Challenges in Comparative Research between Europe and Colonized Countries

Comparative research between Europe and colonized societies faces theoretical and methodological challenges when addressing the different historical, social and institutional frameworks, levels and patterns of development, structures and demographic, political, cultural and institutional dynamics among societies, considering their opposing historical origins. European values and rights on equality contrast with those of colonized societies and their antecedents, marked by indigenous genocide, slavery, independence conflicts, eugenics and racism against most colonized populations. What perpetuates instability and inequalities in access to political power and participation, rights, development, industrialization, science and technology, labor market, training and capabilities, welfare state, opportunities, education, health, social security, housing, gender, ethnic and class equity, protection, social justice and democracy? Contemporary changes in Europe following the adoption of neoliberal policies are undermining the welfare state and social cohesion, and inequalities are emerging, while some colonized countries adopted a planned economy and inclusive policies to overcome structural inequalities. This panel will discuss articles with comparative theoretical-methodological references used in cutting-edge science, longitudinal and transversal studies and comparative indicators that consider the differences in history and roles that each society assumes in the colonization process, the mechanisms that institutionalize and perpetuate inequalities between and within old and new social structures. Theoretical and empirical research on colonial domination and the recent changes promoted by transnational and excluding elites and institutions are welcome, as these changes contribute to perpetuating unequal national political and economic regimes and to maintaining international relations of power of domination.