THE PEOPLE'S ROLE: MASS SUBJECTIVITY IN SHAPING THE UJAMAA MOVEMENT NARRATIVE

Abstract

The Ujamaa movement, deeply entrenched in the traditional African communal ethos, sought to establish Ujamaa villages in rural landscapes, alongside nationalization efforts and urban reforms. Anchored in principles of equality, self-determination, and local self-governance, Ujamaa villages were envisioned as bastions of communal living and cooperation. While existing research has extensively examined the theoretical foundations, practical implementations, and overarching influences of the Ujamaa movement, there remains a notable gap concerning the active participation and collective subjectivity of the masses in this transformative endeavor. This paper adopts a historical materialist perspective to unravel the dynamic interplay between the Ujamaa movement and mass subjectivity, providing insights into how the collective consciousness of the masses played a pivotal role in shaping its trajectory. The Ujamaa movement unfolded against the backdrop of a changing socio-political landscape, with an emphasis on rural development and self-governance. However, the role of mass subjectivity in contributing to the movement's evolution has been relatively underexplored. This paper bridges this gap by delving into historical materialism, offering a nuanced understanding of the active involvement and collective consciousness of the masses within the Ujamaa movement. It highlights the intricate interplay between the aspirations of the masses and the ideological underpinnings of African socialism.