Examining Female Genital Mutilation in the Context of Development Cooperation. Lessons from Postcolonial Theory

Bachelor Thesis from the year 2023 in the subject Sociology - Medicine and Health, grade: 1,7, University of Hamburg (Socioeconomics), language: English, abstract: 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.