kolonialidad

Kolonialidad, often translated as coloniality, refers to the enduring structures of power and social hierarchies that were established during the colonial era and continue to shape societies today, even after formal decolonization. It is distinct from colonialism itself, which denotes the period of direct political and economic domination by a foreign power. Kolonialidad, conversely, describes the ongoing legacy of colonial thought, culture, and social organization that persists in post-colonial nations and influences global power dynamics.

This concept highlights how colonial systems of racial classification, economic exploitation, and cultural dominance have been internalized and perpetuated. It suggests that even without direct foreign rule, the ways in which societies are organized, the values they hold, and the perceptions of different groups of people are often still shaped by colonial frameworks. For example, it can manifest in the persistent marginalization of indigenous populations, the dominance of Western knowledge systems, or the economic dependency on former colonial powers.

Scholars associated with decolonial theory, such as Aníbal Quijano, have been instrumental in developing and popularizing the concept of kolonialidad. They argue that understanding kolonialidad is crucial for achieving genuine liberation and dismantling the deeply entrenched inequalities that originate from the colonial past. It emphasizes a continuous struggle against the invisible but pervasive forces of colonial domination that continue to shape the modern world.