Africana Philosophy – serie

Cultural research ethics is in a nascent phase within the field of research ethics as a whole and requires more attention and in-depth articulation. With specific case studies, this vital volume provides unique perspectives on topics such as social autonomy vis-a-vis interests of individuals. This volume assembles needed resources and case studies in cultural research ethics practices, providing insight into current developments and future research directions. It is a valuable contribution to cultural research ethics given the dearth of published literature available in this emerging field. It is designed with two broad audiences in mind: (1) African researchers and research organizations that want homegrown guidance about research ethics, and (2) research ethicists worldwide who can use it to learn about cultural research ethics especially with respect to Africa.

Not only does this book detail the colonial experiences in Africa through what the author refers to as a ‘social construct,’ it also vehemently criticises modern African governments for their current corruption and maintenance of the continent's situation. This book presents a two-pronged analysis of Africa’s predicament by looking at the duality of ethics and identity. It tries to trace the problematic aspects of westernization and modernization within the contexts of neo-colonialism and continued exploitation of Africa by external forces, as well as the complicity of Africans themselves.

Mongrelisation is a critical re-interpretation of why diversity and inclusion matter. It is a corrective that grants dignity and worth to those the ‘mongrel’ epithet is set to insult. Drawing on African moral traditions of Ubuntu and Maat, it contends that mongrelity—the reality that we are products of mixing and crossing—is too central in our histories, biologies, ecologies, and cultures not to be carefully humanised. The figure of the mongrel that it puts forward is akin to the hybrid, Creole, and coyote. This book includes cosmopolitan, mestizo, and Afropolitan perspectives.