Postcoloniality—The French Dimension

Postcoloniality, as defined by Majumdar (francophone studies, U. of Portsmouth, UK) for the purposes of this study, is concerned with the transformation of old ideological and cultural forms and the development of new forms of discourse that accompanied the decline of formal capitalist imperialism. Examining the evolution of French postcoloniality, she is particularly focused on the particular status of counter-discourses that arise to challenge dominant forms of hegemonic discourse and ideology, as well as questions concerning the validity of ideas, representations, and meanings; whether they aspire to the status of theory; and how theoretical validity is to be judged. Annotation c2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Margaret A. Majumdar is Visiting Professor at the University of Portsmouth and former Honorary Secretary of the Association for the Study of Modern & Contemporary France. Her books include Francophone Studies: The Essential Glossary (Arnold 2003), Transition and Development in Algeria: Economic, Social and Cultural Challenges, co-edited with Mohammed Saad (Intellect 2005), Althusser and the End of Leninism? (Pluto 1995).