Date of Award

Spring 2023

Thesis Type

Open Access

Degree Name

Honors Bachelor of Arts

Department

Philosophy

Sponsor

Margaret McLaren

Committee Member

Eric Smaw

Committee Member

Amy Armenia

Abstract

This project seeks to bring postcolonial theory and sociological theory into productive conversation in order to craft a "postcolonial sociology".The discipline of sociology emerged within (and often in service of) Western empire, while postcolonial theory has its origins in anti-colonial struggle. Sociological theory has since developed beyond its narrow imperial focus, but the imperial context of its origins persist in the sociological canon and epistemic approaches. Bringing in a postcolonial critique allows for certain imperial assumptions of the discipline to be brought into question in order to develop a sociology that takes more seriously the role of colonialism as a structuring force in society. The aim of this project is to bring these two divergent perspectives together in order to acknowledge and challenge the coloniality and Eurocentrism of canonical sociological theory, drawing from the contributions of postcolonial theory, in order to articulate the possibilities of a postcolonial sociology.

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