, HMPYC80
ASSIGNMENT 3 2026
DUE 26 OCTOBER 2026
Participatory Research and Decolonised Research Methodologies: A Literature Review on
Empowering Indigenous Communities and Collaborative Knowledge Production
1. Introduction
Research has historically been conducted on indigenous communities rather than with them, often
reinforcing colonial power relations and epistemic hierarchies (Crawford, Mai-Bornu & Landström,
2021:22). The traditional research paradigm positioned indigenous peoples as passive subjects to
be studied, measured, and interpreted by external researchers who controlled the research agenda,
the methods, and the dissemination of findings. In response, decolonised research methodologies
and participatory research approaches have emerged as frameworks that challenge these dynamics
by positioning indigenous communities as active participants and co-creators of knowledge
(Keikelame & Swartz, 2019:2). This literature review analyses how the guiding principles of
participatory research, as outlined by Chubb, Fouché and Strydom (2021:490), align with the goals
of decolonised research methodologies. Specifically, it explores how both approaches seek to
empower indigenous communities and promote collaborative knowledge production. The
discussion begins by defining key concepts, outlining the objectives of decolonised research, and
analysing the contribution of participatory research to empowerment and collaboration.
2. Defining Decolonisation and Participatory Research
2.1 Defining Decolonisation
Decolonisation refers to the process of dismantling colonial structures, ideologies, and practices
that continue to shape knowledge production, research, and governance (Crawford, Mai-Bornu &
Landström, 2021:23). In the context of research, decolonisation involves critically examining and
transforming the ways in which knowledge is generated, validated, and disseminated, particularly
in relation to indigenous and formerly colonised communities. Mbah and Bailey (2022:23) argue
that decolonisation is not merely about replacing Western methodologies with indigenous ones,
but about creating space for multiple ways of knowing and being. It is a political and epistemic
project that seeks to restore indigenous sovereignty, voice, and self-determination in research
processes. Shokane and Masoga (2021:24) further emphasise that decolonisation in the South
African context must address the double-edged sword of colonialism and apartheid, which have
systematically undermined indigenous knowledge systems and practices.
ASSIGNMENT 3 2026
DUE 26 OCTOBER 2026
Participatory Research and Decolonised Research Methodologies: A Literature Review on
Empowering Indigenous Communities and Collaborative Knowledge Production
1. Introduction
Research has historically been conducted on indigenous communities rather than with them, often
reinforcing colonial power relations and epistemic hierarchies (Crawford, Mai-Bornu & Landström,
2021:22). The traditional research paradigm positioned indigenous peoples as passive subjects to
be studied, measured, and interpreted by external researchers who controlled the research agenda,
the methods, and the dissemination of findings. In response, decolonised research methodologies
and participatory research approaches have emerged as frameworks that challenge these dynamics
by positioning indigenous communities as active participants and co-creators of knowledge
(Keikelame & Swartz, 2019:2). This literature review analyses how the guiding principles of
participatory research, as outlined by Chubb, Fouché and Strydom (2021:490), align with the goals
of decolonised research methodologies. Specifically, it explores how both approaches seek to
empower indigenous communities and promote collaborative knowledge production. The
discussion begins by defining key concepts, outlining the objectives of decolonised research, and
analysing the contribution of participatory research to empowerment and collaboration.
2. Defining Decolonisation and Participatory Research
2.1 Defining Decolonisation
Decolonisation refers to the process of dismantling colonial structures, ideologies, and practices
that continue to shape knowledge production, research, and governance (Crawford, Mai-Bornu &
Landström, 2021:23). In the context of research, decolonisation involves critically examining and
transforming the ways in which knowledge is generated, validated, and disseminated, particularly
in relation to indigenous and formerly colonised communities. Mbah and Bailey (2022:23) argue
that decolonisation is not merely about replacing Western methodologies with indigenous ones,
but about creating space for multiple ways of knowing and being. It is a political and epistemic
project that seeks to restore indigenous sovereignty, voice, and self-determination in research
processes. Shokane and Masoga (2021:24) further emphasise that decolonisation in the South
African context must address the double-edged sword of colonialism and apartheid, which have
systematically undermined indigenous knowledge systems and practices.
