Decolonising Childhoods in Eastern Africa: Literary and Cultural Representations

This book challenges Eurocentric narratives and presents local voices to re-examine childhood in Eastern Africa, highlighting a differentiated and pluralist nature of the region's childhood experiences. It provides a critical reading of Africanist research on childhood in Eastern Africa, drawing from anthropology and cultural studies, and examining writings from the pre-imperial and colonial periods. The book explores the continuity, tensions, and ruptures of these portrayals in humanitarian, legal, and journalistic discourses, and in postcolonial writings by Eastern African novelists. It is of interest to scholars of African literature, Eastern African history, critical childhood studies, museums, and Africanist epistemologies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 188 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book takes a bold step in dismantling Eurocentric narratives and presents a refreshing perspective by showcasing the local voices of Eastern Africa. It challenges the conventional portrayal of childhood in the region as solely characterized by scarcity and adversity, advocating for a nuanced and diverse understanding of Eastern African childhood. The author adopts a chronological approach, delving into a comprehensive critical analysis of Africanist research on childhood in Eastern Africa. Drawing from a rich tapestry of anthropological and cultural studies, the author skillfully examines writings from the pre-imperial and colonial periods, providing a multi-faceted perspective. As we journey into the contemporary era, the book unveils the intricate interplay of continuity, tensions, and ruptures in these portrayals through humanitarian, legal, and journalistic discourses. Furthermore, it delves into postcolonial writings by Eastern African novelists, shedding light on the evolving narratives and perspectives of childhood in the region.

This book, with its multidisciplinary approach, holds immense appeal to scholars engaged in the study of African literature, Eastern African history, critical childhood studies, museums, and Africanist epistemologies. It offers a profound exploration of the complexities and nuances of Eastern African childhood, challenging preconceived notions and providing a valuable contribution to the field. By embracing a diverse range of sources and perspectives, this book fosters a deeper understanding of the region's rich cultural heritage and contributes to the ongoing dialogue about childhood across different continents.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367703905