Decolonizing the Language of Political Science
The field of political science has long been dominated by Eurocentric theories and frameworks, leading to the marginalization of alternative epistemologies and worldviews from the Global South, particularly Africa. As scholars grapple with the limitations of applying Western concepts to African contexts, there is a growing recognition of the need to decolonize the field by incorporating non-Western philosophies and theories that capture the diverse range of political experiences worldwide.
Political science in Africa has a relatively recent history. Political scientists began to take notice of the continent in the early 1950s, a period that coincided with the rise of nationalism and spirited calls for independence from colonial powers. As Africa buzzed with the excitement of newfound freedom, political scientists became increasingly optimistic about Africa’s political future. However, this optimism often overshadowed any consideration of the challenges that could arise post-independence.
Post-independence, African societies became the new frontier for political scientists. Yet, as they set their gaze upon this vast and diverse continent, they did so through a lens crafted far from the shores of Africa. Their conceptual toolkit, honed through years of study in the halls of American and European academia, seemed a natural fit. Terms like ‘social contract theory,’ ‘classical liberalism,’ and ‘modernization theory’ were the tools of their trade, borrowed from a landscape where popularly elected governments had long held sway. For these scholars, the familiarity bred by generations of analysing Western political institutions lent an air of universality to their scholarship. It was as if these concepts were as applicable in the heart of Africa as they were in the capitals of Europe or North America, where they were forged. Therefore, armed with these terminologies, such scholars ventured into the African political scene, seeking to apply Euro-centric concepts wholesale to African socio-political and linguistic contexts, scarcely pausing to consider the nuances and intricacies that might require adaptation. As a result, these imported concepts and theories lacked organic connection to African realities. After all, how can ideas forged in the crucible of Western political thought truly resonate in a vastly different cultural and socio-political landscape?
In their quest for universal Truths with a capital ‘T’, Western political scientists risk overlooking the unique political concerns and aspirations of African countries. By tethering themselves so tightly to Western frameworks and theories, they inadvertently limit their ability to develop truly inclusive and comprehensive understandings of politics in all its diverse forms...
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