Discovery and denial: Social science theory and interdisciplinarity in African Studies

This article discusses the ebb and flow of theoretical ideas in African Studies, specifically the interface between African Studies and Development Studies. It explores the epistemological nature of interdisciplinarity in African Studies, interrogating when and how theoretical insight may contribute to an understanding of material reality and welfare improvement in some circumstances, and miss the mark by a wide margin in other cases. The purpose of this exercise is to stimulate reflection on the contribution of African Studies to continental and global intellectual and material change, juxtaposing African Studies theory and its role as an applied field of study. This necessitates consideration of Africa's position in the interplay of world politics and the power of agenda-setting international institutions, notably the World Bank.