Southern theory Book

This was a book I picked up based on the title only. The concept of a form of theory coming from the south was appealing. Her central argument is that essentially all forms of epistemological theory radiates from the 'metropole' (aka the North, First World, Minority World etc) to the 'periphery' (aka the South, Third World, Majority World etc). Even scholars working in the Majority World, she argues, have historically described their part of the world using theory that originates in the 'metropole. This book surveys attempts to create a theory of knowledge that emerges from the Majority World rather than one that is 'imported'.

Whilst it is a relatively easy read with concepts clearly explained and defined, it is a book that is designed more the academic world or those who wish to keep their brain active.

The book is broken into four parts with, for me, the most interesting section being Part III: Southern Theory. In here, we see how her notions can really be applied with interesting surveys of work from Iran and South America standing out. When she brings her ideas closer to 'home', into the Australian context, with which she is most familiar, we see a very challenging point of view expressed on how the notion of land is integrated into an indigenous construct of epistemology.

Overall, a useful work to illustrate the continuing influence of the global North on ways of thinking and the potentials that exist for an ongoing conversation that pulls the conversation away from its colonialist tendencies.