狭義には文芸批評の理論である。植民地主義や帝国主義に関わる文化、歴史などを広範囲に取り扱い、批評、評論していくが、多岐にわたる方法論や問題意識の集合体であり、一つの運動ではない。

To make a critical study of a wide range of cultures and histories related to colonialism and imperialism. It seeks to do a critical analysis of the relationship between developed countries like those in the West and developing countries including those with colonial experience and then to overcome that.