Imaginings & Practice: Decolonial South African Community Psychology (Part B)

In this critical response episode, scholars from various countries and backgrounds engage in a conversation about knowledge production in South Africa. The participants include Natalie Kivell, Michelle Fine, Elizabeth Brunet, Tiffeny Jiménez, Garth Stevens, and Rejane. They discuss critical psychology, power dynamics, and the importance of local context and spirituality in their work.

The tension between global North and South knowledges is a central theme, and the scholars emphasize the need for humility and appreciation of different perspectives when engaging with knowledge from different regions. They stress the importance of recognizing the humanity of the communities they work with and going beyond buzzwords to address social issues.

Power dynamics within academic institutions are discussed, as well as the responsibility of researchers to acknowledge historical legacies of violence and oppression. The scholars reflect on their own positionality and the challenges of understanding and addressing inequalities.In the transnational and decolonial aspects of community psychology, the participants explore how concepts travel across contexts and regions. They advocate for collaborative and engaged research and activism to dismantle colonial legacies and promote equity.

The podcast concludes with discussions on promoting knowledge sharing and equity within academia. The scholars advocate for removing ego and creating communal spaces for knowledge-sharing. They emphasize the need for continuous interrogation of one’s position and impact in academia.

Overall, the episode highlights the complexities of knowledge production, power dynamics, and the importance of embracing diverse perspectives to create meaningful change in academia and society. The scholars encourage ongoing dialogue and exploration of these themes to foster equitable and inclusive societies.

Co-Hosts / Guests

Rejane Williams (Sth Africa)

Garth Stevens (Sth Africa)

Natalie Kivell (Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada)

Michelle Fine (CUNY Graduate Center)

Elizabeth Brunet (grad student, UQAM, Montreal)

Tiffeny Jiménez (National Louis University, Chicago)

Monica Madyaningrum (Indonesia)

Related reading

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