Keywords:
Queer, Grassroots, Indigenous Epistemologies, Feminism, Caste
Abstract:
Anthropology, historically a colonial project, has sought to understand the "other." In recent years, the impact of Postcolonial and Decoloniality has ushered in a paradigm shift in anthropological epistemology, particularly in the global South. Over a century and a half, we've witnessed the transition from colonialism to decoloniality, and, in some instances, a resurgence of neo-colonialism. This shift has brought forth diverse and underrepresented paradigms, including indigenous conceptualizations, Dalit perspectives, subalternism, trans-queer and feminist epistemologies, and radical transnational movements advocating for anti-caste, anti-racism, anti-class, and more. This panel seeks to amplify the voices of grassroots perspectives in anthropology, spotlighting the rich tapestry of underrepresented paradigms. We aim to delve into the transformative potential of these paradigms and explore how they challenge, deconstruct, and reshape traditional anthropological narratives. Through engaging discussions and interdisciplinary dialogue, this panel will critically assess the implications of these emerging paradigms, their contributions to anthropological theory, and their capacity to influence broader social change. Panel Themes: 1.Decolonizing Anthropology: From Theory to Action Examining the evolution of anthropological theory from colonialism to decoloniality. Evaluating the impact of decolonizing methodologies and their potential to reshape research and practice. Case studies highlighting the practical application of decolonial approaches in anthropological fieldwork. 2.Indigenous Epistemologies: Beyond the Colonial Gaze. Discussing indigenous conceptualizations of the world and their influence on anthropological thought. Exploring the intersection of indigenous knowledge systems and contemporary anthropological research. How indigenous voices challenge and enrich anthropological theory and methodology. 3.Dalit Narratives: Unearthing Caste Realities. Unpacking the Dalit paradigms within anthropology. Examining the intersection of caste, class, and gender from Dalit perspectives. The role of anthropology in advocating for Dalit rights and social justice. Subalternism and Resistance. Exploring the contributions of subaltern studies to anthropology. Examining the lived experiences of subaltern communities and their narratives of resistance. Theorizing the agency and resilience of subaltern voices within anthropological discourse. 4.Trans-Queer and Feminist Epistemologies: Expanding Gender Narratives. Investigating the impact of trans-queer and feminist epistemologies on anthropological discussions of gender and sexuality. The intersection of queer theory, feminism, and indigenous or subaltern perspectives. Case studies illustrate how these paradigms challenge and expand the understanding of diverse gender identities. 5.Transnational Movements: Anthropology in Activism Analyzing the role of anthropology in supporting transnational movements. The intersections of anthropological research, social justice, and activism. The potential for anthropology to contribute to anti-caste, anti-racism, and anti-class movements. This panel proposal aims to create a platform for the voices of grassroots in anthropology, emphasizing the importance of diverse and underrepresented paradigms. By examining these paradigms through interdisciplinary discussions, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of the potential for anthropological research and theory to promote social change and inclusivity. We invite contributions from scholars, researchers, and activists who are actively engaged with these paradigms or seek to explore their implications within the realm of anthropology. We accept papers in various languages such as English, Portuguese, Bangla, Spanish, French, Hindi, among others