THE VALUE OF RELIGIOUS SOCIAL CAPITAL IN THE RE- PUBLIC OF NIGER AND NIGERIA: A SOCIOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This article examines the value of religious social capital in both the Republic of Niger and Nigeria. More specifically, it analyses the role of Islam in social cohesion, peace, and politics. The emphasis in this context on religious associations and leaders as well as the various activities they conduct. Through qualitative analysis of historical records, the paper examines these activities and their impacts on social groups in both Niger and Nigeria, as well as the extension of social networks and interactions. This analysis also draws comparisons to other African contexts, to underscore the broader implications of religious social capital in advancing peace and development. The study demonstrates the interplay between Islamic practice and developmental outcomes, showcasing how Islam extends beyond religion to become an integral aspect of cultural identity in Niger and northern Nigeria. The findings suggest that Islam is a unifying force, deeply embedded in the societal fabric, and one of the rare values on which significant consensus exists among Nigeriens and Nigerians.

Keywords

• Social Capital
• Social Cohesion
• Religious Associations
• Islam
• Republic of Niger
• Nigeria

NİJER CUMHURİYETİ VE NİJERYA’DA DİNİ SOSYAL SERMAYE- NİN DEĞERİ: SOSYOLOJİK VE TARİHSEL BİR PERSPEKTİF

Abstract

Bu çalışma hem Nijer Cumhuriyeti hem de Nijerya’da dini sosyal sermayenin değerini incelemektedir. Daha spesifik olarak, İslam’ın sosyal uyum, barış ve siyasetteki rolünü analiz etmektedir. Bu bağlamda, dini dernekler ve liderler ile onların yürüttüğü çeşitli faaliyetlere vurgu yapılmaktadır. Tarihi kayıtların nitel analizine dayanarak, bu makale bu faaliyetleri hem Nijer hem de Nijerya’daki sosyal gruplar üzerindeki etkilerini ve sosyal ağların ve etkileşimlerin genişlemesini incelemektedir. Çalışma ayrıca, diğer Afrika bağlamlarıyla karşılaştırmalar yaparak, dini sosyal sermayenin barış ve kalkınmayı ilerletmedeki daha geniş etkilerini vurgulamaktadır. Çalışma, İslami uygulamalar ile kalkınma sonuçları arasındaki etkileşimi ortaya koyarak, İslam’ın yalnızca bir din olmaktan öte, Nijer ve Kuzey Nijerya’da kültürel kimliğin ayrılmaz bir parçası haline geldiğini göstermektedir. Bulgular, İslam’ın toplumsal yapıya derinlemesine yerleşmiş birleştirici bir güç olduğunu ve Nijerliler ile Nijeryalılar arasında fikir birliği sağlanan nadir değerlerden biri olduğunu öne sürmektedir.

Keywords

• Sosyal Sermaye
• Sosyal Uyum
• Dini Dernekler
• İslam
• Nijer Cumhuriyeti
• Nijerya

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