Significance of Post-Colonial Critique for Social Anthropology

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Significance of Post-Colonial Critique for Social Anthropology
Post-colonialism, the aftermath of western imperialism, is represented by political, social, economic, and cultural changes that occurred after colonization. This period transpired after the previously colonized nations received independence. Social anthropology is a comparative study of the social and cultural ways of life. Societies vary based on their cultural practices, political and economic arrangements. Therefore, post-colonialism critique for social anthropology is the analysis of cultural, political, economic, and social life after colonization. This concept has been embraced and critiqued by various scholars since the late twentieth century. Central to this concept is the exploration of colonial episteme and discourse, imperial dominance, and European racism. Broadly, post-colonial critique in social anthropology analyzes the effects and the legacies of colonialism and rejects the narratives of Eurocentric masters. The history and legacy of western colonialism are the common foundations that unite both the moral and political consensus on the post-colonial critique. This critique is significant in the concept of social anthropology because it gives an insight into how colonies lived after gaining freedom from colonial powers.
One of the benefits of post-colonial critique for social anthropology is that it enables the present generation to understand the contemporary social, economic, historical, and political aspects. From a social perspective, one can use this tool to explain different phenomena like racism and other social injustices that existed in US and European countries after independence. From an economic viewpoint, the critique evaluates the exploitation of natural resources by white supremacists even after leaving the countries they colonized. Africa, which was the heart of colonization, was rich in resources, which were highly exploited by the imperialists. Post-colonial critique reveals how this exploitation occurred and the economic impact of the available resources. Politically, colonizers dominated the administrative offices and had full control of the people. From a cultural standpoint, the critique elaborates the way of life adopted by colonies after their colonial masters left. Whether or not Western culture influenced the people colonized is also explained. Understanding these elements help individuals to identify core characteristics of societies and cultures and determine how European imperial and colonial power corrupted indigenous culture.
In post-colonial critique, cultural problems, whether in politics, economic, gender relations, human relations, and human rights, can be traced to colonial impositions. In the same context, post-colonial critique highlights the political, economic, cultural, and social systems adopted after independence. Before countries gained independence, the imperial governments introduced harsh labor, slavery, and other forms of oppression to African colonies. How these countries came established plans and governance systems to run their affairs can be understood through post-colonial critique. It is worth noting that independence opened a new way of life for those who suffered under imperial governments. However, how nations managed to remain independent economically, culturally, and politically is a matter of discussion among historical scholars. Post-colonial critique gives an account of the events that transpired during and after colonization to establish an understanding of the nature of independence of the countries that were under colonial rule.
Another significance is that it helps in understanding civilization in Africa. During the colonial period, the missionaries introduced formerly institutionalized education in Africa (Abraham, p. 46). The missionaries also converted the natives to Christianity. Converting people to Christianity was based on the missionaries’ belief that their religion was superior (Abraham, p. 46). The local people were encouraged to follow the religion of the civilized world because they were made to believe that their religion was wrong. Education by missionaries and colonial powers did not consider the realities of the colonies and local population needs (Abraham, p. 46). The colonial education system was mainly used some low-skilled laborers and administrative assistants who could work in the colonial administrative sector. History depicts that this education system was meant to control the colonies and exploit their resources since the colonial masters did not want to teach them social, political, and economic development. When the colonialists were defeated and left the continent, they left behind their educational systems for several reasons.
Firstly, the colonizers who lost direct control over their colonies continued their legacy through the education system that would allow them to participate in future developmental projects in these countries (Abraham, p. 48). Secondly, most African elites who fought for independence were educated in the West and supported the education sy...