Akiwowo, Orature and Divination: Approaches to the Construction of an Emic Sociological Paradigm of Society
There has been a growing concern to “decolonize” the social sciences so that they reflect more accurately the non-Western peoples and societies they tacitly purport to help. Unfortunately, few critics of Western social theory have invested more than a minimal amount of energy attempting to outline a...
Main Author: | |
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Format: | Electronic Article |
Language: | English |
Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
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Published: |
[publisher not identified]
1992
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In: |
Sociological analysis
Year: 1992, Volume: 53, Issue: 2, Pages: 175-187 |
Online Access: |
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Summary: | There has been a growing concern to “decolonize” the social sciences so that they reflect more accurately the non-Western peoples and societies they tacitly purport to help. Unfortunately, few critics of Western social theory have invested more than a minimal amount of energy attempting to outline a more relevant theoretical frame and demonstrate a methodology that would aid in the development of such a frame. This article will be used as a vehicle through which to explore a few themes found within the seminal works of the pioneering sociologist, Akinsola Akiwowo. I will note his efforts to formulate a methodology that would engage an indigenous African philosophy to construct an emic sociological paradigm of African society. This exploration will include a look at those elements that Akiwowo deems as viable sources for this paradigm. Of particular interest is Akiwowo's acknowledged use of orature connected with Yoruba divination. Finally, I try to amplify the implications that traditional African divination has for the growth of indigenous sociological theory. |
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ISSN: | 2325-7873 |
Contains: | Enthalten in: Sociological analysis
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Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.2307/3711122 |