Policy of Association

What is the Policy of Association?

The Policy of Association was the second policy of the French Colonial Administration which recognized and preserved the identity, traditions, institutions, religions, customs, and way of life of the people within the French empire. This policy was emphasized by the French between 1920-1945.

Why Policy of Association Was Adopted?

(i) The high cost of the policy of assimilationAssimilation policies are based on the idea that immigrants should adopt the language, customs, and values of the national majorities, and abandon their own cultural heritage. More discouraged the continuation of the policy.

(ii) The assimilated elites kicked against the obnoxious policy of assimilation1. the process of taking in and fully understanding information or ideas. 2. the absorption and digestion of food or nutrients by the body or any biological system. More.

(iii) The rise to power of General Charles De Gaulle facilitated the replacement of the policy of assimilation with the policy of association as this policy recognized African culture and their participation in administration under the French empire.

(iv) French Scholars felt it was bad to impose their culture and way of life on other people with their own distinct culture and tradition.

(v) Assimilation policy was highly discriminatory so there was a need for change.

Features of Policy of Association:

(i) Abolition of dual citizenship. Africans were no longer divided as citizens and subjects.

(ii) African culture, Identity, tradition, native law and religion were recognized and preserved.

(iii) Education was thrown open to all. It was no longer restricted to the children of the chiefs and inhabitants of the four communesa group of people living together and sharing possessions and responsibilities. More.

(iv) Obnoxious Policies of IndigénatThis policy stated that West Africans could be arrested and detained for two years without trial by the French administrators. It was an obnoxious policy that received world condemnation. Indigénat is... More, forced labour, and compulsory Military Service were abolished.

(v) Local and National Assemblies were established in each of the colonies.

(vi) Political activities thrived. Political parties were formed.

(vii) Greater Political autonomyAutonomy is the control or government of a country, organization, or group by itself rather than by others. More was granted to the territories to develop at their own pace.

(viii) Traditional rulers were granted limited political powers in line with their tradition.