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Over the rainbow: the role of academics in a 'post-hope' South Africa

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  • Nicole Dodd
  • Justin Van Der Merwe

Abstract

The proponents of decolonisation in South Africa's higher education system have tended to overlook the usefulness of critical pragmatism as a guiding paradigm. This article explores the merits of critical pragmatism as a suitable research orientation to resolve the current impasse in South Africa's higher education system. While the arguments for decolonising curricula and academic spaces are valid and credible, promoting decolonisation in a blindly ideological manner, without a sound basis, could be impractical. This article argues that the adoption of critical pragmatism would allow for the achievement of a home-grown, credible research paradigm which encourages researchers to apply a context-specific orientation within developing environments. The article tentatively proposes that blending critical theory with pragmatism would support transformation and development while still maintaining scientific rigour.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicole Dodd & Justin Van Der Merwe, 2017. "Over the rainbow: the role of academics in a 'post-hope' South Africa," International Journal of Education Economics and Development, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 8(2/3), pages 133-143.
    • Handle: RePEc:ids:ijeded:v:8:y:2017:i:2/3:p:133-143
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    Cited by:

    1. Simplice A. Asongu & Joseph I. Uduji & Elda N. Okolo-Obasi, 2020. "Foreign aid volatility and lifelong learning," International Journal of Education Economics and Development, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 11(4), pages 370-406.

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