Decolonizing Civil Society in Mozambique: Governance, Politics and Spiritual Systems

Decolonizing Civil Society in Mozambique challenges Western conceptions of civil society and proposes a new framing of local forms of social action based in traditional structures and spiritual discourses. It outlines new conceptual ideas for an alternative framing of Mozambique's civil society and offers empirical research and policy arguments for rethinking and decolonizing civil society in the Global South.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 23 March 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Decolonizing Civil Society in Mozambique is a groundbreaking book that challenges the Western-centric conceptions of civil society and argues for a more inclusive and equitable approach to understanding societies in the Global South. By demonstrating how these conceptions have provided the framework for interpreting societies in Mozambique, the book suggests that it is only through a critical deconstruction of these ideas that we can begin to re-balance global power relationships, both in academic discourse and in development practices.

The book examines the exclusionary discourses that frame the support for Western-type NGOs in the development discourse, often at the expense of local social actors. It dissects mainstream contemporary ideas about civil society and identifies a new means by which to recognize local forms of social action, often based in traditional structures and spiritual discourses.

Outlining new conceptual ideas for an alternative framing of Mozambique's civil society, the book proposes a series of fresh theoretical issues and questions alongside empirical research. It moves towards a series of new policy and practice arguments for rethinking and decolonizing civil society in the Global South.

One of the key arguments of the book is that Western conceptions of civil society are based on a narrow understanding of individualism and democracy, which do not necessarily apply to all societies. Instead, the book proposes a more holistic and inclusive framework that recognizes the diversity of social structures and cultural practices across the world.

The book also highlights the importance of local knowledge and expertise in development efforts. It argues that Western-type NGOs often lack the understanding and sensitivity to local contexts and that local social actors are best positioned to identify and address the needs of their communities.

To achieve this, the book proposes a series of practical recommendations, including the need for greater collaboration between local social actors and Western-type NGOs, the recognition of local forms of social action, and the development of new policies and practices that prioritize equity and inclusion.

Overall, Decolonizing Civil Society in Mozambique is a thought-provoking and important book that offers a new perspective on civil society and development in the Global South. It challenges the dominant narratives and provides a roadmap for rethinking and decolonizing civil society in the years to come.

Weight: 328g
Dimension: 154 x 233 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786999351