Perceptions of decolonising the curriculum: A preliminary Reddit forum study

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an increased interest in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at all levels of education. Central to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives has been decolonisation of the academic curriculum. There has, however, been little exploration of perceptions of decolonising the curriculum. In the present study we investigated perceptions of decolonising the curriculum using the popular online forum Reddit. We included both initial posts and replies (22 initial posts, 37 posts including replies) collected in July 2022. Inductive thematic analysis revealed four themes: Redundant, Exclusion and Replacement, Value, and Ulterior Motives. Given the paucity of research addressing this issue, findings should guide subsequent research in this area and inform practice e.g. when communicating the process and consequences of decolonising the curriculum.