The Idea of Alternative Discourses

Abstract

The introduction of alternative discourses into contemporary social sciences is explored. It is asserted that the social sciences were introduced into various Asian & African nations through regimes of colonialism; consequently, it is claimed that the social sciences are distinguished by several negative characteristics including a lack of creativity, essentialism, & textualism. The notion of alternative discourses is subsequently advanced. Alternative discourses are those characterized by a critique of mainstream social scientific theories; moreover, it is maintained that alternative discourses are reliant upon indigenous & non-Western epistemologies, histories, & cultural practices. Existing Western sociological theories are critiqued for failing to consider types of irrelevance. The implications of alternative discourses for Asian sociology are also considered, eg, reducing the amount of nativist sociological research. J. W. Parker.