Toward an Africanised Canon: Rethinking Sociology for the 'African Condition' (original) (raw)

This paper critiques the limitations of the traditional sociological canon, which centers on Western thinkers like Marx, Weber, and Durkheim. It argues for a more inclusive canon that reflects the unique social realities of Africa, often termed the "African condition." By drawing on post-colonial and postmodern insights, the paper exposes the exclusionary nature of the current canon and the unequal power dynamics in knowledge production between the West and Africa. This critique paves the way for incorporating historically marginalised scholars whose works hold immense value for understanding Africa. The paper proposes including figures like Ibn Khaldun, an Arab sociologist who pre-dated Western scholars, Harriet Martineau, a feminist who analysed colonial impacts, W.E.B. Du Bois, a pioneering African American sociologist, and Michel Foucault, whose theories on power are highly relevant to African contexts. Broadening the canon fosters a more credible and reflexive sociology that acknowledges diverse perspectives and lived experiences. This enriched understanding is crucial for African studies and for global understanding of social phenomena.

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