ISSN (Print) - 0012-9976 | ISSN (Online) - 2349-8846

Articles by Claude AlvaresSubscribe to Claude Alvares

Steeped in Eurocentrism

A response to the many comments on "A Critique of Eurocentric Social Science and the Question of Alternatives" (EPW, 28 May 2011). The comments only prove the point about Eurocentrism.

A Critique of Eurocentric Social Science and the Question of Alternatives

Following a critical examination of existing theoretical framework within which social sciences are taught and researched in various universities of the non-western world, it is proposed that not just the content but even the assumptions and methodologies have been uncritically imported from the European academic tradition. Though the critique of Eurocentrism in the social sciences is well accepted, there is very little display of either courage or determination among academics in non-western universities in raising their own distinct set of assumptions that would enable them to work and conduct meaningful research outside the framework of western academic preoccupations and interests.

Against Eucalyptus

tually, this dhange has been reflected most in the growing influence of various related theoretical orientation which fail under the rubric of system theory. Such approaches, a:- their name implies, assume the fundamental inter-relatedness of all tonus of social behaviour. Changes incorporated at any part of the 'system' whether economic, political .social, or psychological, will have an impact on the other dimensions. To understand pressures toward either change or stability, it is necessary to have a concept of how the social system

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