Decolonize what? The contentious terrain of reforming social sciences

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Editor's note: In recent years, there is enormous interest in the slogan of decolonization in the social sciences. Almost every section of academia and activism—who are otherwise viscerally opposed to each other—is demanding decolonization. So, what is decolonization? If so many opposing groups come together to make the same demand, it must surely be a contentious matter. In my view, the project of decolonizing social sciences is welcome and long overdue. However, I will argue in this newsletter that a meaningful project on decolonization must place an alternative on the table with political and ideological clarity. There are several strands in the ongoing conversation on the topic. None is conclusive. First, it is argued that the very edifice of modern social sciences—i.e., in terms of its philosophy—is derived from the West. The primary blame is placed on the European enlightenment project of the 17th and 18th centuries, which is portrayed as racist. The enlightenment was uncritically accepted as a theoretical turning point in the social sciences. According to some scholars, the enlightenment legitimized and furthered colonialism. Also, the “white man’s burden” or …