Subjugated Knowledges

Subjugated knowledge refers to information, experiences, and perspectives from marginalized groups that have been suppressed, disqualified, or deemed inferior by dominant societal power structures. Coined by Michel Foucault, it challenges mainstream narratives by highlighting alternative truths held by those outside of established institutions, whose viewpoints are often dismissed as irrational or unscientific despite having real-world validity.

Key characteristics of subjugated knowledge:

Marginalized perspectives: It comes from groups historically pushed to the fringes of society, such as people of color, those with disabilities, or other minority communities.

Discredited by power structures: Dominant institutions (like universities or government) actively suppress these forms of knowledge because they conflict with the established power dynamics or interests of the elite.

Not due to failure: These knowledges are not suppressed because they are wrong or failed, but rather because they serve to challenge or destabilize established “truth” and power structures.

Historical and lived experience: Subjugated knowledge often includes buried historical accounts, collective memories, or the practical life experiences of individuals and communities that differ from dominant narratives.

Challenge to dominant discourse: By bringing these perspectives into the open, subjugated knowledge can destabilize the prevailing worldview and reveal the limitations and biases of dominant theories and systems.

Examples:

Indigenous knowledge: Often dismissed as primitive by Western scientific frameworks, but contains vital understanding of ecosystems and sustainability.

Experiences of people with disabilities: When society’s focus is on “normal” human functioning, the unique understanding and experiences of disabled individuals can be disregarded as irrelevant.

Counter-narratives to colonial histories: Subjugated knowledge can expose the violence and exploitation of colonial powers by centering the perspectives of those who were colonized.