Disrupting Colonial Pedagogies: Theories and Transgressions

Jillian Ford and Nathalia E. Jaramillo edited a collection of writings by women that examine womanist worldviews in philosophy, theory, curriculum, public health, and education. It challenges the colonizing hegemonies that raise and sustain patriarchal and male-centered systems of teaching and learning and offers a space to study the impact of conquest and colonization on the Black female body and spirit.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 21 November 2023
Publisher: University of Illinois Press

Disrupting Colonial Pedagogies is a groundbreaking collection of essays edited by Jillian Ford and Nathalia E. Jaramillo that delves into the profound impact of conquest and colonialism on identity and the construction of knowledge. This comprehensive volume explores womanist worldviews in philosophy, theory, curriculum, public health, and education, challenging the colonizing hegemonies that perpetuate patriarchal and male-centered systems of teaching and learning.

In Part One, the essayists engage in a thoughtful exploration of how womanist theorizing and creative activity provide a unique space to examine the devastating effects of conquest and colonization on the Black female body and spirit. Drawing upon the insights of influential thinkers such as bell hooks and Cynthia Dillard, they challenge the dominant narratives that perpetuate patriarchal and male-centered systems of education. The contributors delve into the ways in which womanist perspectives offer a lens for analyzing the historical and ongoing impact of colonialism on Black women's experiences, identities, and well-being.

Part Two of the collection takes a deeper dive into the strategies employed by the contributors to challenge colonizing and colonial definitions of womanhood, enlightenment, and well-being. Through the use of text, philosophy, and research methodologies, they seek to undermine the oppressive structures that have been imposed on women and marginalized communities. The essays in this section offer insightful perspectives on the ways in which colonialism has shaped the understanding of gender, knowledge, and power, and propose alternative frameworks for reimagining these concepts.

Part Three of the book is particularly noteworthy as it focuses on undoing the colonial pedagogical project and sharing the insights gained by the contributors as they break free from its constraints. The essays in this section provide a powerful critique of the colonialist mindset and offer alternative approaches to education that prioritize the empowerment and liberation of women and marginalized communities. By challenging the colonialist project, the contributors aim to create freer and more just forms of knowledge making that promote equity, diversity, and social justice.

The collection features a diverse range of contributors, including scholars, activists, and educators from various backgrounds and regions. Each essay offers a unique perspective and contributes to the broader discussion of colonialism and its impact on identity and knowledge. The editors have done an exceptional job in bringing together a collection that is both powerful and interdisciplinary, challenging readers to think critically and engage with the complex issues at hand.

Disrupting Colonial Pedagogies is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the historical and ongoing effects of colonialism on identity and knowledge. It provides a valuable resource for educators, activists, and scholars seeking to challenge the dominant narratives and promote freer and more just forms of education. Through its interdisciplinary approach, the book offers a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between colonialism, identity, and knowledge, and provides actionable insights for creating a more inclusive and equitable world.

Weight: 336g
Dimension: 153 x 227 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780252087493