Originally published in 1957 this volume deals with the issue of large scale immigration into Freetown, Sierra Leone from the rural areas in the 1950s and the problems which arose as a result. It analyzes the way traditional social systems had to adjust to the demands of urban life and charts the growth of Freetown from its foundation in the 18th Century. The ethnic composition of its population and the character of the rural districts from which the migrants come are also discussed, along with the motives for migration, the nature of housing and employment.
Part 1: The Growth of Freetown
1. Tribal Settlements in a Creole City
2. Problems of Administration
Part 2: Internal Migration
3. The Background to Rural Emigration
4. Migration and Employment Part 3: Urban Structure and Tribal Institutions
5. Freetown's Population
6. Ethnic Groups and their Relations
7. Tribal Groups and Religious Alignments
8. Tribal Headmen
9. Young Men's Companies Among the Temne
10. Other Voluntary Associations
11. The Household
12. Summary and Conclusions
Appendices: 1. 'Rules for Alimamies of Alien Tribes in Freetown' Made Between 1888 and 1892
2. Texts of Selected Temne Company Songs
Biography
Michael Banton was Lecturer, and subsequently Reader, in Social Anthropology, University of Edinburgh, 1954-65, and professor of Sociology, University of Bristol, 1965-92. He was President of the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland 1987-89, and President of the Sociology section, (1970-71) and the Anthropology section, (1985 - 86) within the British Association for the Advancement of Science.