Learning Disobedience: Decolonizing Development Studies

This book explores anti-racist decolonial practices in teaching and learning, calling for the eradication of development studies and counterbalancing it with new projects to decolonize development in African geographies. It emphasizes the importance of being intentionally disobedient in the classroom to challenge colonial legacies and create radical imaginaries for decolonizing development.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 20 August 2023
Publisher: Pluto Press

This captivating book delves into the heart of empire, exploring innovative pedagogies that challenge the dominant narratives of education. Through compelling narratives and insightful analysis, the authors unveil how educators, activists, and students are cultivating anti-racist decolonial practices, leading with a radical call to eradicate development studies and counterbalance it with new projects aimed at decolonizing development, particularly in African geographies.

At the core of this transformative approach lies the intentional disobedience in the classroom. The authors raise thought-provoking questions about the meaning of studying international development in the contemporary world. They delve into the power dynamics that shape international development policy and programming, challenging the notion that Western knowledge and perspectives alone define the field.

By drawing upon the rich legacy of decolonial thinkers, the authors expose how colonial legacies continue to shape the ways in which land, well-being, progress, and development are conceptualized and implemented. They advocate for a collaborative effort, both within the classroom and through activist practices, to create the radical imaginaries and practical scaffolding necessary for decolonizing development.

The book offers a wealth of practical insights and strategies for educators and activists seeking to dismantle the oppressive structures of power and promote a more equitable and sustainable world. It encourages readers to embrace disobedience as a tool for social change, challenging the status quo and fostering a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics that shape our global society.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone passionate about education, social justice, and decolonizing development. It provides a roadmap for cultivating anti-racist practices and creating a more inclusive and equitable world, challenging us to think beyond the boundaries of traditional education and embrace the transformative power of disobedience.

Weight: 276g
Dimension: 141 x 217 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780745347141