Public Roundtable: Addressing asymmetries in academic knowledge production on Africa: Potentials and Pitfalls

Abstract

Although African scholars have challenged asymmetries in academic knowledge production on Africa for centuries, epistemic injustices resulting from colonial structures of power persist. One of the visible consequences is the underrepresentation of Global South scholars in leading journals. While this issue has long been known, measures taken by journals to address it have been either unsuccessful or insufficient thus far. In response, writing/publishing workshops that support scholars from the Global South to publish their research in renowned academic journals have mushroomed in recent years. This roundtable discusses the origins and outcomes of imbalances in research publishing practices. Importantly, it critically evaluates activities that seek to address them. It engages with scholars at different stages of their career that have been involved in such activities, for example as organizers or participants of publishing workshops. The panelists will reflect on whether these initiatives address or perpetuate asymmetries in knowledge production and asks how more fundamental change could be brought about.

Speakers:

Dr. Odilile Ayodele (Human Sciences Research Council)

Dr. Susann Baller (Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa/ German Historical Institute Paris)

Professor Moses Khosa (North Carolina State University)

Dr. Abiodun Omotayo Oladejo (Walter Sisulu University)

Moderator:

Dr. Maxine Rubin (German Institute for Global and Area Studies)