DVA4805
Assignment 2 2025
Unique #:206112
Due Date: 11 June 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+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
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 2 2025
Unique #:206112
Due Date: 11 June 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+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
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
