West Africa is complex, rooted in both religious and traditional social structures.
• While religious principles support almsgiving, the growing issue prompts societal re-evaluation.
• There is a discernible shift towards a more critical perspective on begging, indicating a potential future change in societal norms.