This thesis explores the intersection of female genital mutilation (FGM) within the context of development studies and the work of development cooperation organizations and the lessons it can learn from postcolonial theory, specifically examining Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak’s concept of subalternity. Gayatri Spivak is one of the main authors of postcolonial theory with the subaltern, highlighting the voices and perspectives of marginalized and oppressed groups that have been historically silenced. The analysis section focuses on presenting the main objectives of subalternity to examine (1) the discourse surrounding women affected by FGM within development studies and (2) the interventions of international development organizations through FGM-related projects. The role of international organizations will be considered through referencing Phase III and IV (2018-2021 and 2022-2025) of the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of FGM. To comprehend Spivak’s concept and the responsibility of the development industry and its organizations the main objectives of postcolonial theory and the influence of colonial domination will be touched upon as well as FGM introduced within the scope of development studies. A postcolonial approach in development studies aims to deconstruct Eurocentric perspectives, empower marginalized voices, and reframe development practices by interrogating power dynamics and decolonizing knowledge.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Topic and its relevance
1.2 Research question and approach
2 Literature review
2.1 Development studies
2.2 FGM
2.2.1 Definition
2.2.2 In the context of development studies
2.3 Postcolonialism
2.3.1 Definition
2.3.2 Development studies from a postcolonial perspective
2.3.3 FGM from a postcolonial perspective
2.4 Research gap
3 Theory
3.1 Subaltern by Gayatri Spivak
3.2 FGM in the context of subalternity
3.3 The role of development cooperation organizations
4 Summary
4.1 Most important lessons
4.2 Limitations and outlook
5 References
Research Objective and Scope
This thesis examines the intersection of female genital mutilation (FGM) and development cooperation through a postcolonial lens, specifically applying Gayatri Spivak’s concept of subalternity. The study investigates how current development discourse and organizational interventions potentially perpetuate colonial power structures rather than empowering the marginalized groups they aim to serve.
- Application of postcolonial theory to FGM and development studies.
- Critique of representation and "white saviourism" in development projects.
- Analysis of the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of FGM.
- Evaluation of knowledge reproduction and power dynamics in funding and project design.
- Exploration of the role of subalternity in silencing affected women's voices.
Excerpt from the Book
Representation
When discussing the possibility of representation of subalterns in the west Spivak uses two different wordings: “Speaking for” in the sense of representation as mentioned above and “Speaking about” in describing. In either case the risk of muting the voices of the people at heart of the discussion is arising (Spivak, 1988: 70-74). This potential of misrepresentation and erasure is another idea connected to Deconstruction. With ignoring the voices of the subaltern the dichotomy of “us and them” in which the West “helps and develops” remains (Haas, 2012: 48). This question is not just related to FGM but when talking about people in marginalized situations in general.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Introduces the controversy of white saviourism in development cooperation and establishes the research gap regarding the application of Spivak's subalternity to FGM.
2 Literature review: Provides a theoretical foundation by reviewing development studies, FGM, and postcolonialism, while establishing the interdependence of these fields.
3 Theory: Presents Gayatri Spivak’s concept of subalternity and applies it to FGM-affected women and the specific practices of development organizations.
4 Summary: Synthesizes the main lessons regarding the need for a shift from surface-level agendas to a profound postcolonial approach, including limitations of the research.
5 References: A comprehensive list of cited academic literature, reports, and digital resources.
Keywords
Female Genital Mutilation, FGM, Postcolonial Theory, Gayatri Spivak, Subalternity, Development Cooperation, Development Studies, White Saviourism, Power Dynamics, Intersectionality, Decolonization, Knowledge Reproduction, UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme, Global South, Representation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this thesis?
The thesis explores the connections between development studies and the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), analyzing how international development organizations formulate their agendas using postcolonial theory.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Key themes include colonial power structures, white saviourism, the representation of marginalized groups, and the inherent bias in the language and funding models used by development organizations.
What is the central research question?
The work asks: "What can be learned from Spivak’s concept of subalternity for working with FGM in the development context?"
Which scientific method is utilized?
The author uses a postcolonial, qualitative analysis of literature and organizational policy documents, specifically focusing on the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme as a case study.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main section investigates the concept of the "subaltern" by Gayatri Spivak, intersectionality, the role of development organizations, and how current strategies often ignore local expertise and cultural nuance.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as FGM, postcolonial theory, subalternity, development cooperation, power dynamics, and decolonization.
How does the author define the "subaltern" in the context of FGM?
Based on Spivak, the subaltern refers to women affected by FGM who are marginalized and excluded from political representation and societal discourse, whose voices are often silenced by the very organizations intending to "save" them.
Why is the "Joint Programme" criticized in the thesis?
The author argues that the programme often simplifies cultural diversity, reinforces hierarchical binaries between the "developed" North and "backward" South, and fails to adequately prioritize local self-representation.
What solution does the author propose?
The author calls for an acknowledgment of the colonial history embedded in current practices and advocates for a structural shift towards authentic local partnership, moving away from language and power dynamics that favor Western-centric agendas.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Gina Herrmann (Autor:in), 2023, Examining Female Genital Mutilation in the Context of Development Cooperation. Lessons from Postcolonial Theory, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1498033
