Akiwowo, Orature and Divination: Approaches to the Construction of an Emic Sociological Paradigm of Society
Payne, M. W.; Hunter College of the City University of New York
Журнал:
Sociology of Religion
Дата:
1992
Аннотация:
There has been a growing concern to “decolonize” the social sciences so that they reflect more accurately the non-Western peoples and societies they tacitly purport to help. Unfortunately, few critics of Western social theory have invested more than a minimal amount of energy attempting to outline a more relevant theoretical frame and demonstrate a methodology that would aid in the development of such a frame. This article will be used as a vehicle through which to explore a few themes found within the seminal works of the pioneering sociologist, Akinsola Akiwowo. I will note his efforts to formulate a methodology that would engage an indigenous African philosophy to construct an emic sociological paradigm of African society. This exploration will include a look at those elements that Akiwowo deems as viable sources for this paradigm. Of particular interest is Akiwowo's acknowledged use of orature connected with Yoruba divination. Finally, I try to amplify the implications that traditional African divination has for the growth of indigenous sociological theory.
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