Decolonised state-of-the-art review : a tool for highlighting the African experience in global social science research

Abstract

Over the past decade there has been a significant number of State-of-the-Art review (SotA) journal articles published on various academic platforms, covering a myriad of topics. SotA reviews are up-to-date, in-depth evaluations of research that endeavour to summarise and critically analyse contemporary knowledge on a specific topic. Unfortunately, despite their prolific use in academia, researchers have noted an ad hoc approach to the SotA review process, as well as the need to address the lack of a rigorously documented process involved. This paper reviews the applicability of SotA reviews, when utilised in conjunction with participatory research, for a robust, decolonial understanding of women’s roles in peace processes as peace makers and mediators in Africa. In addition, we highlight and explicate our six-step process to remedy the overestimated and extemporised SotA review process, by providing an overview of our step by step approach that outlines, assesses, and substantiates the methodology of SotA reviews in the decolonial project. Recent progressive recommendations by academics utilising SotA reviews resonate with decolonising approaches to research, where focusing on social, temporal and contextual circumstances and questioning current conventions, lead ethics as to how the research is considered and conducted. As such, they offer researchers in the global South the opportunity to advance knowledge and provide value to diverse research communities and practices.