INDIVIDUAL MODERNIZATION AND PICTORIAL PERCEPTION AMONG THE BAGANDA OF UGANDA

Abstract

This dissertation has attempted to examine individual modernization among the Baganda of Uganda. A distinction has been made between the phenomenal order of an individual’s behavior and the ideational order, including his percepts, concepts propositions and beliefs. The degree to which change in an individual's phenomenal behavior is linked with concomitant change in his covert ideational culture, specifically perception, was examined. Therefore, individuals varying in relative amounts of behavioral exposure to modernity were compared with regard to their relative ability to correctly perceive pictorial content, one form of symbolic, visual perception. Past research has indicated that modern man probably possesses proficiency in symbolic, visual, perceptual skills since modern communicative media and behavioral settings are grounded in literacy and pervaded by visual symbolic representation.