Methodology and Political Science Research Databases: A Critical Postcolonial Perspective

The dominant datasets, such as Polity V, Freedom House, Afrobarometer, and Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), among others, are predominantly produced in the Global North, reflecting epistemological priorities and methodological frameworks rooted in colonial or neo-colonial legacies. These datasets often marginalize local contexts and knowledge systems, perpetuating unequal power dynamics and epistemic dependency. The methodology used in this study incorporates document analyses and critical assessment of on-line based databases to explore the use and impact of political science research data in Southern Africa. A critical postcolonial lens reveals deeper concerns regarding the epistemic foundations and contextual applicability of these databases. The reliance on databases like Polity V, Freedom House, and the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) reflects the dominance of knowledge systems rooted in the Global North. These databases often dominate curricula and research agendas, side-lining indigenous methodologies and epistemologies that could provide more contextually relevant insights. Institutions and researchers primarily lead the production of these datasets in the Global North, and may also perpetuate unequal power dynamics and epistemic dependency. A postcolonial critique of Western-driven methodologies highlights the need for decolonial approaches in political science research. Decolonial methodologies emphasize the co-creation of knowledge with local communities, the use of indigenous epistemologies, and the prioritization of context-specific research questions.