HED4805
ASSIGNMENT 03
10 AUGUST
2026
Question 1
Read the given extract titled, “Colonialism, coloniality and post-colonial
Africa: a conceptual framework”, from chapter 7 of the prescribed book
(Seroto, Davids & Wolhuter 2020), and then answer the questions that
follow.
1.Define “colonialism” in your own words.
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, HED4805 ASSIGNMENT 3
Question 1
Read the given extract titled, “Colonialism, coloniality and post-colonial Africa: a
conceptual framework”, from chapter 7 of the prescribed book (Seroto, Davids &
Wolhuter 2020), and then answer the questions that follow.
1.Define “colonialism” in your own words.
Colonialism can be described as a system where one powerful country takes control
over another weaker country or territory. It is not only about ruling politically and
economically, but also about forcing the local people to adopt the culture, language,
and knowledge of the coloniser. As Seroto, Davids, and Wolhuter (2020) explain,
colonialism often rejected African identity and replaced it with European ways of life.
This meant that local traditions and histories were ignored or suppressed. In simple
terms, colonialism is the domination of one nation over another, shaping education,
culture, and society to benefit the coloniser.
Reference
Seroto, J., Davids, N., & Wolhuter, C. (2020). Colonialism, coloniality and post-colonial
Africa: A conceptual framework. In History of Education (Chapter 7). Oxford University
Press.
2.How does Maldonado-Torres explain the concept of coloniality?
Maldonado-Torres explains coloniality as the continuation of colonial patterns even
after formal colonial rule has ended. He distinguishes it from colonialism, which refers to
direct political and economic control by a foreign power. Coloniality, on the other hand,
is about the long-lasting influence of colonial practices in culture, social relations, and
knowledge production. It means that even when countries gain independence, the way
people think, the systems of education, and the structures of society often remain
shaped by colonial ideas. In short, coloniality is the hidden persistence of colonial
domination in everyday life and institutions.
Reference