Postcolonial studies is an academic discipline that examines the cultural, literary, political, and economic legacies of colonialism and imperialism. It emerged in the second half of the 20th century as a way to rethink the histories and cultures of nations and regions that had been colonized by European powers. Postcolonial studies scholars argue that imperialism not only had a powerful impact on the material foundations of colonized societies, but also shaped their cultures, belief systems, and identities. This field thus challenges traditional Eurocentric narratives of history, literature, and politics by bringing to the fore the voices and experiences of marginalized peoples impacted by imperialism and advocating for decolonization, equality, and justice.