1. The Sociocultural Constructs Of Secular Time And Labour Among The Christian Farmers Of Tigray, Ethiopia.
- Author
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Haile, Gezae
- Abstract
This study investigates the sociocultural constructs of secular time and labor as perceived by Christian farmers in rural Tigray, Ethiopia. The central objective is to uncover the factors that influence these farmers' heritage value orientations and attitudes towards secular time and labor. A combination of structured and unstructured interviews, focus group discussions, and observational methods were employed to collect data. The data were systematically analyzed through both qualitative and quantitative lenses. The findings indicate that Christian farmers in the study area hold a modest esteem for labor and the judicious use of time for secular ends. Furthermore, it is evident that their secular outlook is deeply intertwined with their broader heritage life philosophy. These farmers prioritize "the afterlife" over the present, leading to a diminished existential significance of the "here and now" within their socio-economic framework of time. The research identifies several key factors contributing to the knowledge gap among Christian farmers: the dominant authority of the church, the lack of a robust secular authority, insufficient dissemination of accurate information about the physical world and human capabilities, and a limited understanding of the constraints imposed by ancient heritage myths. Consequently, it is evident that the prevailing sociocultural constructs of time adversely affect the economic productivity and overall livelihoods of the Christian farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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