Building reciprocal relationships through decolonial practices in academic research

This theoretical paper explores the implementation of decolonial practices in academic research, with a specific focus on fostering reciprocal relationships between researchers and researched communities. It argues that conventional research methodologies often perpetuate colonial power dynamics by...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Bunmi Isaiah Omodan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2025-12-01
Series:Cogent Social Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/23311886.2024.2443558
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1841555913924673536
author Bunmi Isaiah Omodan
author_facet Bunmi Isaiah Omodan
author_sort Bunmi Isaiah Omodan
collection DOAJ
description This theoretical paper explores the implementation of decolonial practices in academic research, with a specific focus on fostering reciprocal relationships between researchers and researched communities. It argues that conventional research methodologies often perpetuate colonial power dynamics by extracting knowledge instead of facilitating knowledge exchange. Lensing this argument through decolonial practices, this paper suggests a shift towards reciprocity, where knowledge co-creation becomes the foundation of the research process. It examines various decolonial tools and strategies that promote mutual learning and respect. Furthermore, the paper acknowledges the challenges of implementing these practices within the rigid structures of academic institutions. It advocates for structural reforms that facilitate ethical engagement and ensure that research outcomes benefit all stakeholders, particularly those from marginalised communities. Ultimately, this paper proposes that fostering reciprocal relationships through decolonial practices not only enhances the ethical integrity of research but also leads to more profound and impactful knowledge production. This exploration is essential for academics who seek to align their research practices with principles of justice and equality, thereby promoting a shift towards a more inclusive and ethical academic environment.
format Article
id doaj-art-9a4f8c3d57144f388ec3a12bce7bd8f3
institution Kabale University
issn 2331-1886
language English
publishDate 2025-12-01
publisher Taylor & Francis Group
record_format Article
series Cogent Social Sciences
spelling doaj-art-9a4f8c3d57144f388ec3a12bce7bd8f32025-01-07T18:14:07ZengTaylor & Francis GroupCogent Social Sciences2331-18862025-12-0111110.1080/23311886.2024.2443558Building reciprocal relationships through decolonial practices in academic researchBunmi Isaiah Omodan0Faculty of Education, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South AfricaThis theoretical paper explores the implementation of decolonial practices in academic research, with a specific focus on fostering reciprocal relationships between researchers and researched communities. It argues that conventional research methodologies often perpetuate colonial power dynamics by extracting knowledge instead of facilitating knowledge exchange. Lensing this argument through decolonial practices, this paper suggests a shift towards reciprocity, where knowledge co-creation becomes the foundation of the research process. It examines various decolonial tools and strategies that promote mutual learning and respect. Furthermore, the paper acknowledges the challenges of implementing these practices within the rigid structures of academic institutions. It advocates for structural reforms that facilitate ethical engagement and ensure that research outcomes benefit all stakeholders, particularly those from marginalised communities. Ultimately, this paper proposes that fostering reciprocal relationships through decolonial practices not only enhances the ethical integrity of research but also leads to more profound and impactful knowledge production. This exploration is essential for academics who seek to align their research practices with principles of justice and equality, thereby promoting a shift towards a more inclusive and ethical academic environment.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/23311886.2024.2443558Decolonial practicesreciprocal relationshipsacademic researchethical engagementEducation - Social SciencesEducational Research
spellingShingle Bunmi Isaiah Omodan
Building reciprocal relationships through decolonial practices in academic research
Cogent Social Sciences
Decolonial practices
reciprocal relationships
academic research
ethical engagement
Education - Social Sciences
Educational Research
title Building reciprocal relationships through decolonial practices in academic research
title_full Building reciprocal relationships through decolonial practices in academic research
title_fullStr Building reciprocal relationships through decolonial practices in academic research
title_full_unstemmed Building reciprocal relationships through decolonial practices in academic research
title_short Building reciprocal relationships through decolonial practices in academic research
title_sort building reciprocal relationships through decolonial practices in academic research
topic Decolonial practices
reciprocal relationships
academic research
ethical engagement
Education - Social Sciences
Educational Research
url https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/23311886.2024.2443558
work_keys_str_mv AT bunmiisaiahomodan buildingreciprocalrelationshipsthroughdecolonialpracticesinacademicresearch