Orientador: Prof. Dr. Elias David Morales Martinez / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal do ABC, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Humanas e Sociais, São Bernardo do Campo, 2018. / A defesa das populações indígenas e da natureza latino-americanas pode se dar pela discussão das origens em que ambas foram formuladas dentro da perspectiva moderno-europeia das Ciências Sociais. Nesse sentido, tendo como base a contextualização de um padrão de poder baseado na colonialidade, este trabalho discute como a mobilização do movimento transnacional indígena na Bacia Amazônica constrói a justiça ambiental na região. A partir da análise da Coordenação das Organizações Indígenas da Bacia Amazônica (COICA), pretende-se constatar as hipóteses da necessidade da autonomia política indígena (na elaboração e implementação de políticas) para a preservação ambiental, e da colonialidade como um problema estrutural. Para tanto, serão utilizadas as perspectivas decolonial, da Ecologia Política, e de identidade e reconhecimento para contextualizar as realidades política, econômica, social e cultural das populações indígenas da região / The defense of Latin American¿s indigenous peoples and nature can be performed through the discussion of the origins in which both were formulated within the modern-European perspective of the Social Sciences. In this sense, based on the contextualization of a power standard based on coloniality, this research discusses how the mobilization of the indigenous transnational movement in the Amazon Basin constructs environmental justice in the region. Based on the analysis of the Coordination of Indigenous Organizations of the Amazon Basin (COICA), it¿s intended to investigate the hypothesis of the need for indigenous political autonomy (in the elaboration and implementation of policies) for environmental preservation, and the coloniality as a structural problem. To do so, it¿s used the decolonial, Political Ecology, and identity and recognition perspectives to contextualize the political, economic, social and cultural realities of South American indigenous populations.

This thesis explores how coloniality of heritage, denial of racialization and forced passing impact Black women in Sweden. In response, it investigates practices of self-care adopted to buffer and cope with racism-related stress. Often, we connect self-care to spa-days, luxurious masks, and spoiling oneself as capitalism has translated self-care into one if its buzzword for people to consume. It is characterized by the privatization of wellbeing rather than a collective endeavor, which feeds into a capitalist agenda (Michaeli, 2017). Queering self-care and adopting self-care as self-preservation in the words of Audre Lorde (2017), provides a holistic embodiment of Black feminist thought, especially for us facing intersecting oppressions. Healing circles as a method for this research provides a safe-space where experiences can be shared over the commonality of being Black women in Sweden. Moreover, separatist settings are found to hold therapeutic value as they limit the risks of being alienated when talking about a common identity. In extension, the healing circles of this research explore how representation in media and art provide possibilities of being included in a global community as a response to not having access to physical affinity groups. Concludingly, I suggest how healing circles can and should be integrated in gender and feminist studies as an intersectional methodology that further develops the possibilities of not speaking for the Other.

Despite the ongoing global conflicts, wars, disputes and crises which face the world, education is one of the forces enabling global unity. Cultural enrichment, through ‘semesters away,' student exchange programmes and the marketing of ‘ivy-league' education online, have resulted in an explosion in student migration. However, international student migration is not a new concept, dating back to the twelfth and thirteenth centuries in Europe, where foreign students formed communities at recognized universities. The value of global migration in the realm of academics, has gained increasing attention in light of the tremendous value migrant students add to host countries' cultural, political and academic landscapes. However, the largest contribution relates to economic gain, which earns host countries billions of US dollars. While migrant students may be ‘welcome' into host communities, evidence points to issues surrounding homesickness, xenophobia, acculturative stress and social adjustment. One of the largest pull factors in student migration is the issue of university rankings. The University of Cape Town (UCT) is described as the ‘Harvard' of Africa due to its global and local ranking. The institution is ranked 1st in Africa and 136th in the world, in part for its international outlook (staff, students and research collaboration) (Times Higher Education, 2020). It is for this reason that students from across the globe traverse to South Africa to obtain a recognised qualification. The seductive power of UCT as a highly ranked university, exerts a tacit, subtle power over IS. Although there is this academic attraction, student experiences of access, participation and belonging may be questionable. Apart from seductive power, overt power, as seen in the application process for visas, study permits and inflated fees for IS, may create barriers to entry. Migrant student experiences may also be affected by the recent and continued volatility in the higher education landscape. Student mass action, centred on the calls for the #feesmustfall / #rhodesmustfall (‘fallist movements') and calls to decolonise higher education, have taken centre stage in the South African academic landscape. This begs the question of where and how IS fit into the struggle of the host nation. Students' ability to cope and acculturate into the host society is influenced by socio-cultural capital, determined largely by their country of origin (global north versus global south). In this regard IS may experience acceptance or marginalisation based on their social capital or by how they are viewed and accepted by the host nation. Students can also build resilience through assimilation, integration and self- marginalisation. The role of host societies and institutions in assisting migrant students to cope with the acculturation process and culture shock is globally, well documented. This researched is aimed at uncovering issues of access, participation and belonging of IS at the University of Cape Town. The aim of this study was explored by asking the following questions: What are the lived experiences of access, belonging and participation of international students at the University of Cape Town? Sub questions: i. What factors motivated students to migrate to South Africa? ii. How did IS experience and negotiate their experiences during the application process? iii. What were their experiences during registration and orientation? iv. What were their experiences academically and socially? v. How did they negotiate their transition from their home countries to South Africa? vi. What are the differences in experience between IS from varying socio-economic, cultural and geographic backgrounds? This qualitative research, using constructivist grounded theory, sought to uncover the experiences of IS through the lens of inclusive education, power, social capital, acculturation and voice research. Addressing issues of inclusive education is sometimes described as a conundrum in seeking to find solutions to, exactly ‘who is included, and into what?' Research indicates that inclusion is rather a layered, grey area rather than a binary of ‘who is in or who is out?' What inclusive education points to however, is the nature of power between students and institutions. The effects of the various types of power relations on IS are greatly influenced by class, culture, race and origin of students. This study captures the experiences of a cohort of 25 IS from various parts of the world and includes representation from both sexes and varying years of study. Findings of this study, relating to access, participation and belonging within the ambits of inclusive education, indicate varying degrees of inclusion. In the main, the political and geographical nature of the country of origin has a pronounced bearing on the experience of the IS. Similarly, the effects of the seductive power of western, coloniality play an integral role in choice of institution. The South African scenario is further complicated by student unrest/ #fallist movements which further alienates IS.

The antigender discourse emerged in Argentina after the rejection of the bill to decriminalize and legalize abortion in 2018. Due to the lack of material available to conduct a thorough research, they emerged as a group academically unexplored. This thesis aims to fill this gap while studying the discursive strategies and organizational structure of the groups against “gender ideology”. Drawing from contributions of decolonial feminisms and intersectional analyses, this study depicts the intricate context where such groups are situated, recognizing the effects of coloniality permeating their discourse. While contrasting the information collected, through online research and semi-structured interviews, this study aims to dismantle the politics of identity beyond the façade of the antigender cause.

This study investigates the representation of post-apartheid discourses and decolonial messages of The Thinker magazine. It further examines how the magazine in question confronts and negotiates the aftermath of apartheid and coloniality. Particularly, the nature of these discourses and narratives in the context of a new dispensation in South Africa. South Africa experienced the brunt of apartheid and it is currently still grappling with the condition of coloniality. The latter manifests itself into the dimensions of power, knowledge and being. For this reason, a de-linking option from coloniality and apartheid becomes imperative if a new consciousness, liberatory trajectory and social justice are to be attained. Accordingly, the study sought to determine whether African Renaissance could be used as a de-linking tool/option. Taking into account The Thinker‘s messages from the year 2010 to 2016, the study examines whether the magazine promotes a decolonisation narrative. The study sought to provide a contribution to knowledge insofar as discourses of decoloniality and social justice in South Africa are concerned. The study employs a cultural studies lens, in particular, the principle of radical contextualism and Steward Hall’s model of articulation. Cultural studies was used because of its transdisciplinary/interdisciplinary and flexible approach to social phenomenon under study. A mixed-methods approach in the form of a sequential transformative design was employed, however, the qualitative aspect (thematic analysis) was prioritised as dictated by the research question and objectives. It was proven in this study that quantitative elements can be applied successfully within a decolonial inquiry. Hence, the methodological contribution of the study in that regard. The study found that The Thinker highlights the continuation of the atrocities of coloniality and apartheid in post-apartheid South Africa. It is thus suggested by the text that a decolonial trajectory and thinking is needed given the aftermath of apartheid and the condition of coloniality. Furthermore, African Renaissance can be used to reaffirm and repudiate the dominant discourses of coloniality and apartheid if employed authentically by its proponents. However, the text points out the challenges that may hinder the processes of decolonization and liberation such as the self-serving and corrupt leadership that perpetuate the status quo at the expense of the interests of the people. / Communication Science / M.A. (Communication)

[pt] Esta tese apresenta uma leitura decolonial das formas através das quais a violência atravessa imaginações, materialidades e experiências na e sobre a cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Argumenta-se que é a violência produtora e reprodutora das representações, das formas de gestão urbana e das vivências cotidianas que coexistem e se cruzam no Rio de Janeiro, como cidade que busca se construir como pós-colonial. Para tal, discute-se a relação entre violência e a cidade a partir de quatro pontos de contato. Em primeiro lugar, a tese apresenta o conceito de cidade-violência, a partir da qual é construída uma interpretação sobre a relação entre a formação material e imaterial da cidade do Rio de Janeiro e as dinâmicas violentas de racialização do espaço urbano no contexto histórico-político de uma forjada pós-colonização. Em seguida, trabalha-se com a ideia da cidade sensível, em que se discute em que medida determinados processos de racialização do espaço urbano, em suas muitas formas e manifestações, forjaram regimes estético-urbanos que distribuem lugares e espaços para a existência e circulação de corpos, percepções, sensações, objetos e sujeitos na cidade. Na terceira parte da tese, analisam-se as interpretações da violência que circulam, produzem e informam a gestão do espaço urbano na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, a partir de um mapeamento crítico do campo de saberes e práticas que constroem entendimentos e imaginários correntes sobre violência na cidade. Em todos esses casos, serão abordadas as formas através das quais essas interpretações produzem limites, apagamentos e silêncios sobre a relação entre raça, racismo, colonialidade e violência na cidade do Rio de Janeiro. No capítulo seguinte, a tese se debruça sobre as imaginações, materialidades e experiências da guerra na cidade, discutindo como o conceito de militarização atravessa representações e vivências da cidade pós-colonial, e quais são os contra-saberes a partir dos quais é possível vislumbrar intelectualidades e contra-estéticas insurgentes, capazes de apontar novos sentidos e interpretações para as relações entre a violência e as configurações da colonialidade no espaço urbano. Pretende-se, com esta tese, oferecer uma contribuição teórica original ao campo de estudos das Relações Internacionais que se debruça sobre as dinâmicas de violência no âmbito das cidades em contextos de pós-colonização, evidenciando a necessidade de articular novas possibilidades epistêmicas radicais e decoloniais para estudar a relação entre violência, cidade e (pós-)colonialidade. / [en] This thesis presents a decolonial interpretation on the ways in which violence crosses imaginations, materialities and experiences in the city of Rio de Janeiro. It argues that violence produces and reproduces representations, forms of urban management and everyday experiences that coexist and intersect in Rio de Janeiro, as a city that seeks to build itself as post-colonial in the everyday. To this end, the thesis addresses the relationship between violence and the city through four points of contact. First, the thesis presents the concept of city-violence, from which an interpretation is built on the relationship between the material and immaterial formation of the city of Rio de Janeiro and the violent dynamics of racialization of the urban space in the historical-political context of a forged postcolonization. Then, it works with the idea of the sensible city, in which it discusses the extent to which certain processes of racialization of urban space, in their many forms and manifestations, forged urban-aesthetic regimes that distribute places and spaces for existence and circulation of bodies, perceptions, sensations, objects and subjects in the city. In the third part of the thesis, it analyzes the interpretations of violence that circulate, produce and inform the management of urban space in the city of Rio de Janeiro, based on a critical mapping of the field of knowledge and practices that forge meanings, representations and imaginations about violence in/and the city. Specifically, the thesis addresses the ways in which these interpretations produce limits, margins and silences on the relationship between race, racism, coloniality and violence in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The final chapter focuses on the imaginations, materialities and experiences of the war in the city, discussing how the concept of militarization crosses representations and experiences of the post-colonial city. This part also includes an interpretation on the counter-knowledge about war in/and the city that is produced daily and from which it is possible to glimpse insurgent intellectualities and counteraesthetics, capable of pointing out new meanings and interpretations for the relations between violence and the configurations of coloniality in the urban space. By exploring the multiple connections between violence and the city of Rio de Janeiro, this thesis aims at offering an original theoretical contribution to the field of International Relations that studies the dynamics of violence within cities in contexts of post-colonization, arguing for the necessity of building new epistemic and decolonial possibilities to study the realtions between violence, the city and (post-)coloniality.

This study examines the concept of coloniality in relation to states' approach to indigenous people's rights, through the perspective of decoloniality. The two countries being compared are Bolivia and Sweden, two countries that differ in many ways. Indigenous peoples are living in the present time and have struggled since modern/Western interference in claiming their position and rights in the part of a reality of existing together. The states’ positioning towards indigenous peoples' rights is evidently contradicting depending on the context. Although international indigenous rights regimes are encouraging as well as setting new standards and norms, the challenges to fully implement them on a national level continue to exist.  Through a semi-systematic literature review, this study aims to analyze and compare how the two states (Bolivia and Sweden) position themselves towards indigenous rights. The theoretical framework for this study is based on decolonial reasoning and indigenous rights regimes, to determine what processes of coloniality are present. In Bolivia and Sweden, the context of indigenous challenges is markedly different, but this study strives to point to some similarities as also incongruencies and gaps when it comes to the state´s approach towards indigenous rights in the two countries.

[pt] O presente estudo buscou analisar, a partir de uma perspectiva decolonial, como e por que padrões eurocêntricos foram adotados pelo movimento de consumerismo no Brasil e as consequências colonialistas desse processo. Para alcançar o objetivo proposto, foram desenvolvidos três artigos, que abordaram discussões relacionadas a modernidade/colonialidade/decolonialismo; consumerismo e movimento consumerista; e um estudo empírico de uma organização consumerista brasileira. Foram revisadas as literaturas acerca de decolonialismo e consumerismo, nas quais ficou evidente a resistência da área de marketing em abordar o tema de consumerismo em pesquisas e a baixa presença de estudos que utilizem perspectivas alternativas àquelas originadas no Norte Global para analisar fenômenos de consumo, mesmo os de natureza crítica. No caso da Proteste foi identificado que as práticas consumeristas da organização refletem a colonialidade praticada por organizações eurocêntricas, que influenciam o consumerismo no Brasil, impondo o modelo de consumerismo praticado no Norte Global, ignorando as particularidades do mercado brasileiro e as necessidades da população que não se relacionam ao consumo. Com base em entrevistas e em dados secundários, a análise demonstrou como a Proteste lida com a hierarquia criada dentro da Euroconsumers, posicionando-a na parte inferior dessa estrutura, bem como adota o conhecimento consumerista universalista eurocêntrico, que não necessariamente contribui para resolver as questões consumeristas do Brasil. A perspectiva decolonial pode contribuir para a identificação da colonialidade presente na influência eurocêntrica no movimento consumerista, evidenciando a imposição do conhecimento do Norte Global sobre o tema, que é visto como universal e ignora as necessidades do consumidor brasileiro, que não são tratadas em profundidade. Assim, o movimento consumerista brasileiro se concentra nas questões relacionadas à escolha de produtos e serviços, valorizando a etapa transacional do consumo, deixando de lado o bem-estar e as necessidades básicas do consumidor. / [en] The present study sought to analyze, from a decolonial perspective, how and why Eurocentric standards were adopted by the consumerism movement in Brazil and the colonialist consequences of this process. To achieve the proposed objective, three articles were developed, which addressed discussions related to modernity/coloniality/decolonialism; consumerism and consumerist movement; and an empirical study of a Brazilian consumer organization. The literature on decolonialism and consumerism was reviewed, in which it was evident the resistance of the marketing area to address the topic of consumerism in research and the low presence of studies that use alternative perspectives to those originated in the Global North to analyze consumption phenomena, even those of a critical nature. In the case of Proteste, it was identified that the organization s consumerist practices reflect the coloniality practiced by Eurocentric organizations, which influence consumerism in Brazil by imposing the model of consumerism practiced in the Global North, ignoring the particularities of the Brazilian market and the needs of the population that does not relate to consumption. Based on interviews and secondary data, the analysis demonstrated how Proteste deals with the hierarchy created within Euroconsumers, positioning it at the bottom of this structure, as well as adopting the Eurocentric universalist consumerist knowledge, which does not necessarily contribute to solving the issues consumers in Brazil. The decolonial perspective can contribute to identifying the coloniality present in the Eurocentric influence on the consumerist movement, highlighting the imposition of knowledge from the Global North on the subject, seen as universal, and ignoring the needs of the Brazilian consumer, which are not treated in depth. Thus, the Brazilian consumerist movement focuses on issues related to the choice of products and services, valuing the transactional stage of consumption, leaving aside the well-being and basic needs of the consumer.

This thesis seeks to explore how humanitarian communication produces subjectivities for individuals. More specifically, it investigates how the innocent modern/colonial humanitarian subject is produced through appeals to emotions. To explore this phenomenon, this thesis develops a decolonial research approach grounded in epistemic disobedience. As such, it first disrupts the binary between rationality and emotions by focusing on the roles of compassion, anger and guilt in the making of the innocent humanitarian subject. Second, it presents autoethnography and storytelling as entry doors into disobeying the binary between subject and object of research. The analysis of the autoethnography is presented in different modes of analysis, between creative and more traditional social science writings. The analysis shows that guilt and knowledge permit to partially defeat the stance of innocence produced by humanitarian communication. Additionally, by recentring racism and European colonialism/imperialism as central to the study of humanitarianism, this thesis demonstrates the importance of adopting decolonial research strategies to defeat persisting structures of inequality.

This thesis explores the practice of “youtubing Sápmi”, which entails Sámi decolonial mobilization, multisemiotic and multilingual language use on YouTube. The aim is to understand how YouTube videos can function as a tool for discursive mobilization and as a complement or alternative to linguistic and cultural revitalization. In recent years, more interest has been directed towards Sámi music and media. While such research has explored acts of resistance, anti-colonial counter-narratives and negotiations of identity in Sámi music and media, few studies have investigated the discursive strategies used in Sámi performance in the Swedish context. In addressing this research gap, drawing from sociolinguistic research on interdiscursivity, indexicality and sociolinguistic scales, this thesis analyses how multisemiotic resources are used in discursive strategies of Sámi decolonial mobilization on YouTube. The analysis reveals that a variety of multisemiotic resources and discourses are used to construe type and token interdiscursivity that establish connectivity across time, space and scales that connect local issues to the national and the global. Furthermore, the deployment of different language repertoires – North Sámi, Swedish and English – point to the multi-scalar aspects of Sámi decolonial mobilization. These results indicate that the practice of youtubing Sápmi is a powerful tool for raising awareness, challenging coloniality and creating space for Sámi linguistic and cultural practices. In sum, the thesis provides insights into the potentials for agentive and creative use of interdiscursivity, as well as the affordances for creative multisemiotic language use on YouTube.