DVA4805 Assignment 2 2025
Unique Number: 206112
Due date: 11 June 2025
2 ESSAYS PROVIDED
POSTCOLONIALISM AND FEMINISM AS CRITICAL DISCOURSES IN THE GENDER
AND DEVELOPMENT DEBATE
1. INTRODUCTION
Postcolonialism and feminism are powerful theories that challenge traditional views of
development. They ask important questions about who development benefits and how it
affects women, especially in the Global South. Both theories help us understand the deep-
rooted problems in development planning, such as inequality, exclusion, and the failure to
include diverse voices—especially those of marginalised women. This essay explains how
postcolonial and feminist theories contribute to the gender and development debate. It
discusses how these theories challenge the mainstream development agenda and how they
propose better ways to think about women’s roles in development.
2. UNDERSTANDING POSTCOLONIALISM AND FEMINISM
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
2 ESSAYS PROVIDED
POSTCOLONIALISM AND FEMINISM AS CRITICAL DISCOURSES IN THE
GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT DEBATE
1. INTRODUCTION
Postcolonialism and feminism are powerful theories that challenge traditional views
of development. They ask important questions about who development benefits and
how it affects women, especially in the Global South. Both theories help us
understand the deep-rooted problems in development planning, such as inequality,
exclusion, and the failure to include diverse voices—especially those of marginalised
women. This essay explains how postcolonial and feminist theories contribute to the
gender and development debate. It discusses how these theories challenge the
mainstream development agenda and how they propose better ways to think about
women’s roles in development.
2. UNDERSTANDING POSTCOLONIALISM AND FEMINISM
2.1 What is Postcolonialism?
Postcolonialism is a theory that examines the lasting impact of colonialism on
societies, economies, and ways of thinking. Even after colonisers left, many
countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America were left with systems that favoured
Western ideas and power (Struckmann, 2018:12). Postcolonialism focuses on how
colonial ideas still shape the way development is planned and delivered today. For
example, many development programmes are still based on Western models and
ignore local cultures and knowledge.
2.2 What is Feminism in Development?
Feminism in development looks at how women are affected by poverty, inequality,
and policies. Feminist theory challenges the idea that development is neutral or that
it helps everyone equally. It shows that women are often left behind in development
plans, and that their roles are often reduced to motherhood or unpaid care work
(Akyeampong & Fofack, 2014:66). Different types of feminism have emerged—such
Unique Number: 206112
Due date: 11 June 2025
2 ESSAYS PROVIDED
POSTCOLONIALISM AND FEMINISM AS CRITICAL DISCOURSES IN THE GENDER
AND DEVELOPMENT DEBATE
1. INTRODUCTION
Postcolonialism and feminism are powerful theories that challenge traditional views of
development. They ask important questions about who development benefits and how it
affects women, especially in the Global South. Both theories help us understand the deep-
rooted problems in development planning, such as inequality, exclusion, and the failure to
include diverse voices—especially those of marginalised women. This essay explains how
postcolonial and feminist theories contribute to the gender and development debate. It
discusses how these theories challenge the mainstream development agenda and how they
propose better ways to think about women’s roles in development.
2. UNDERSTANDING POSTCOLONIALISM AND FEMINISM
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
2 ESSAYS PROVIDED
POSTCOLONIALISM AND FEMINISM AS CRITICAL DISCOURSES IN THE
GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT DEBATE
1. INTRODUCTION
Postcolonialism and feminism are powerful theories that challenge traditional views
of development. They ask important questions about who development benefits and
how it affects women, especially in the Global South. Both theories help us
understand the deep-rooted problems in development planning, such as inequality,
exclusion, and the failure to include diverse voices—especially those of marginalised
women. This essay explains how postcolonial and feminist theories contribute to the
gender and development debate. It discusses how these theories challenge the
mainstream development agenda and how they propose better ways to think about
women’s roles in development.
2. UNDERSTANDING POSTCOLONIALISM AND FEMINISM
2.1 What is Postcolonialism?
Postcolonialism is a theory that examines the lasting impact of colonialism on
societies, economies, and ways of thinking. Even after colonisers left, many
countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America were left with systems that favoured
Western ideas and power (Struckmann, 2018:12). Postcolonialism focuses on how
colonial ideas still shape the way development is planned and delivered today. For
example, many development programmes are still based on Western models and
ignore local cultures and knowledge.
2.2 What is Feminism in Development?
Feminism in development looks at how women are affected by poverty, inequality,
and policies. Feminist theory challenges the idea that development is neutral or that
it helps everyone equally. It shows that women are often left behind in development
plans, and that their roles are often reduced to motherhood or unpaid care work
(Akyeampong & Fofack, 2014:66). Different types of feminism have emerged—such
