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AMBIGUOUS SPACES: THE STRUGGLE OVER AFRICAN IDENTITIES AND URBAN COMMUNITIES IN COLONIAL DOUALA, 1914–45

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 June 2003

LYNN SCHLER
LYNN SCHLER
Affiliation:
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
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Abstract

This article examines the relationship between experiences and the physical and discursive constructions of space in colonial urban settings. African immigrants and the colonial regime imagined Douala's immigrant quarter, New Bell, as an African space but the actual meaning of this classification was highly fluid over time. Colonial ineffectiveness in approaching New Bell was evidenced by half-hearted and flawed surveillance efforts including the failed use of identity cards, informants and pass laws. Residents maintained a sense of autonomy within the space of New Bell, and remained largely ignorant or apathetic toward colonial law within the quarter, ultimately enabling the community to thrive.

Keywords

Camerooncolonialmigrationurbancrime
Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of African History , Volume 44 , Issue 1 , March 2003 , pp. 51 - 72
Copyright
© 2003 Cambridge University Press

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Footnotes

This article is based upon a dissertation written under the direction of Richard Roberts. I would like to thank him for his support and guidance. (Editors' note: we wish to add that Professor Roberts was not involved in the Journal's handling of this article.)