Facing Two Ways explores the interaction between European and African cultures within the setting of Ghana's main coastal communities. Roger S. Gocking focuses on the emergence of a distinctive ethno-cultural constellation that arose from the interaction between African and European cultures and between African cultures in the heterogeneous social setting of the coast. He recognizes nationalism as the most visible, but not necessarily the most important feature of life in coastal Africa from the late nineteenth century through the 1940's. Instead, Gocking emphasizes local initiatives in shaping African reactions to the colonial situation, including the policies of the mission churches, the operation of the judicial system, political life, and the institution of the family. He also discusses the escalation of cross fertilization of African cultures, known as the "Akanization" of the Southern Ghana area indirectly caused by colonialism.

About the Author
Roger S. Gocking is Associate Professor and Chairman of the Third World Studies Committee in the Department of Civic and Cultural Studies at Mercy College.

Reviews
This is a very valuable contribution to knowledge and is enlivened by a series of wonderful photographs, many of which have been published for the first time. * International Journal of African Historical Studies *
This book will primarily interest specialists in Senegambian history, who will find interesting data on agriculture, craft production, slavery, and the famine of 1913-14. * International Journal of African Historical Studies *
...this book is warmly recommended to anyone with an interest in the history, and especially the Western representation, of this still-troubled and troubling land. * International Journal of African Historical Studies *
Gocking's dynamic portrayal of coastal society deepens the understanding of the conflicts and compromises that together made colonial Ghana. It is an essential addition to all college and university libraries. * CHOICE *
Gocking's dynamic portrayal of coastal society deepens the understanding of the conflicts and compromises that together made colonial Ghana. It is an essential addition to all college and university libraries. * CHOICE *
This is a very valuable contribution to knowledge and is enlivened by a series of wonderful photographs, many of which have been published for the first time. * International Journal of African Historical Studies *
This book will primarily interest specialists in Senegambian history, who will find interesting data on agriculture, craft production, slavery, and the famine of 1913-14. * International Journal of African Historical Studies *
...this book is warmly recommended to anyone with an interest in the history, and especially the Western representation, of this still-troubled and troubling land. * International Journal of African Historical Studies *



Book Information
ISBN 9780761813545
Author Roger S. Gocking
Format Hardback
Page Count 328
Imprint University Press of America
Publisher University Press of America
Weight(grams) 574g
Dimensions(mm) 239mm * 161mm * 23mm