Dictatorship, Deception, and the Illusion of Choice: The Tragedy of African Leadership

Living in an African society is all I have ever known. Those who have had the privilege of living in Western societies where systems work can agree that there is something bizarre about the mentality of leadership and governance in third world countries, more so in Africa. Whenever I think about African politics, there is something that usually sticks with me and makes me take some time to pause and reflect. Something that we all know, and it is called dictatorship. 

Many dictators would never admit they are even when the evidence is clear as day. That is what I find rather disturbing, and it makes me want to enter their minds a bit to see what's going on in there. So I decided to do some research about the psychological state of mind of a dictator. I decided to write something about them piece by piece, considering all the theories at my disposal, to better explain what exactly turns someone into a dictator compared to a good leader. 

Every leader has their own weaknesses and those who never voted for him may brand him a dictator out of displeasure with his policies and governance, but that's not what I'm writing about. Here we have a story that has been a pattern in African leadership since they gained independence from their colonisers and formed their own political parties and structures to date. The story is always the same, which is exactly what makes African politics a tragedy in itself. So, the story remains the same. You have an incompetent leader who you voted for in the first place, but now you want to vote him out and call him incompetent. You think he's the worst leader the country has ever had in the history of independence. You think that he's cost the economy dearly and if he was given one more day in political office, there would be no country left. Then in comes the Trojan horse. Let's call him Trojan for now, at the risk of getting abducted should this article step on any powerful person's toes.

Trojan seems to have it right on the money. Every policy in his manifesto makes sense. Even if many Africans aren't as literate or educated to understand the implications of the said policies. This Trojan really knows how to sell a dream so vivid, that the people believe that all they have to do is open the door and walk into the future they so desperately want, that they have been promised starts with the right tick, on the right name in the ballot box. And this Trojan has convinced the voters beyond doubt, that it all starts and ends with him. That this is the defining moment in the history of the country, and that it's basically now or never. If you had to make a decision to change the course of the country's destiny, Trojan is your man. His tribesmen are proud of his rise in the ranks, because suddenly, being visible, they knew he could get this far or even further. Unknown to them, this is just good marketing from Trojan's predecessor. He was handpicked a long time ago, but the public genuinely believes they are the ones who are voting him in. What they don't realise is that this was a leader who was chosen for them. But they have to be allowed as voters to carry on with the delusion that they have an element of choice because if they realised they were still slaves, they'll try to gain their freedom. And that would be problematic for shadow governments and the powers that be. 

I'd like to bring to your attention a concept called the Social Dominance Theory, a.k.a SDT. Yes, Social Dominance Theory (SDT) is highly relevant to the discussion of elitism and class wars, as it provides a psychological framework for understanding how social hierarchies are formed, maintained, and justified.

How SDT Relates to Elitism and Class Wars

Developed by Jim Sidanius and Felicia Pratto, SDT explains how societies organise themselves into group-based hierarchies, where certain groups systematically hold more power, privilege, and resources than others. This directly applies to class structures, where elites dominate access to wealth, education, and political influence, often at the expense of lower socioeconomic groups.

Key SDT Concepts in the Context of Elitism and Class Wars:

1. Social Hierarchy and Classism

SDT suggests that all stable societies have hierarchical structures based on arbitrary group distinctions, including socioeconomic class. Elitism is a product of this hierarchy, where the ruling class seeks to maintain their dominance through policies, narratives, and institutions that legitimise their position.

2. Legitimising Myths and Ideological Narratives

To sustain class inequalities, dominant groups create and propagate legitimising myths, which are beliefs that justify the existing social order. These myths can be:

Hierarchy-enhancing: e.g. the idea that "the rich worked harder than the poor," reinforcing economic inequality.

Hierarchy-attenuating: e.g. social welfare policies and egalitarian ideologies that seek to reduce class disparities. Elites often use hierarchy-enhancing myths to justify their position, while those in lower classes may internalise these beliefs, leading to false consciousness—a Marxist concept that aligns with SDT.

3. Social Dominance Orientation (SDO)

Individuals vary in their preference for social hierarchies. Those with high SDO support systems that maintain class divisions and elitism, believing that inequality is natural and necessary. Conversely, individuals with low SDO favour equality and challenge elitist structures, often engaging in class warfare or activism.

4. Elite Overproduction and Social Unrest

SDT also helps explain elite overproduction, where too many individuals compete for elite status, leading to intra-elite conflicts. This can trigger instability and class wars, as some disillusioned elites turn against the existing hierarchy, aligning themselves with lower classes in revolutionary movements.

Significance

Social Dominance Theory provides a scientific foundation for understanding elitism and class struggles by explaining the psychological and systemic mechanisms that sustain class-based hierarchies. It highlights how ideological control, social dominance orientation, and legitimising myths perpetuate economic inequality, while also offering insight into why class conflicts emerge when these hierarchies are challenged.

Social Dominance Theory According to the Kenyan Context 

Social Dominance Theory (SDT), developed by Jim Sidanius and Felicia Pratto, offers a comprehensive framework for understanding how societies establish and maintain group-based hierarchies. Applying SDT to the Kenyan context provides valuable insights into the psychological, political, and philosophical dimensions of social stratification within the country.

Psychological Perspective

In Kenya, as in many societies, individuals exhibit varying degrees of Social Dominance Orientation (SDO), reflecting their preference for hierarchical versus egalitarian social structures. Those with high SDO may support policies and beliefs that reinforce existing social hierarchies, while individuals with low SDO are more inclined towards egalitarian principles and social justice initiatives. Understanding these orientations helps explain the persistence of social inequalities and the challenges faced in promoting inclusive policies.

Political Perspective

Kenya's political landscape is deeply influenced by ethnic affiliations, which often serve as the basis for social hierarchies. SDT elucidates how these ethnic divisions contribute to the formation of dominant and subordinate groups, with power and resources frequently concentrated among specific ethnic communities. This dynamic is perpetuated through institutional discrimination and legitimising myths that justify the status quo. For instance, political narratives that emphasise the superiority or entitlement of certain groups can reinforce existing hierarchies and marginalise others.

The theory also sheds light on the role of political elites in maintaining dominance. By occupying influential positions within government and other institutions, these elites can shape policies and societal norms to their advantage, often at the expense of less powerful groups. This concentration of power can lead to systemic corruption and the entrenchment of inequality.

Philosophical Perspective

Philosophically, SDT challenges the notion of inherent equality by highlighting the pervasive nature of social hierarchies. In the Kenyan context, this prompts critical reflection on concepts of justice, fairness, and human rights. The existence of entrenched social hierarchies raises questions about the moral and ethical implications of systemic inequality and the responsibilities of individuals and institutions to address these disparities.

Moreover, SDT's emphasis on legitimising myths aligns with philosophical discussions about ideology and false consciousness. In Kenya, cultural narratives that rationalise social hierarchies can be seen as examples of ideologies that perpetuate inequality by influencing individuals' perceptions and acceptance of their social positions.

Conclusion

Applying Social Dominance Theory to Kenya reveals the multifaceted mechanisms through which social hierarchies are established and maintained. By examining the psychological predispositions towards dominance, the political structures that institutionalise inequality, and the philosophical implications of these dynamics, SDT provides a comprehensive lens for understanding and addressing social stratification in Kenya. Recognising these factors is essential for developing strategies aimed at promoting social cohesion and equitable development within the country. Failure to which Kenya will remain stagnant or retrogressive while their neighbouring countries surpass them economically within the East African region.