Is Gender and Development (GAD) an imposition of western ideas on other cultures? This accusation can obstruct efforts to tackle gender inequality. Yet ideas in development are disproportionately influenced by richer countries. In this paper from BRIDGE, this problem is addressed by looking at culture and where cultural norms come from. Awareness of power dynamics and willingness to tackle gender stereotypes can be effective in challenging cultural norms.
Cultures are products of history, place, politics and people. They change over time. Some aspects of culture are enabling for some and constraining for others. There are times when people go along with norms (thereby reinforcing them) and times when they resist. This process, combined with outside influences, changes cultures. There is no homogenous fixed northern or southern culture. With or without development interventions, north and south are interacting and influencing each other. Nevertheless, these interactions are structured by power imbalances.
- People form and are formed by culture. International dynamics interact with family, community and nation to provide the context for individual lives and identities. In turn, individuals form and change their cultural environments, through accepting or resisting norms. Gender constraints and inequalities pervade the lives of individuals.
- Development interventions also form and change cultures. Initiatives take action at a community and national level to change cultures of gender: for example by supporting women’s voices, challenging traditions and combating prejudice. As these experiences are disseminated, they impact upon development thinking and practice internationally.
- Development thinking and practice (including GAD) are in themselves laden with cultural values. Cultures of colonialism still influence development. In research, ideology and practice the world is divided into ‘south’ and ‘north’ and assumptions made that the former should learn from the latter.
- Ideas in development are disproportionally influenced by richer countries, whether they be about gender relations, economies, governance or human rights. However, even efforts to increase gender equality which are guided by local priorities are often discredited as ‘western’ and treated as imposition from the outside.
Accusations of western imposition may be accurate, may be a politically motivated attempt to obstruct gender equality, or may be both. Development will always impact on cultures and on gender. Ignoring gender in development is just as much as cultural assumption as putting it on the agenda.
- The cultural impact of development interventions needs to be conscious and considered; directed at challenging oppressive norms of gender, sex, sexuality and north-south dynamics.
- Culture and tradition can enable or obstruct. There is nothing sacred about culture; value judgements need to be made about which aspects to hold on to and which to let go. Who makes such judgements is important; ‘outsiders’ need to be cautious and make space for discussion by ‘insiders’.
- Individuals and organisations need to challenge their own assumptions and power dynamics. This should include issues of north and south, race, sex, sexuality and gender.
- Enabling participation and leadership of previously excluded groups (e.g. women, black people or southern staff) can help change the culture of development organisations.
