Costs of Knowledge: Some Economic Underpinnings of Spiritual Relations in Islam in Niger

Abstract

This paper explores the economic character of relations between marabouts (Muslim holy persons) and followers in Niger. In particular, it uses the blurred edges between gifts and commodities to contrast the (oft-divergent) modalities with which marabouts and followers conceptualize knowledge. Across Francophone West Africa, marabouts have historically depended largely on gift economies for their livelihood. Yet, followers are increasingly inclined to conceptualize the knowledge transmitted by marabouts as a commodity rather than as a gift. These developments suggest a growing tendency to view social relations with marabouts in terms of isolated transactions more so than continuing personal connections framed by enduring moral obligations.

Citation

Butler, N. (2006), "Costs of Knowledge: Some Economic Underpinnings of Spiritual Relations in Islam in Niger", Dannhaeuser, N. and Werner, C. (Ed.) Markets and Market Liberalization: Ethnographic Reflections (Research in Economic Anthropology, Vol. 24), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 309-328. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0190-1281(05)24011-8