Decolonizing Methodologies | The Socjournal

To the colonized, the term ‘research’ is conflated with European colonialism; the ways in which academic research has been implicated in the throes of imperialism remains a painful memory. This essential volume explores intersections of imperialism and research – specifically, the ways in which imperialism is embedded in disciplines of knowledge and tradition as ‘regimes of truth.’ Concepts such as ‘discovery’ and ‘claiming’ are discussed and an argument presented that the decolonization of research methods will help to reclaim control over indigenous ways of knowing and being

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Linda Tuhiwai Smith’s great mana again confers on us knowledge to work with and think through by consolidating and extending the work of the first edition of Decolonizing Methodologies. She equips indigenous scholars with a series of methodological and political strategies for developing research that is enabling and empowering. Emerging scholars who want to link their research to pursuits for indigenous sovereign justice will be inspired by the way Tuhiwai Smith discusses and examines the metaphorical terrain of struggle that shapes and informs indigenous research. More than anything this book provides an understanding of why indigenous methodologies and research matters.’

Professor Aileen Moreton-Robinson, Indigenous Studies Research Network, Queensland University of Technology, and Deputy Chair, Indigenous Higher Education Advisory Council

‘Thirteen years of influence later, with updates and additional chapters, the second edition will secure and expand the place of this book as a classic in articulating the field of indigenous methodologies, “talking back” to imperialist research and building capacity in indigenous communities.’

Professor Patti Lather, Ohio State University

‘In its first edition, Decolonizing Methodologies claimed space for Indigenous research through critiquing western knowledge creation as a monocultural enterprise and by affirming Indigenous knowledge systems in research practice. In its second edition, Linda Tuhiwai Smith, the preeminent voice in decolonizing research, considers the current landscape of Indigenous research — its complexities, intersections, and transformative potential — from the position of someone who has been there. Decolonizing Methodologies remains persuasive, evocative, and enduring.’

Margaret Kovach, Assistant Professor, Educational Foundations/Educational Administration, University of Saskatchewan

‘Linda Tuhiwai Smith encourages and challenges those involved in indigenous research to “get the story right and tell the story well”.  In this revised edition of Decolonizing Methodologies, Smith shows us how to get the story right and how to tell it well in thoughtful, thought-provoking, and inspiring ways. Indigenous research demands no less.’

Jo-ann Archibald, Associate Dean for Indigenous Education, University of British Columbia

To the colonized, the term ‘research’ is conflated with European colonialism; the ways in which academic research has been implicated in the throes of imperialism remains a painful memory. This essential volume explores intersections of imperialism and research – specifically, the ways in which imperialism is embedded in disciplines of knowledge and tradition as ‘regimes of truth.’ Concepts such as ‘discovery’ and ‘claiming’ are discussed and an argument presented that the decolonization of research methods will help to reclaim control over indigenous ways of knowing and being.

Now in its eagerly awaited second edition, this bestselling book has been substantially revised, with new case-studies and examples and important additions on new indigenous literature, the role of research in indigenous struggles for social justice, which brings this essential volume urgently up-to-date.

Decolonising Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples
by Linda Tuhiwai Smith is published by
Zed Books,

priced £18.99/$34.95, ISBN 9781848139503.

For more information or to request a review copy please contact Ruvani de Silva on 020 7837 8466 or [email protected].