Dominance of Western theories in Academia: A critical analysis
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INTRODUCTION In academics, theories serve as the backbone for understanding and interpreting societal, political, economic, and cultural phenomena. However, a closer look at the dominant narratives in academia reveals a significant tilt toward western theories. For decades, western framework has shaped global academic discourse, often sidelining indigenous, non-western, or alternative perspectives. Knowledge is intrinsically connected to power in the sense that the former is a manifestation and exercise of the latter. When transferred to the current idea of the production of valid knowledge, it exposes the colossal influence of eurocentrism and western epistemologies. While western theories have contributed immensely to human knowledge, their dominance raises critical questions about inclusivity, representation, and the universality of knowledge. Understanding the Western dominance The dominance of Western theories in academia can be traced back to colonial history. The p...