Between socialism and neo-liberalism: Mafia Island, Tanzania, 1965-2004

This article considers local perceptions of changes which have taken place on Mafia Island, Coast Region, Tanzania over a period of 40 years during which the state has moved from a policy of socialism to one of neo-liberalism. It begins by examining the apparent paradox that, while Tanzania has won plaudits from multilateral agencies for its economic policies, many ordinary people on Mafia consider that their well-being has actually worsened. The paper examines people's perceptions of equality, inequality and poverty, with particular emphasis on the comparisons made between previous eras and the present, and between themselves and various others, as well as their views of their entitlements both as citizens and human beings.