What does this research mean for the field?

Kinesthetic activities and the cultural practice of utu among Mijikenda acrobats generate solidarity and self-confidence that enable them to build viable livelihoods and support networks despite systemic socioeconomic marginalization. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To examine how kinesthetic training, performance, and the indigenous concept of utu enable marginalized Mijikenda acrobats to develop viable livelihoods.

September 5, 2026African Studies ReviewOpen Access

Economic Activities and the Practice of Utu Among Kenya’s Mijikenda Acrobats

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Authors

NBNina Berman

Discussion

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Overview

Ethnographic research demonstrates how cultural utu practices foster economic solidarity among Mijikenda acrobats, highlighting how informal networks sustain marginalized livelihoods.

Key Points

To examine how kinesthetic training, performance, and the indigenous concept of utu enable marginalized Mijikenda acrobats to develop viable livelihoods.
Ethnographic fieldwork conducted among Mijikenda acrobats in Kenya, analyzing physical training routines, artistic performances, and community support structures.
Kinesthetic activities and adherence to utu generate strong interpersonal solidarity and self-confidence, enabling acrobats to launch both collective and individual economic enterprises.
Acrobats successfully pursue diverse income-generating activities across the creative sector and broader local markets, mitigating systemic barriers related to limited schooling and poverty.
Sociocultural practices create durable, dignified, though inherently fragile, mutual support networks that sustain vulnerable young performers.

Cite This Study

Nina Berman (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a9bd4346b95aff0620ebb97 https://doi.org/10.1017/asr.2026.10309

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September 5, 2026African Studies ReviewOpen Access

Economic Activities and the Practice of Utu Among Kenya’s Mijikenda Acrobats

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

NBNina Berman

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

Ethnographic research demonstrates how cultural utu practices foster economic solidarity among Mijikenda acrobats, highlighting how informal networks sustain marginalized livelihoods.

Key Points

To examine how kinesthetic training, performance, and the indigenous concept of utu enable marginalized Mijikenda acrobats to develop viable livelihoods.
Ethnographic fieldwork conducted among Mijikenda acrobats in Kenya, analyzing physical training routines, artistic performances, and community support structures.
Kinesthetic activities and adherence to utu generate strong interpersonal solidarity and self-confidence, enabling acrobats to launch both collective and individual economic enterprises.
Acrobats successfully pursue diverse income-generating activities across the creative sector and broader local markets, mitigating systemic barriers related to limited schooling and poverty.
Sociocultural practices create durable, dignified, though inherently fragile, mutual support networks that sustain vulnerable young performers.

Cite This Study

Nina Berman (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a9bd4346b95aff0620ebb97 https://doi.org/10.1017/asr.2026.10309

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