Sophie Chao is a scholar whose work bridges the fields of Science and Technology Studies (STS), Indigenous studies, and environmental humanities. She has gained recognition for her critical analysis of the ways in which scientific practices and technologies intersect with colonialism, particularly in the context of Indigenous communities. Chao’s work pushes beyond traditional understandings of science and technology, emphasizing the importance of incorporating Indigenous knowledge systems into contemporary discussions about environmental sustainability, social justice, and the future of science and technology itself.
In this article, we will explore Sophie Chao’s contributions to STS, focusing on her examination of the relationship between colonialism, environmental destruction, and the marginalization of Indigenous knowledge. By looking at her key research projects, we will see how Chao challenges the dominant narratives of progress and development in the scientific community, while advocating for more inclusive and equitable approaches to knowledge production.
The Colonial Legacy in Science and Technology
One of the foundational themes in Sophie Chao’s work is the examination of colonial legacies in science and technology. Much of Western science and technology, as Chao points out, has been shaped by colonial histories that sought to dominate and exploit both land and people. Indigenous communities around the world were often seen as “backward” or “primitive,” with their knowledge systems ignored or actively suppressed in favor of Western scientific paradigms. These epistemic injustices—violations of the right to recognize and validate diverse ways of knowing—have left lasting impacts on both Indigenous communities and the fields of science and technology.
Chao’s work interrogates how modern environmental science and technology continue to perpetuate these colonial logics. In particular, she focuses on the ways that Indigenous peoples’ relationship with the land has been overlooked or misconstrued in the context of contemporary environmental discourse. While much of Western environmental science emphasizes sustainability, biodiversity, and ecosystem restoration, these goals are often disconnected from the lived experiences and traditional ecological knowledge of Indigenous communities. By highlighting these omissions, Chao critiques the prevailing environmental frameworks that fail to account for the ongoing impact of colonialism.
Decolonizing Science and Technology
Chao advocates for the decolonization of science and technology. This involves recognizing and rectifying the power imbalances that have historically privileged Western knowledge systems over Indigenous ways of knowing. As part of this project, she explores how science and technology can be transformed to be more inclusive of Indigenous worldviews. For Chao, decolonization is not merely a matter of adding Indigenous voices into existing scientific frameworks but rather calls for a fundamental rethinking of the ways science and technology are conceived, practiced, and governed.
A key aspect of Chao’s decolonial framework is the concept of “epistemic justice,” which emphasizes the importance of recognizing the legitimacy of different knowledge systems. Epistemic justice challenges the notion that there is one universal way to understand and interact with the world, instead advocating for a more pluralistic approach to knowledge. Indigenous knowledge systems, often rooted in centuries of careful observation and relationship with the land, offer valuable insights that can help address contemporary challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecological degradation.
However, Chao’s work also points out that Indigenous knowledge cannot simply be extracted for use in scientific projects; it must be engaged with in ways that respect Indigenous peoples’ rights and sovereignty. In her analysis, Chao discusses the complexities of collaborative science, where Indigenous communities may work alongside scientific institutions, but only on terms that acknowledge their autonomy and ensure mutual respect. This also includes recognizing the ways that traditional knowledge intersects with spiritual practices and social structures, which may not always fit neatly into the categories of Western scientific inquiry.
The Role of Technology in Environmental Justice
Another area where Chao’s scholarship stands out is in her exploration of the role technology plays in both perpetuating and challenging environmental injustices. While much of the discourse around technology in contemporary STS focuses on the transformative potential of innovation and digital advancements, Chao is keenly aware of how technologies have often been used as tools of colonial domination. Whether it’s through resource extraction, surveillance, or infrastructure development, technological advancements have historically played a key role in the dispossession of Indigenous lands and resources.
At the same time, Chao also recognizes that technology can be a means of resistance and empowerment for Indigenous communities. The digital age, for example, has opened new avenues for Indigenous peoples to reclaim their rights, document their experiences, and assert their sovereignty. Social media platforms, digital mapping tools, and other technologies are increasingly being used by Indigenous activists to raise awareness about environmental degradation, challenge state policies, and mobilize for political change. These technologies, when used strategically, can help amplify Indigenous voices and support collective action against injustices.
However, Chao is careful to point out that the use of technology in these contexts must also be critically examined. Indigenous communities must navigate the risks of technological exploitation, surveillance, and data extraction, all of which could further marginalize them. This highlights the need for a nuanced approach to technology that balances innovation with ethical considerations.
Environmental Stewardship and Indigenous Knowledge
Chao’s work is particularly concerned with the relationship between Indigenous knowledge systems and environmental stewardship. In many Indigenous cultures, land is not merely a resource to be exploited, but a living, relational entity with its own rights and significance. Indigenous peoples’ deep connection to their land—expressed through practices such as land management, fire-stick farming, and the cultivation of native species—offers a different model of environmental care than the extractive logic often embedded in Western environmental management.
For example, in her research on the impacts of palm oil plantations in Southeast Asia, Chao explores how Indigenous communities in the region are fighting to protect their ancestral lands from deforestation and ecological destruction. Through her analysis, she demonstrates how these communities’ knowledge of the land and ecosystems provides critical insights into sustainable practices that could counteract the negative impacts of large-scale industrial agriculture. Indigenous knowledge, Chao argues, can offer a blueprint for a more just and sustainable future, one that prioritizes ecological health over economic growth.
Chao also examines the tension between conservation efforts, which are often spearheaded by Western scientific organizations, and the sovereignty of Indigenous communities. For example, many conservation policies have been enacted in ways that displace Indigenous peoples or disregard their traditional practices. Chao calls for a reimagining of conservation that includes Indigenous leadership and integrates their knowledge into broader environmental strategies.
Conclusion: Toward a More Just and Inclusive Future for Science and Technology
Sophie Chao’s work is a powerful critique of the ways in which science and technology have been shaped by colonial histories and continue to perpetuate inequalities in both knowledge production and environmental management. Her scholarship offers a compelling argument for the decolonization of science and technology, stressing the need to engage with Indigenous knowledge systems in ways that respect their autonomy and cultural significance.
Chao’s research also highlights the potential for technology to be used as a tool for social justice and environmental stewardship. However, she cautions that technology must be critically engaged with to ensure it does not perpetuate existing power imbalances or further marginalize Indigenous communities.
Ultimately, Chao’s work invites us to rethink our assumptions about science, technology, and progress. It challenges us to consider alternative ways of knowing and being in the world, and to create more inclusive, ethical, and sustainable futures that draw on the wisdom of Indigenous peoples alongside contemporary scientific advancements. In doing so, Sophie Chao contributes not only to the field of STS but to the broader movement toward social and environmental justice.