Negation and affirmation: a critique of sociology in South Africa

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Periodical article

Title:	Negation and affirmation: a critique of sociology in South Africa
Author:	Nyoka, Bongani
Year:	2013
Periodical:	African Sociological Review (ISSN 1027-4332)
Volume:	17
Issue:	1
Pages:	2-24
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	sociology epistemology
External links:	https://www.ajol.info/index.php/asr/article/view/99582 https://www.asclibrary.nl/docs/382881583.pdf
Abstract:	This paper critically evaluates the epistemological basis of the academic discipline of sociology in South Africa. In particular, it contextualizes, and therefore subjects to critical scrutiny, the assumptions made (and not made) by South African sociologists in their writings about the discipline of sociology in South Africa. Secondly, it seeks to make an epistemic intervention on the current debates on epistemological decolonization of the social sciences in the South African academy. It argues that the major problem with South African sociology is that it is characterized by West-centred theories and conceptual frameworks. To the extent that these theories explain South Africa, it is argued, they only succeed in presenting it from the perspective of Western scholars. The author builds a case for a 'home-grown' approach to sociology in South Africa. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract]