Dataset Information

Procedural fairness and nepotism among local traditional and democratic leaders in rural Namibia.

ABSTRACT: This study tests the common conception that democratically elected leaders behave in the interest of their constituents more than traditional chiefs do. Our sample includes 64 village leaders and 384 villagers in rural Namibia, where democratically elected leaders and traditional chiefs coexist. We analyze two main attributes of local political leaders: procedural fairness preferences and preferential treatment of relatives (nepotism). We also measure personality traits and social preferences, and conduct standardized surveys on local governance practices and villagers' perceptions of their leaders' performance. Our results indicate that traditional chiefs are as likely to implement fair, democratic decision-making procedures, and are as unlikely to be nepotistic. Moreover, elected leaders and chiefs express similar social preferences and personality traits. These findings align with villagers' perceptions of most leaders in our sample as being popular and fair, and villagers' responses reveal a discrepancy between planned and de facto implementation of democratic institutions.

SUBMITTER: Vollan B

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7141837 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Procedural fairness and nepotism among local traditional and democratic leaders in rural Namibia.

Vollan Björn B Blanco Esther E Steimanis Ivo I Petutschnig Fabian F Prediger Sebastian S

Science advances 20200408 15

This study tests the common conception that democratically elected leaders behave in the interest of their constituents more than traditional chiefs do. Our sample includes 64 village leaders and 384 villagers in rural Namibia, where democratically elected leaders and traditional chiefs coexist. We analyze two main attributes of local political leaders: procedural fairness preferences and preferential treatment of relatives (nepotism). We also measure personality traits and social preferences, a ...[more]

PMID: 32284998

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Project description:ObjectiveCountries in sub-Saharan Africa are plagued by poor healthcare facilities, lack of specialist care, and limited financial resources. People with seizures often rely on the help of traditional health practitioners (THPs). Traditional health practices are not acknowledged in Namibia and remain unregulated and open to exploitation. We conducted a qualitative study to gain an understanding of THPs' perceptions and experiences in delivering seizure care in Namibia.MethodsThis study formed part of a larger mixed-method study that explored seizure care among healthcare providers (HCPs) in Namibia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 THPs in Namibia. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and subthemes in the data. Themes were interpreted using the different levels of Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory to illustrate the perceptions and experiences of THPs in the management of seizures.ResultsTHPs distinguish between seizures with physical causes and those caused by witchcraft, evil spirits, and supernatural forces. THPs acknowledge the role of Western medicine in the treatment of medically explained seizures (physical causes). Seizures as a result of medically unexplained symptoms (spiritual) are deemed best treated by traditional medicine (TM). Diagnostic and treatment practices are person-specific and are guided by divination and the use of plant and animal material. Treatment success is measured by the complete absence of seizures. Biomedical treatment is seen as lacking due to its focus on seizure control and failure to provide a permanent cure.SignificanceIn countries with limited healthcare resources, the untapped potential of THPs may play a valuable role in bridging the treatment gap for seizures. Incorporating THPs into the healthcare system depends on proper regulation and clear demarcation of roles between service providers. Improved referral practices and collaboration between service providers will be of benefit for people with seizures who are often exposed to stigma and discrimination.

Dataset Information

Procedural fairness and nepotism among local traditional and democratic leaders in rural Namibia.

Publications

Procedural fairness and nepotism among local traditional and democratic leaders in rural Namibia.

Similar Datasets

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