Abdoulaye Kane, PhD

Associate Professor

Cultural Anthropology

Abdoulaye Kane is an Associate Professor of Anthropology and African Studies at the University of Florida, specializing in transnational migration, religious and social networks across borders, and the digital connections that link migrants to their home communities. His research uses multi-sited, longitudinal ethnographic methods to examine the transnational practices of Senegalese migrants across Africa, Europe, and the United States, following communities between the Senegal River Valley and their destinations abroad to document how mobility, social networks, and migrant practices evolve over time. Dr. Kane holds a joint appointment in Anthropology and the Center for African Studies and is a member of the UF Sahel Research Group, where he collaborates with colleagues on research, workshops, and publications.

Areas of Specialization

  • Transnational Migration
  • Social and Religious Network
  • Digital Connections

Courses Taught

List of courses taught, including title and how often each is offered.
Course Title Frequency
ANT 2410 - Intro to Cultural Anthropology As Needed
ANT 3241 - Anthropology of Religion Annually
ANT 4354/ANG 5354 - Anthropology of Modern Africa Annually
ANG 6475 - Migration and Borders Annually
ANG 6930 - Diasporas of Africa As Needed

Education

  • Ph.D. Sociology, University of Amsterdam, 2001
  • Masters in Sociology, University Gaston Berger (St-Louis, Senegal), 1995

Publications & Profiles

Publications (ORCiD)
Personal Website

Featured Research

Religious Networks as Dynamic Circuits Shaped by Migration, Pilgrimage and Ritual Practices
This article shows how religious mobility, ritual practice, and diaspora participation create a transnational Tijani space that links Mbour, Fez, and Mantes‑la‑Jolie. These movements reinforce spiritual authority, sustain community cohesion across continents, and illustrate how religious networks operate as dynamic circuits shaped by migration, pilgrimage, and shared ritual life.
Photograph shows three men seated closely together in a richly decorated room, with two wearing traditional cream-colored robes and turbans. Intricate blue-and-white geometric tilework covers wall behind them, while patterned cushions and carpet reinforce a rich cultural setting.
Abdoulaye sealing a pact of friendship with a Mauritanian Scholar (in the middle) and his Moroccan host (on the right), Photo from A Kane
Kane, A. (2026). Circuit and movement in religious transnationalism: a Tijani community between Mbour (Senegal), Fez (Morocco) and Mantes-la-Jolie (France)., Canadian Journal of African Studies, 60(1), 175–194. 10.1080/00083968.2025.2611750