Social dreaming as a method for exploring the unthought known behind decolonisation in higher education

This paper investigates the use of Social Dreaming (SD) as a method that can contribute to decolonisation efforts through the potential of dream sharing. Decolonisation is desired, yet feared, due to the painful emotions inevitably associated with racism and prejudice. Decolonisation efforts often encounter defences against delving too deeply into the background and essence of colonialism. We explore how SD can contribute to uncovering what is known about colonialism in Higher Education but struggles to emerge, the ‘unthought known’. SD has previously been used in similar contexts, but this paper paves the way for a more sustainable delivery that feeds directly into policy and transformation. The investigation is centred around a series of six online SD matrices in the context of the University of Central Lancashire’s efforts to decolonise the curriculum. The online SD matrices were hosted between January – June 2024. We hope the paper will significantly contribute to the knowledge base and methods at the disposal of HE institutions on a similar journey.