Disciplining the Savages: Savaging the Disciplines

by Martin Nakata

An alternative reading for those struggling at the contradictory and ambiguous intersections of academia and Indigenous experience, this book moves beyond the usual criticisms of the disciplines providing an alternative for understanding Indigenous peoples.

Genres: Indigenous, Australia

255 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

Reviews

[Jo-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is so much to digest in this, I would recommend reading over an extended period of time in chunks of chapters - the acknowledgement section is helpful for planning this as it sets out the basis of each part of the book (i.e. Nakata's PhD research, articles and conference proceedings).

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

An important book.

I found the methodological chapters, particularly the last two, far more engaging and interesting than the analysis of anthropological studies, which made up the majority of the book. Nakata was also at times quite vague and waffley, and made arguments and assessments that were hardly unique to Islanders.

However, as I said, the last 2-3 chapters are superb and articulate really well what Nakata means by an Indigenous Standpoint Theory, what it is not, and how it is a call for deeper engagement and analysis rather than a claim for authoritative knowledge that can’t be contested or analysed. I particularly liked his idea that such an ‘Indigenous standpoint’ was a consequence of ongoing knowledge production rather than a static knowledge just waiting to come to light if only somebody asked an elder etc.

This non-dogmatic and anti-authoritative disclaimer to his standpoint theory was highly appealing to me. Either way I appreciated Nakata outlining what his proposal and idea actually looked like.

Overall; Important, enlightening, sometimes repetitive/vague/waffley but overall a valuable read. Could have done with shortening the analysis of the anthropological expeditions from 6 chapters to maybe 3, and made the transition between them and his ‘theory’ smoother.

Definitely one to keep as a reference for articulating ideas about knowledge production and ways to move forward in respecting and valuing Indigenous perspectives to issues and knowledge regarding them.