Decolonising Research: Tackling obstacles and working through challenges
Working Paper No.6
Abstract: This working paper incorporates insights from the University of York’s Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre (IGDC) Decolonising Development Research Podcast series with existing literature to examine the opportunities and challenges of decolonising research. Reflecting the focus of the IGDC, this discussion is presented in terms of development studies but is of value and importance for researchers from any field and at any stage of their careers. While an extensive body of work has already debated the nature and necessity of decolonising research, this paper advances this discussion by focusing on the potential challenges decolonisation can present, grouping these obstacles under the themes of research partnerships, methods, and impact.
Drawing on podcast contributors' first-hand experiences, as well as other case studies, this paper presents a toolkit of considerations researchers can work through to overcome or manage these challenges. Questions addressed include: how can Global North - Global South partnerships be made more equitable? How can non-European cultures be incorporated into research epistemology, theory, and practice? And how can we ensure research serves the interests of Global South societies? This paper provides a valuable resource for those seeking to decolonise their practice and motivates further discussion on the practicalities and challenges of decolonisation.
Published: January 2025
Authors: Joseph Gascoigne, Saba Joshi, Jonathan Ensor and Henrice Altink
Citation: Gascoigne, J., Joshi, S., Ensor, J., Altink, H. ‘Decolonising Research: Tackling obstacles and working through challenges’ Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre Working Paper No. 6, University of York, 2025.
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Access: DOI: https://doi.org/10.15124/j2d6-
