CMY3709
Assignment 1
Semester 1
Due 18 March 2026
, Decolonised Research and Considerations for Applying Decolonised Indigenous
Research
1. Introduction
For a long time, research in the social sciences was shaped mainly by European
worldviews. These approaches often treated Western knowledge as universal and
superior, while sidelining indigenous knowledge systems. In the African context,
colonisation and apartheid did more than take land and political power. They disrupted
languages, spiritual systems, family structures and ways of producing knowledge.
Indigenous people were often positioned as research subjects rather than knowledge
holders.
In response, scholars have argued for research approaches that centre indigenous
realities, values and epistemologies. Decolonised research seeks to correct historical
imbalances by recognising that knowledge is socially located and shaped by power
(Smith, 2012). It is not only about changing methods but about transforming the
relationship between the researcher, the researched and knowledge production itself.
2. Definition of Key Concepts
2.1 Colonisation
Colonisation refers to the process through which foreign powers take control of land,
resources and governance systems of another people, often imposing their culture,
language and worldview. In Africa, colonisation resulted in the marginalisation of
indigenous knowledge systems and the privileging of Western science and education
(Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, 1986). For example, African healing practices were dismissed as
superstition while Western medicine was institutionalised as legitimate knowledge.
2.2 Decolonisation
Decolonisation involves dismantling colonial structures of power, knowledge and
representation. It goes beyond political independence and includes restoring indigenous
epistemologies and identities. In research, decolonisation challenges the assumption
Assignment 1
Semester 1
Due 18 March 2026
, Decolonised Research and Considerations for Applying Decolonised Indigenous
Research
1. Introduction
For a long time, research in the social sciences was shaped mainly by European
worldviews. These approaches often treated Western knowledge as universal and
superior, while sidelining indigenous knowledge systems. In the African context,
colonisation and apartheid did more than take land and political power. They disrupted
languages, spiritual systems, family structures and ways of producing knowledge.
Indigenous people were often positioned as research subjects rather than knowledge
holders.
In response, scholars have argued for research approaches that centre indigenous
realities, values and epistemologies. Decolonised research seeks to correct historical
imbalances by recognising that knowledge is socially located and shaped by power
(Smith, 2012). It is not only about changing methods but about transforming the
relationship between the researcher, the researched and knowledge production itself.
2. Definition of Key Concepts
2.1 Colonisation
Colonisation refers to the process through which foreign powers take control of land,
resources and governance systems of another people, often imposing their culture,
language and worldview. In Africa, colonisation resulted in the marginalisation of
indigenous knowledge systems and the privileging of Western science and education
(Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, 1986). For example, African healing practices were dismissed as
superstition while Western medicine was institutionalised as legitimate knowledge.
2.2 Decolonisation
Decolonisation involves dismantling colonial structures of power, knowledge and
representation. It goes beyond political independence and includes restoring indigenous
epistemologies and identities. In research, decolonisation challenges the assumption
