Decolonising Methodologies Through Collaboration

Abstract

In this chapter the authors provide a reflective account of their experiences as scholars based in the UK and South Africa, of working in international academic partnerships. They ask: What can we as individuals do to work towards decolonial international research partnerships? What can the institutions at which we are based do to facilitate more equitable and decolonial research partnerships between North and South contexts? What is the role of funding and funders in supporting these international research collaborations, particularly in light of historical and continued inequitable power relations? The authors explore issues relating to power and equity in academic collaboration by providing personal accounts of research partnerships with which we they have been associated. They focus mainly on issues surrounding funding and the challenges which can emerge from Eurocentric funding models. The chapter concludes with points for reflection on how scholars can move towards effective, decolonial partnerships.