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Forum 2015

Author

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  • Murat Arsel
  • Kalpana Wilson

Abstract

type="main"> Tracing a complex trajectory from ‘liberal’ to ‘neoliberal’ feminism in development, this article argues that approaches to gender which are currently being promoted within neoliberal development frameworks, while often characterized as ‘instrumentalizing’ gender equality, in fact rely upon, extend and deepen gendered inequalities in order to sustain and strengthen processes of global capital accumulation in several ways. This is explored through development discourses and practices relating to microfinance, reproductive rights and adolescent girls. Drawing on examples from India, the article goes on to reflect on experiences of collective movements in which the assumptions underpinning this ‘Gender Equality as Smart Economics’ approach are challenged. Finally, it highlights several concepts associated with Marxist, Black, Post-colonial and Queer feminisms and underlines their importance to projects seeking to critically redefine development, arguing for a radical re-appropriation of gender in this context.

Suggested Citation

  • Murat Arsel & Kalpana Wilson, 2015. "Forum 2015," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 46(4), pages 803-832, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:devchg:v:46:y:2015:i:4:p:803-832
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1111/dech.12176
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kalpana Wilson, 2011. "‘Race’, Gender and Neoliberalism: changing visual representations in development," Third World Quarterly, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 32(2), pages 315-331.
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    7. Goetz, Anne Marie & Gupta, Rina Sen, 1996. "Who takes the credit? Gender, power, and control over loan use in rural credit programs in Bangladesh," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 24(1), pages 45-63, January.
    8. Kees Biekart & Rob Aitken, 2013. "The Financialization of Micro-Credit," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 44(3), pages 473-499, May.
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