ABSTRACT
Most research about the Maasai of Kenya has mainly focused on their culture as the culprit behind their continued dismal situation. Culture is especially blamed for the Maasai’s socioeconomic position, which remains well below most other Kenyan ethnic groups in all economic development indicators. Yet other explanatory factors for their situation exist. This chapter reveals the social and historic complexities involved in explaining why members of this marginalized and minoritized ethnic group still struggle attain elite positions.
