Critical reflexivity and decolonial methodology in island studies: Interrogating the scholar within

Island Studies Journal, vol. 17, pp. 3–25

Abstract

Although the field of island studies has from the start regarded itself as a defender of islands and islander interests, it is entangled in coloniality. This editorial focuses on issues of power, knowledge, and position. Who wields power in island studies? Who knows about islands? Where is island studies located, and how does it position itself? The paper discusses problems such as tokenism and forced inclusions, denial and circumscription of expertise, and onto-epistemological discrimination and hegemony within island studies. Ultimately, the paper advances the need for critical reflexivity and decolonial methodology within island studies, for pluralistic approaches to inclusivity and recognition of epistemic differences.

Authors 4

1. Yaso Nadarajah

   RMIT University

   Affiliation as printed

   School of Global, Urban and Social Studies , RMIT University

   School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University

2. Elena Burgos Martínez Aachen Asian Studies

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Asian Studies , Leiden University

   Asian Studies, Leiden University

3. Ping Su

   South China University of Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Research Center for Indian Ocean Island Countries , South China University of Technology

   Research Center for Indian Ocean Island Countries, South China University of Technology

4. Adam Grydehøj

   South China University of Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Research Center for Indian Ocean Island Countries , South China University of Technology

   Research Center for Indian Ocean Island Countries, South China University of Technology