Decolonizing the Absolute Presuppositions of Humanistic Studies: Towards Gendering the Humanities
OLAJUMOKE Akiode PhD
Department of Philosophy, Osun State University, Osogbo
olajumoke.akiode@uniosun.edu.ng
08055802797
Abstract
A large proportion of the basic content of the curriculum and method of humanistic studies in Africa originated from the West. It is as such the case that they will serve as conduits for Western mental colonizing and its sexist agenda. This paper argues that decolonizing the absolute presuppositions of humanistic disciplines underpinning the dynamics of exclusion will enhance the needed gendering process. Colonial mentality informs the peculiar way humanistic disciplines look at issues of existence, culture, language, lived experiences and so on. It conditions its reasoning and the conclusions they arrive at which significantly excludes women, especially from meaningful and impactful representation. The paper aims to interrogate through the methods of critical analysis and systemic thinking these absolute presuppositions, introduce a gendering process that displaces entrenched perspectives, content and methods in the humanities that promotes exclusion. The value of this paper is in the examination and connection of mental coloniality with women exclusion in the humanities as well as the combination of decolonization with a gender inclusion project that ensures a holistic and sustainable development of an inclusive humanistic discipline for Africa.
Keywords: Absolute Presuppositions, Decoloniality, Exclusion, Gender, Humanities.