The article, published on July 22, 2026, explores how stereotyping, described as a core aspect of globalisation, contributes to underdevelopment and violence. Globalisation, in this context, is defined as a method of perceiving, evaluating, identifying, or categorising individuals based on their group affiliation rather than their individual merits. This approach, which involves seeing, judging, identifying, or labeling individuals based on their group affiliation instead of their individual merits, has broad consequences in various regions, acting as a significant factor in underdevelopment and violence within communities.
Defining the Problematic 'Globalisation'
Individuals may be disqualified from opportunities, such as employment, based on their political, regional, or religious group affiliation, rather than their individual competence, according to observations within the article. This specific form of globalisation can result in the rejection of competent and honest individuals, allowing mediocrity to prevail. Analysts suggest this contributes significantly to underdevelopment in affected regions, as valuable skills and integrity are overlooked in favor of group identity. Such a system, where individual merit is sidelined, directly impedes progress and fosters an environment ripe for inefficiency.
The article defines this form of globalisation as a "virus," noting its widespread presence at all levels of society. This includes social settings, churches, and political groups, where it is frequently attributed to a fundamental misunderstanding of individuals and groups. The phenomenon, described across various contexts, shows a systemic issue where group identity supersedes individual merit in the distribution of opportunities and recognition. This categorization based on group affiliation, rather than individual achievements or character, is presented as a critical barrier to societal advancement.
Expert Analysis on Group Labeling
Patrice Sabuguheba, a professor sociologist at the University of Burundi, describes a form of globalization where individuals are judged or labeled based on their group affiliation rather than individual merits. "La globalisation c’est cette forme de voir les choses, de juger, d’identifier ou d’étiqueter," Sabuguheba stated, adding that instead of assessing a person by their skills or flaws, they are viewed through their professional group, family, church, region, or political affiliation. He explained that this process generalizes individual shortcomings to an entire family, group, community, region, or ethnicity, creating broad, often inaccurate, perceptions.
Sabuguheba elaborated that when a social group is labeled as a source of conflict or as responsible for societal problems, it can lead to a profound sense of injustice. "Quand vous étiquetez un groupe social comme source de conflit ou pour acteur de tout ce qui ne va pas, le groupe va se sentir lésé et il va faire recours à la justice et lorsqu’ il n’y a pas de justice, bonjour la violence," he said. He further noted that the absence of justice can result in violence, which then hinders development by sidelining competence and other values key for national progress. This cycle of injustice leading to violence, and then to underdevelopment, illustrates the destructive power of such stereotyping.
Anitha Kamariza, a young woman from Bujumbura, observed that groups feeling wronged by negative portrayals often react negatively. Kamariza cited the example of Lumicash agents, who she said are sometimes called thieves by clients for simply applying official transaction fees. This negative portrayal, she explained, can lead to resentment and defensiveness among the agents, noting how everyday interactions can be soured by unfounded accusations. In another instance, she noted that some individuals within churches refuse to marry someone from a different denomination due to differing doctrines or perspectives, demonstrating how group affiliation can dictate even personal life choices.
Historical Echoes in Burundi
Etienne Girukwayo, a Pastor of the Christian Church of Apostles of Kanyosha, stated that this form of globalisation is a "virus" observed at all societal levels, including social settings, churches, and among individuals with differing political affiliations. He attributed this to a mutual misunderstanding among people, where preconceived notions about groups overshadow individual understanding. Girukwayo explained that within churches, some individuals refuse marriage with someone from a different denomination solely because they do not share the same doctrines or perspectives, illustrating how group identity can create barriers even in deeply personal relationships.
Girukwayo also linked this concept to Burundi's past crises. "In the past, Burundi experienced a situation of globalisation, and this pushed people to kill each other, saying that those people are bad or dishonest, even though they had no tangible proof," he said. He emphasised that people are called to coexist in harmony because "they are the same," advocating for unity over divisive group identities. Girukwayo referenced specific historical events, stating, "In 1972, in 1988, in 1993, and 2015, Burundi went through difficult times where globalisation pushed people to kill each other without knowing the reason for this violence." He indicated that in these instances, the phenomenon allegedly fueled inter-ethnic violence, demonstrating its devastating impact on national stability and human lives.
Community Impact and Future Outlook
The form of globalisation that prioritises group affiliation over individual merit can contribute significantly to underdevelopment and violence within communities. This phenomenon manifests when social disagreements hinder collaborative efforts, such as the construction of essential infrastructure. For instance, if groups are unable to work together due to pre-existing labels or stereotypes, critical community projects, like building a bridge, may not proceed. Such breakdowns in cooperation can directly impede development by preventing the implementation of initiatives that would otherwise benefit the entire community. The resulting lack of progress can exacerbate existing tensions, potentially leading to further social fragmentation and conflict, ultimately undermining the well-being and prosperity of the region. This widespread issue notes the urgent need to foster understanding and cooperation based on individual merit rather than divisive group affiliations.
