September 13, 2022

[BOOKS] on Decolonization

Here are book recommendations on decolonizing the global health space:

 

“Wretched of the Earth” by Frantz Fanon (1961)

• • Fanon’s seminal work on decolonization explores the psychological and sociopolitical effects of colonialism, offering critical insights into the process of liberation and self-determination.

“The Colonizer and the Colonized” by Albert Memmi (1957)

1. • Memmi’s analysis delves into the complex dynamics between colonizers and the colonized, providing a nuanced examination of power and resistance during the process of decolonization.

“Black Skin, White Masks” by Frantz Fanon (1952)

1. • Fanon’s exploration of racial identity and the psychological impact of colonialism is a foundational text in understanding the personal dimensions of the decolonization struggle.

“Decolonization: A Short History” by Jan C. Jansen and Jürgen Osterhammel (2017)

1. • This concise yet comprehensive history provides a clear overview of the decolonization process across the globe, offering valuable context for understanding its complexities.

“The Darker Nations: A People’s History of the Third World” by Vijay Prashad (2007)

1. • Prashad’s book chronicles the emergence of the Third World and the struggles for decolonization, highlighting the global movements and leaders that shaped this transformative era.

“Decolonising the Mind” by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o (1986)

1. • Ngũgĩ’s powerful critique of colonial language and literature argues for the importance of indigenous languages in the process of decolonization, emphasizing the role of culture in liberation.

“The Invention of Decolonization: The Algerian War and the Remaking of France” by Todd Shepard (2006)

1. • Shepard’s detailed examination of the Algerian War sheds light on the profound impact it had on France and the redefinition of its national identity in the wake of decolonization.

“Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples” by Linda Tuhiwai Smith (1999)

1. • Smith’s seminal work challenges conventional research methodologies and advocates for approaches that empower indigenous voices, making it essential for understanding decolonization in academia.

“An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz (2014)

1. • Dunbar-Ortiz offers a critical perspective on U.S. history from the viewpoint of indigenous peoples, revealing the deep impact of colonialism and the ongoing struggle for decolonization.

“The End of Empire in French West Africa: France’s Successful Decolonization?” by Tony Chafer (2002)

• • Chafer’s detailed analysis of French West Africa’s decolonization process provides valuable insights into the complexities of post-colonial transitions and the legacy of colonial structures.

These books collectively offer a rich exploration of the concept of decolonization, providing historical, cultural, and theoretical perspectives on the struggles for self-determination and liberation from colonial rule. They are essential reads for anyone interested in understanding the multifaceted process of decolonization and its enduring significance.

 

All books, including audiobooks, are available at your public library.