Ubuntu/Harambee in Namibia and Kenya: How Emerging Adults Live a Traditional African Concept

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 the concepts of ubuntu/harambee in two sub-Saharan African countries, Namibia, and Kenya. A cultural-developmental psychology approach was used to gain in-depth emic understanding of this traditional African concept. Ubuntu/harambee is a moral ideal that involves feeling and acting humanely towards others. Most literature on ubuntu/harambee has been theoretical rather than empirical, and little is known about the extent to which it describes the worldview and experiences of emerging adults. In the present interview study, Namibian and Kenyan emerging adults (ages 18-20, N = 23) described in detail their views of values and behaviors related to ubuntu/harambee and the extent to which they identify with this traditional African ideal. Four themes developed using reflexive thematic analysis convey both positive and critical views: I am because I am connected; Together we do better; Following and passing on traditions; and Costs of community—freeloaders and lack of freedom. Findings support the theoretical literature on ubuntu/harambee while contributing the perspective of a new generation, coming of age into a mix of tradition and globalization. The participants identify strongly with ubuntu/harambee values and practice them in old and new ways. They also sometimes desire more individual autonomy in the realms of education and spirituality. This empirical study on ubuntu/harambee among emerging adults offers insights into the lived experience of a worldview of ongoing and pervasive importance in this region.