Indigenous theory uses, abuses, and future

Author(s):  
Garry D. Bruton ◽  
Jilin University ◽  
Shaker A. Zahra ◽  
Andrew Van de Ven ◽  
Michael A. Hitt
Keyword(s):  
2013 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 406-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hinemoa Elder

Background: International research identifies indigeneity as a risk factor for traumatic brain injury (TBI). Aotearoa New Zealand studies show that mokopuna (grandchildren; used here to encompass the ages and stages of infant, child and adolescent development and those in young adulthood) are significantly overrepresented in TBI populations. The important role of whānau (family) is also well established in child and adolescent TBI scholarship. Despite awareness of these factors, no studies have been identified that explore whānau knowledge about mokopuna TBI. The aim of this study was to explore two questions: (1) What do Māori people say about mokopuna TBI in the context of the Māori cultural belief that the head is the most sacred part of the body? and (2) How could this information be used to build theory that could inform addressing the rehabilitation needs of this group?Method: Eighteen marae wānanga (culture-specific fora in traditional meeting houses) were held. The wānanga typically lasted approximately 2 hours. Footage and written transcripts were analysed using Rangahau Kaupapa Māori (Māori indigenous research methods).Results: The wairua theory of mokopuna TBI proposes that TBI not only injures brain anatomy and physiology but also injures wairua (defined here as a unique connection between Māori and all aspects of the universe). Injury to wairua means that culturally determined interventions are both indicated and expected. The wairua theory of mokopuna TBI thereby provides a guide to intervention.Conclusion: A Māori theory of mokopuna TBI has been identified which describes a culture-specific aspect of TBI. This theory proposes that pre-existing whānau knowledge salient to TBI is critical to optimising recovery. Further research is needed to test this theory not only in TBI but also in other areas such as in mental illness, neurodegenerative disease and addiction.


Author(s):  
Chiara Xausa

Through a reading of Cherie Dimaline’s 2017 young adult novel The Marrow Thieves, a survival story set in a futuristic Canada destroyed by global warming, this article explores the conceptualization and reimagination of the Anthropocene in contemporary postcolonial and Indigenous theory and fiction. Firstly, I will argue that literary representations of climate change can be complicit in producing hegemonic strands of Anthropocene discourse that consider human destructiveness and vulnerability at undifferentiated species level. Secondly, I will suggest that the novel’s apocalypse reveals the processes of colonial violence and dispossession that have culminated in the eruptive event of environmental catastrophe, rather than portraying a story of universal and disembodied human threat that conceals oppression against Indigenous people.


2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (8) ◽  
pp. 1202-1218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min-hyung Kim

This article seeks to critically assess the relevance of International Relations Theory (IRT) for East Asia International Relations (IR). After identifying the shortcomings of IRT in explaining East Asia IR, the article provides several ways to modify it with a goal to make it more suitable for East Asia IR. Its central claim is that the IRT’s bias toward European experiences and great power politics generates unsatisfactory accounts for and inaccurate predictions about East Asia IR. This does not mean, however, that we should treat IRT as completely irrelevant and develop an indigenous theory of East Asia IR. Given that no single theory is complete and perfectly relevant across time and space and that many core concepts and key variables of IRT are also pertinent for East Asia IR, our efforts should instead be made to refine the existing IRT and make it more suitable for East Asia IR by problematising its major assumptions and central claims on the basis of East Asian experiences. This will save IRT from being a region-specific and a country-specific theory of IR.


Author(s):  
Simon J. Joseph

Abstract Indigeneity is a relational category that is predominantly, albeit not exclusively, applicable to Indigenous peoples. As a central theoretical site of discourse in Native Studies, indigeneity tends to be characterized by politicized relationships and provides powerful rhetorical strategies and counter-narratives. Facilitating decolonization as well as illuminating the structural and systemic relationships between the indigenous and the colonial, Indigenous theory recognizes the often complex inter-relationships attending the delineation of ethnic, social, and religious identity. The historical Black Elk, for example, illustrates how Lakota and Catholic religious identities co-exist in an ongoing site of discursive tension. This article argues that the historical figure of Jesus can be re-cognized as an indigenous Judean, complicating contemporary efforts in which the quest for the historical Jesus occurs in a predominantly Christian discursive context.


Author(s):  
Wanda Dalla Costa ◽  

This paper introduces four cultural catalysts in Indigenous architecture: language, place, kinship and transformation. Inspired by the interrelationship of physical, sociocultural and spiritual factors- the measurable and immeasurable – we investigate a number of concepts related to Indigenous thinking and ways of knowing. We contrast these notions with non-Indigenous writers including Pallasmaa, Ricoeurand Doshi, in the hopes of initiating a dialogue, and assisting the two-way knowledge transfer, between architecture and Indigenous theory.


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 140
Author(s):  
Danielle Hickey ◽  
Kevin Fitzmaurice

The current project aims to identify and explore concepts of power from an Indigenous understanding. The topic of power is informed by vast literature that reaches back into the beginnings of western philosophy. The conceptions that result are based on a western worldview that does not incorporate cultural differences. An Indigenous theory of power can be used to inform strategies toward achieving a more equal distribution of power, and encourage successful Indigenous-settler reconciliation. Within the academic setting, Indigenous scholars are developing Indigenous research initiatives aimed at decolonizing methodologies and achieving intellectual self-determination (Smith, 2012, p.120). Utilizing a decolonization framework saturated with reflexivity, Indigenous research methods in conversation with grounded theory will be applied to identify an Indigenous worldview of power. Researcher reflexivity, relationships with community and research-based support systems are requisite to a decolonization research framework (Smith, 1999, p.138). Data collection will occur at M’Chigeeng First Nation and the Chief of that community has been recruited as community partner to this project. Together we aim to answer Indigenous questions to improve Indigenous lives with research based on standards for how we should structure our relationships with each other and with all of creation (Wilson, 2001, p.177). Indigenous research methods combined grounded theory allows the project to bridge worldviews, while allowing for relationships to guide the process. A literature analysis, interviews, sharing circles and review of historical records will be used.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 218-234
Author(s):  
Faiz Younas ◽  
Dr Nasreen Akhtar ◽  
Dr Vicar Solomon

Although women are comprised almost half of the human population, still their experiences as a minority within the larger social framework, affect the affective and behavioral aspects of their personality including social cynicism. Unfortunately, social cynicism had never been empirically studied from the perspective of women, especially indigenously. By applying a qualitative approach, this study explored an indigenous understanding of social cynicism in a sample of (N=20) young adult women through a focus group discussion (n=6) and open-ended questionnaires (n=14), respectively. Five central themes emerged after the thematic analysis of the transcribed data that included gender inequality and exploitation, misrepresentation and misinformation, negative beliefs and generalizations, authority and control, and lastly, safety and security concerns. The findings showed several distinctive and indigenous themes like paternal authoritarianism, religion-based misinterpretation and sense of imminent danger while a few sub-themes were consistent with the previous literature. By exploring the construct of social cynicism in women, this study had not only broadened the limits of existing research literature on this construct but its themes could be applied for indigenous theory and scale development.


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