International Journal of Research Studies in Education
Special Luminary Issue
2025
Volume 14 Issue 4
Available Online: 20 February 2025
Author/s:
Salcedo, Francis Xavier R.
De La Salle University, Department of Theology and Religious Education (DTRE), Manila, Philippines (francis.salcedo@dlsu.edu.ph)
Abstract:
One literary writer whose work extensively deals with issues concerning global sustainable development is Chinua Achebe. He is noted for his novel Things Fall Apart, which was in fact groundbreaking in bringing to the attention of his readers the social, cultural and environmental impacts of colonialism and modernization in his African community. He is a prominent figure in literature to those interested in social justice, sustainable development, and ethical progress due to his work as a proponent of balanced and respectful progress. Notably, Achebe’s writing highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage, understanding the human impact of economic development, and respecting the relationship between people and the land. His novels express the disruptions of the already stabilized ways of life through exterior power, among them, by the exploitation of natural wealth and further breakdown of communities’ social structures by colonies and worldwide forces. In discussing these aspects, Achebe indirectly brings to the attention of his readers the relevance of sustainable development which respects local culture and the social structure as well as caring for the environment as set by United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No.16. As such, this study will trace the development of Achebe’s philosophy on sustainable development based on his five significant novels namely Things Fall Apart (1958), No Longer at Ease (1960), Arrow of God (1964), A Man of the People (1966) and Anthills of the Savannah (1987). All in all, this study argues that even though Chinua Achebe’s contributions to sustainable development may not be as direct as those of an economist, activist, or environmentalist, his influence lies in his transformative ideas around culture, ethics, governance, and society – which are critical components of sustainable development.
Keywords: Chinua Achebe, Africa, colonialism, post-colonialism, social justice, culture, sustainable development, ecology, governance
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2025.25838
Cite this article:
Salcedo, F. X. R. (2025). Tracing the development of Chinua Achebe’s philosophy on sustainable development in his major novels. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 14(4), 97-107. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2025.25838