DECOLONIZING ANTHROPOLOGY THROUGH THE ETHNOGRAPHIC FICTIVE NARRATIVE

Abstract

My thesis will explore whether anthropology as a field is capable of decolonization. I will outline, briefly, anthropology’s origin and show its complicity with colonialism since its inception. Different methods of redressing this complicity, which still exists in modern day, will be made. First, a definition of decolonization will need to be formed in order to aptly define the solution. After examining the decolonial theories of African and African-American movement leaders during the mid-20th century, as well as analyzing whether decolonial theory can every truly exist as praxis, I will define decolonization as a liberatory and revolutionary response to the aftermath of colonial endeavors and ideologies. Once this definition is formed, I further assert that while decolonial theory and praxis can exist, they are only possible for certain social institutions. I propose anthropology as a discipline that cannot be decolonized, so I instead attempt to decolonize one of anthropology’s methodologies: ethnography. By utilizing all of the information I gather, I hope to produce a decolonial ethnographic fictive narrative.