Psychology
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Psychology in Africa often relies on Euro-American theories, despite their limitations in African cultures. Here, a shift to an Afrocentric perspective was made by exploring Ubuntu in two sub-Saharan African countries using a cultural-developmental psychology approach for in-depth emic understanding. Ubuntu (also known as botho, etc.) is a moral ideal that at core means placing a higher importance on the community than on oneself. Most literature on this important African concept has been theoretical rather than empirical, and little is known about how well it describes contemporary worldviews and experiences of emerging adults. In this interview study, Namibian and Kenyan emerging adults (ages 18–20 years, N = 23) shared their views on, identification with, and behaviors shaped by Ubuntu values. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to develop four themes that convey the advantages and disadvantages described: I am because I am connected; Together we do better; Following and passing on traditions; and Costs of community—freeloaders and restrictions. Findings support the theoretical literature on Ubuntu while contributing the voices of a new generation, coming of age into a mix of tradition and globalization. Participants identified strongly with Ubuntu values and practiced them in old and new ways. They also sometimes desired more autonomy in the realms of education and spirituality. This empirical study on Ubuntu offers insights into the lived experience of a philosophy and values of ongoing importance in the African region and sets the stage for a research agenda to integrate this important construct into cross-cultural psychology.
Publication Title
Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology
Publication Date
2025
ISSN
1552-5422
DOI
10.1177/00220221241309863
Keywords
cultural psychology, sub-Saharan Africa, Ubuntu, emerging adulthood, Namibia, Kenya, African psychology, values, African communalism, cultural-developmental approach
Repository Citation
Rotzinger, Julia S.; Jensen, Lene Arnett; and Thalmeyer, Amber Gayle, "Ubuntu in Namibia and Kenya: How Emerging Adults Live an Essential African Value Today" (2025). Psychology. 942.
https://commons.clarku.edu/faculty_psychology/942
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Copyright Conditions
Rotzinger, J. S., Jensen, L. A., & Thalmayer, A. G. (2025). Ubuntu in Namibia and Kenya: How Emerging Adults Live an Essential African Value Today. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 00220221241309863.
