Does theory matter?

Readings for discussion:
WEB Dubois (1898) The Study of the Negro Problems.
Shivji, Issa. (2005). The Silences in NGO discourse.

In the class of 6th September, we mentioned that the process of identifying problems for research is just as important as doing research, and that problems should be strongly informed by the context of the people or of the researcher. Yet in situations of social inequality, researchers often equate the people who face the hugest problems to the problems to be researched, instead of carrying out research to address the problems the people face.

In continuing with Dubois's thought, we discuss with his seminal work "The Study of the Negro problems."  Once again Dubois laments that research has ignored black Americans, and calls for a meticulous, scientific study of the problems black Americans face. What is the goal of research in Kenya? What is yours as a PhD student?

The other aspect of research that doesn't get much attention in Kenya is theory. We have already discussed Mamdani's observation that the corporatization of higher education had turned PhD holders into doers who act without thinking. Is this ignorance of theory deliberate or not? That is what Shivji addresses in his article The Silences of NGO discourse.

If you can, please relate your questions or comments to the happenings last week: Sonko's outburst on Caroline Mutoko's show, and Kidero's slapping of Shebesh.

Remember to post your comments and questions by Thursday 7pm.