A Decolonial Approach to Educational Research

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Decoloniality Under Aims
Decolonization Under Knowledge
Decolonization in Ethics
Decolonization Within Methodology
Conclusion
Reference List

Introduction

Decolonial research, the study of the impacts of colonialism and its residual repercussions, is gaining prominence. This research seeks to examine the colonial power dynamics that have been sustained via repressive and marginalizing frameworks. Most of Seiffert’s decolonial studies have focused on the issue of authority. He has claimed that examining the processes of colonial power systems is crucial to decolonial research (Syed et al., 2021). He has also emphasized the necessity to tackle the power dynamics of colonialism from all perspectives, including its history, culture, and economics.

Decoloniality Under Aims

Sometimes it is argued that colonialism’s effects on the natural world must be understood to oppose environmental injustice effectively. Christiel and McKinney (2017) have emphasized the importance of decolonial studies in the fight against ecological injustice. In addition, they have highlighted the significance of considering the consequences of colonialism on Indigenous peoples and their access to resources. Overall, decolonial studies have tremendously profited from Seiffert, Seroto, Christiel, and McKinney’s contributions. The distinct perspectives of these experts on this developing issue have shed light on the power dynamics of colonialism, the significance of analyzing diverse colonial experiences, and the environmental impact of colonialism. Decolonial research may address the enduring effects of colonialism and its legacy, providing much-needed insight into how colonialism continues to impact the world today.

Decolonization Under Knowledge

The objective of decolonial research is to demolish and replace traditional knowledge based on colonialism and imperialism. This is an effort to reexamine the mechanisms underlying information creation, dissemination, and absorption. Decolonial research targets abolishing imperialism, colonialism, and neocolonialism by building an inclusive and relevant epistemology for marginalized people or extending literacy possibilities for them (Manganyi-Tawana, 2021). Exploring how colonial and imperial power systems have influenced knowledge creation, diffusion, and consumption is the foundation of decolonial studies.

It can be argued that research into the repercussions of colonialism, imperialism, and neocolonialism must begin with a critical understanding of these legacies and their ongoing influence on the globe today. There likewise exists a slightly different opinion. According to Seroto (2018), decolonial research is “a style of inquiry that attempts to question and disrupt the colonial gaze, which is the dominant framework of knowledge production, dissemination, and consumption” (p. 8). Decolonial research, in her view, is a critical, reflective, and ethical attempt to develop a more inclusive and equitable epistemology by challenging the dominant colonial and imperial understandings of knowledge. In addition, she identifies three central characteristics of decolonial research: (1) a critical analysis of the power dynamics of knowledge production, dissemination, and consumption; (2) an understanding of how colonialism and imperialism shape and are shaped by knowledge; and (3) an investigation of how indigenous and marginalized communities can participate in and contribute to knowledge creation.

Decolonization in Ethics

In the social sciences, the ethical implications of doing research from a decolonial perspective have arisen as a prominent topic of discussion, reflecting the rising relevance of decolonial research. Decolonial research is a method to study that aims to deconstruct colonial power structures, oppressive institutions, and the privileged position of certain types of knowledge over others. It is a technique of inquiry with the objectives of amplifying marginalized voices, challenging conventional thinking, and achieving global equality and justice.

Decolonial research has to be examined comprehensively, noting its potential for social justice and its role in destabilizing and opposing colonial power structures. Decolonial research must explore the link between knowledge and power, namely how the latter is embedded within the former and how the former might be utilized to weaken current power systems. Moreover, decolonial research must be founded on a commitment to social justice and conducted with an understanding of the ethical implications of research for underrepresented and oppressed people.

The concept of decolonial research can be examined by highlighting its potential for questioning and dismantling repressive systems and offering a forum for marginalized groups. Because research may empower and disempower people, Seroto (2018) believes that decolonial research must be conducted ethically and responsibly. According to Seroto, for research to be called decolonial, it must be undertaken with sensitivity to indigenous ways of knowing and doing things and in a manner that facilitates dialogue between researchers and participants.

Some researchers examine how decolonial research may be utilized to undermine and challenge dominant discourses. Moreover, it is examined how these studies can offer a voice to the historically marginalized (Rudolf, 2022). Decolonial research must be conducted mindful of its ethical implications, such as the potential for research to be co-opted by oppressive power structures, the power dynamic between researchers and participants, and the use of language (Manganyi-Tawana, 2021). In addition, they emphasize the need for an open communication channel between researchers and participants in decolonial research and the need to respect indigenous knowledge systems and cultural practices

Decolonization Within Methodology

Decolonial research is an approach to inquiry that aims to undo the adverse effects of colonialism on people, organizations, and society. Initially suggested by Seiffert et al. in 2017, this technique was further modified by Seroto, Christiel and McKinney in 2019; together, they comprehensively explain the fundamental elements of decolonial research. This study will discuss the theoretical foundations, methodological principles, and practical applications of decolonial research as outlined by Seiffert et al., Seroto, and Christiel and McKinney.

The theoretical foundations of decolonial studies are based on the idea that colonialism has perpetuated oppressive and exclusive practices that continue to affect society and institutions. This concept is reflected in the term “epistemic injustice,” which characterizes the unfair advantage granted to certain types of knowledge over others. Decolonial research strives to fight this injustice by promoting research that relies on different knowledge systems, especially those of Indigenous and disadvantaged groups. Anti-colonialism, decolonizing knowledge production, authority sharing, and self-reflexivity are the four pillars of decolonial research.

The purpose of decolonial research’s guiding principles aims to ensure that all participants are treated fairly and respectfully. This involves using open-ended, respectful inquiries, creating a secure environment for participants to express their experiences, and encouraging cooperation between researchers and participants. Seroto, Christiel, and McKinney contend that to do collaborative research and be influenced by the viewpoints of those most impacted by colonialism, it is essential to use participatory techniques and engage with community members.

Implementing the results of decolonial studies is crucial to see genuine change. This may be accomplished via advocacy and policy work to promote systemic change and produce research that is informed by and relevant to the needs of Indigenous and marginalized people. According to Seiffert et al., decolonial research should study inequality and oppression concerns rather than just addressing them. This requires examining how colonial systems perpetuate oppression and how they might be abolished.

Decolonial research is a relatively young field that seeks to deconstruct colonial oppression’s roots. The foundations of decolonial research are diverse knowledge systems and the identification of epistemic injustice. Participatory research, in which researchers and participants collaborate, is fundamental to decolonial research theories. Putting decolonial knowledge into practice requires tackling the root causes of inequality and oppression via advocacy and legislative action.

Conclusion

In conclusion, decolonial research is an indispensable and indispensable means of producing, sharing, and using knowledge while following ethical norms. By locating itself in a study of the historical and present legacies of colonialism, imperialism, and neocolonialism, it questions the dominant colonial and imperial understandings of knowledge and advocates for a more inclusive and equitable epistemology. In addition, as a reflection, it is necessary to note the personal importance of this research format for many members of marginalized communities. People whose ancestors suffered from the processes of colonization also deserve the recognition of this fact by the rest of us. Taking such characteristics into account in research also implies the decolonization of a society that is, in many ways, not yet free of prejudice.

Reference List

Manganyi-Tawana, A. K. (2021) Breathing Coloniality: An ethnographic case study of language and literacy ideologies and colonial power relations in the positioning and development of 1st generation black children’s learning experiences in and outside school contexts. School of Education. Web.

Rudolf, B. (2022) WATCH: Decolonising academia: Creating alternative methodologies, Sacred Footsteps. Web.

Seroto, J. (2018) “Dynamics of decoloniality in South Africa: A critique of the history of Swiss Mission education for indigenous people,” Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae (SHE), 44(3).

Syed, M. and McLean, K. C. (2021) “Master narrative methodology: A primer for conducting structural-psychological research,” Cultural diversity & ethnic minority psychology.

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