ABOUT THIS BOOK

Leonard Plotnicov offers a fascinating study of the urbanization of tribal Africans. His study is based on extensive interviews with residents of Jos, Nigeria over a two-year period. The participants come from a variety of social and cultural backgrounds, and Plotnicov portrays the difficulties associated with assimilation into a Westernized society.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

Leonard Plotnicov is professor of anthropology at the University of Pittsburgh.

REVIEWS

“Strangers to the City, by Leonard Plotnicov, has an evocative, almost romantic, title which immediately suggests readability. In this respect, we are not disappointed. . . . As a contribution to a growing picture of African urban life and as a story of colourful personalities deftly brought to life, this book has few parallels.”
—Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies

“To some extent, the approach is similar to that used by Oscar Lewis in his poverty studies, but Plotnicov also adds more information about Jos as well as analytical comment. . . . As a microsociological study this book gives a good view of what it is like to be a new urban man in Africa. As such, it is a very valuable component in our growing knowledge of city life on that continent.”
—Ethnos

“The choice of Jos for the purpose of this study is important, because Jos is unique as a young industrial centre. . . . Dr. Plotnicov has done a great service to Nigeria by this study.”
—Nigeria Magazine

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Contents

List of Illustrations

List of Tables and Charts

I. Introduction

II. Physical Setting, Early History, and Economic Basis of Jos

III. Urban Characteristics: City and Population

IV. Isaac Olu Oyewumi: Yoruba

V. Isaac Cookey-Jaja: Ijaw

VI. Gande Ikowe: Tiv

VII. Peter Adam Ekong: Efik

VIII. Four Additional Portraits

IX. Summary and Discussion of the Informants

X. Theoretical Conclusions

Appendix: Genealogical Charts

Bibliography

Index

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