ANTH/SOC 205 - Thomas

Decolonization is the undoing of colonialism, the process by which a nation has established and maintained its domination of another territory. The decolonization movement has expanded to examine how groups not only reclaim their independence politically, but also the gradual reclaiming of their culture, rights, education systems, and other freedoms through restorative justice, reparations, for example. 

Left Photo: Black Star Square, also known as Independence Square, built to commemorate Ghana's independence from the British in 1957.

Right Photo: Independence monument in Cambodia commemorating independence from French rule in 1953.

Common elements include:

• Recognition of colonial histories and damages done
• Restorative justice over punitive justice, especially towards indigenous and exploited peoples
• Exploring reparations through land transfers, independent home rule, restoration of artifacts and cultural items
• Learning from indigenous populations and recognition of contributions to knowledge and education previously ignored
• Exploring the implications of language, including the misnaming or erasure of names, the use of derogatory language, examining humor and literature for reinforcement of colonial attitudes and ideas

Click here to read more about the decolonization movement.

CSN Librarian, Rebecca Blunk, has created a useful library guide with resources to help the CSN Community better understand what decolonizing means within the context of education. Please visit the link below to find book recommendations, publications, websites, and more:

Decolonizing the Curriculum Guide