Every Household Its Own Government: The Power Within Our Homes

Imagine living in a world where every household operates as its own government. An intriguing concept, isn't it? In this article, we delve into the empowering idea that each household possesses the power to govern itself and the impact it can have on society as a whole. Let's explore the potential and benefits of every household becoming its own government.

1. Empowering Communities

When every household embraces the idea of self-governance, communities become stronger and more resilient. With every individual taking responsibility for their own home, the overall sense of accountability and active participation increases. People in these communities feel empowered as they have a say in the decisions that directly affect their lives.

Every Household Its Own Government: Improvised Infrastructure, Entrepreneurial Citizens, and the State in Nigeria

by Daniel Jordan Smith (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12465 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	222 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Self-governed households create a culture of collaboration, encouraging neighbors to come together to solve common problems. From organizing local events to managing communal spaces, these micro-governments foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

2. Tailoring Rules to Specific Needs

One of the major advantages of each household having its own government is the ability to tailor rules and regulations to their specific needs. Traditional governments often struggle to create policies that address the unique circumstances of each household. By becoming their own governing body, households can implement rules that reflect their values and priorities.

For example, a household concerned about environmental sustainability could enforce recycling initiatives, install solar panels, or encourage eco-friendly practices. On the other hand, a household with a focus on education could establish strict study routines and allocate dedicated spaces for learning.

3. Efficient Decision-Making Process

Decisions can be made more efficiently when each household acts as its own government. Instead of waiting for a bureaucratic process that can be time-consuming and slow, households can swiftly address and resolve matters that arise.

From financial matters to daily chores, the decision-making process becomes streamlined when the power lies within the household. This efficiency leads to improved productivity, resulting in more time and resources available for other endeavors.

4. Nurturing Individual Responsibility

When households govern themselves, individuals naturally develop a heightened sense of responsibility. Every member of the household becomes accountable for their actions and contributions to the larger community. This fosters a culture of personal growth and self-discipline.

Children, in particular, benefit greatly from growing up in a household that functions as its own government. They learn the importance of accountability, teamwork, and taking initiative from an early age. These values shape them into responsible citizens who actively participate in society.

5. Transforming the Political Landscape

The concept of every household becoming its own government has the potential to transform the political landscape. Traditional governments may still exist, but with empowered households, the balance of power shifts. The voice of the people becomes stronger, creating a more participatory democracy.

A system where households self-govern can lead to a more engaged citizenry. By starting at the grassroots level, individuals develop political awareness and become active participants in decision-making processes. This can ultimately lead to improved accountability and transparency in larger-scale governments.

Every household having its own government is an intriguing concept that presents numerous opportunities for empowerment and positive change. By embracing the power within our homes, communities can become stronger, more efficient, and adaptable to individual needs.

As we look towards the future, let us consider the potential of self-governing households and the immense impact it can have on society and democracy as a whole. By taking responsibility for our own households, we can shape a world where power resides within the hands of the people - our hands.

Every Household Its Own Government: Improvised Infrastructure, Entrepreneurial Citizens, and the State in Nigeria

by Daniel Jordan Smith (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12465 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	222 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

An up-close account of how Nigerians’ self-reliance in the absence of reliable government services enables official dysfunction to strengthen state power

When Nigerians say that every household is its own local government, what they mean is that the politicians and state institutions of Africa’s richest, most populous country cannot be trusted to ensure even the most basic infrastructure needs of their people. Daniel Jordan Smith traces how innovative entrepreneurs and ordinary citizens in Nigeria have forged their own systems in response to these deficiencies, devising creative solutions in the daily struggle to survive.

Drawing on his three decades of experience in Nigeria, Smith examines the many ways Nigerians across multiple social strata develop technologies, businesses, social networks, political strategies, cultural repertoires, and everyday routines to cope with the constant failure of government infrastructure. He describes how Nigerians provide for basic needs like water, electricity, transportation, security, communication, and education—and how their inventiveness comes with consequences. On the surface, it may appear that their self-reliance and sheer hustle render the state irrelevant. In reality, the state is not so much absent as complicit. Smith shows how private efforts to address infrastructural shortcomings require regular engagement with government officials, shaping the experience of citizenship and strengthening state power.

Every Household Its Own Government reveals how these dealings have contributed to forms and practices of governance that thrive on official dysfunction and perpetuate the very inequalities and injustices that afflict struggling Nigerians.