Decolonising participatory research: can Ubuntu philosophy contribute something?
Marovah T. Mutanga O.
2024Routledge
International Journal of Social Research Methodology
2024#27Issue 5501 - 516 pp.
This paper investigates the potential of Ubuntu philosophy for decolonising Participatory Research (PR) in the Global South, addressing power imbalances and research process challenges. Despite PRs focus on community involvement, it can perpetuate practices contradicting its principles, hence the rise of decolonising research for fair, respectful researcher-community relationships and meaningful community knowledge. The central question is, How can Ubuntu serve as a tool for decolonising PR in the Global South? Drawing from decolonisation, PR, and Ubuntu literature, we offer a novel perspective on applying Ubuntu in PR. The study demonstrates how Ubuntu promotes social change and justice, challenges Western knowledge universality, and empowers marginalised Global South communities via democratic, participatory platforms. We provide theoretical insights and practical suggestions for PR stakeholders, asserting that Ubuntu adoption can foster equitable, inclusive practices benefiting communities. The paper also invites further examination of indigenous philosophies in decolonising research, enriching knowledge production in the Global South and globally marginalised communities.
decolonising , disability , global south , indigenous , participatory research , social justice , Ubuntu
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Open Distance Learning Research Unit, College of Education, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
Faculty of Education, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe
Graduate School of Education, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
Open Distance Learning Research Unit
Faculty of Education
Graduate School of Education
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