Critical theory and decolonial possibility in the neoliberal moment
International Journal of Social Economics
ISSN: 0306-8293
Article publication date: 17 September 2019
Issue publication date: 21 November 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to consider how practices of critical theorising directed towards present dilemmas of neoliberalisation might inadvertently participate in the reproduction of colonial power.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper adopts a critical theoretical approach, focussing on Wendy Brown’s recent work on neoliberalism in particular.
Findings
The paper argues that an alignment with colonial power is evident at a methodological level in Brown’s critique of neoliberalism and that this offers indication of how critical theorising in general might begin to reorient itself in ways that better ally it with the creation/promotion of decolonial possibility in contemporary contexts.
Originality/value
The paper makes original contribution to understanding of how western critical theorising actively participates in the reproduction of colonial power. Its value lies partly in demonstrating how this occurs in Brown’s specific case, and partly in suggesting correctives of more general applicability.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The research for this paper was supported by the NRF/British Academy Chair in Political Theory.
Citation
Elliott, M. (2019), "Critical theory and decolonial possibility in the neoliberal moment", International Journal of Social Economics, Vol. 46 No. 11, pp. 1277-1290. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSE-12-2018-0636
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited