Title: The Challenge of Globalization and Modernity on the Socio-Cultural Life of the Shambala People of Tanzania

Authors: Eberhardt Ngugi

University of Iringa, Iringa, P.O. Box 200 Iringa Tanzania.

*Correspondence: eberhardt.ngugi@yahoo.com

Abstract

This article sets out to demonstrate that before the advent of globalization and modernity, the Shambala people of Tanzania had their own customs, norms, values, and cultural teachings from their ancestors which had a rich cultural heritage used to teach younger people their history and expected behaviour when are adult members of the tribe. However, the impact of globalization is demonstrated in a situation where the socio-cultural organization of Shambala that used to bind members together was weakened by the forces of globalization inculcating the ideology for universal religion, and permeating African customs, norms and value, and changing the cultural thinking of Africans towards western perspectives. The article employed a library research methodology plus my own experience as a Shambala. The findings have demonstrated that some women today in the Shambala community are half-dressed something which prior to modernism was abhorred. On the other hand, teenage pregnancies are on the rise while their male counterparts braid their hair, put on earrings, and nose rings and wear torn clothes all in the name of fashion and Western civilization. Morals and values which were important in preserving their cultural identity unfortunately have been eroded and in their place, nothing has been replaced. In conclusion, the Shambala cannot escape the consequences of globalization as long as there are interactions among nations. The Article recommends that the Shambala protects what they value most and get the best out of globalization. Besides, they should maintain their socio-cultural life as well as enhance the national boundary and sovereignty so as to meet the challenge of globalization.

Keywords: African culture, Cultural erosion, Cultural identity, Cultural integration, Globalization.