In the cities of the south, the car remains the ideal mode in all social classes. Nevertheless, in Sub-Saharan Africa more than in other geographical regions, its high purchase price and running costs, makes it a mode reserved for the well-off. Through a secondary analysis of quantitative surveys carried out amongst households in the following two Sahelian capitals, socioeconomically contrasting users and distinct ways of car use are identified: Bamako (Mali) and Ouagadougou (Bourkina Fassa). Both dimensions help to legitimate the ambiguous idea about the car: even if it is strongly monopolised by its owner, other people (family members, friends or colleagues) not owning a car, may use it as passengers. (A) The English title of the paper is: "The everyday car : contrasting realities, shared dream."
Abstract