Devtheo Written Report Jagonos

JAGONOS, GIO LOUIS V.
POSCI 67 DEVELOPMENT THEORIES

AB-PolSci 4 AB POLITICAL SCIENCE
NON-CONVENTIONAL, CRITICAL THEORIES OF DEVELOPMENT: POST STRUCTURALISM,

POSTCOLONIALISM, AND POST DEVELOPMENTALISM
TOPIC OVERVIEW:
 Post-Colonialism and literary turn
INTRODUCTION
Post-colonialism is a field of study that explores the lasting effects of colonialism on cultures,
societies, and identities worldwide. It emerged in the 20th century, as scholars from formerly colonized
countries analyzed Western ideas and power structures. Post-colonial scholars use disciplines like
history, literature, psychoanalysis, and cultural studies to examine how colonialism shaped subjectivity,
knowledge, and power. They argue that colonialism's legacies continue to influence our understanding
of the world today.
The writings Frantz Fanon (1925–1961), particularly "Black Skin, White Masks," are
considered a starting point for post-colonial criticism. His fierce critique challenged European readers
to confront their colonial past and its impact on identity. Fanon argued against fixed identities,
drawing on Jacques Lacan (1901–1981) idea of a fractured self. He used this concept to criticize the
idea of a singular "Western self" defined in opposition to a lesser "Third World Other." Fanon
believed the colonized person's identity was shaped by the realities of colonialism, not by Western
ideals. (Homi Bhabha 1983) argues that Western portrayals of the Orient (colonized societies) were
more complex than simple arrogance. He suggests colonialism was driven by anxiety about the
"otherness" it both hated and found strangely familiar. Bhabha uses the example of mimicry, where
colonized people adopted European ways, to show how this both challenged and unsettled colonial
power structures.
The concept of subaltern studies emerged in the 1980s as a more organized approach to
post-colonialism. Subaltern refers to those marginalized by class, caste, gender, race, and
culture.(Guha and Spivak 1988), argued that traditional historical narratives ignored the agency of
peasants, who resisted colonialism through rebellions. This challenged the idea of peasants as passive
subjects. However, Gayatri Spivak (1987: 206–207) critiqued this approach. She argued that relying on
Western concepts of "consciousness" to understand subaltern groups simply recasts them within a
Western framework. Spivak believed a more critical approach was needed to truly capture the
experiences of marginalized voices.
In a literary turn Paris, a central hub of Enlightenment thought, became the birthplace of a
movement deeply skeptical of Western ideals of reason, truth, and progress. This critique was
spearheaded by intellectuals from formerly colonized nations, many of whom had received at least
some of their education in the West. These thinkers drew on a blend of traditions, incorporating
Western reason with critical perspectives from their own cultures. This unique fusion, highlighting the
complexities of their experiences, formed the basis of post-colonialism, a critical discourse that
challenged Western dominance.
CRITIQUE OF WESTERN DOMINANCE:

 Challenging Euro-centrism: A core principle of postcolonialism is its critique of Eurocentrism, the
idea that Western civilization is superior and serves as the model for progress. Postcolonial
scholars argue that colonialism imposed Western values and knowledge systems on colonized
societies, neglecting or erasing their own rich cultural traditions and histories. (Postcolonial
Theory, n.d.)
 Deconstructing Power and Identity: Post-colonialism examines how colonialism shaped ideas of
identity, both for colonizers and the colonized. It critiques the binary oppositions often used,
such as "civilized" vs. "savage" or "developed" vs. "underdeveloped." Instead, post-colonial
scholars highlight the complexities and hybrid of cultural identities formed through colonial
encounters. (Postcolonial Theory, n.d.)
 Discourse and Representation: Post-colonial scholars analyze how colonial powers used
language and representation to maintain control. They examine how knowledge about colonized
people was constructed and disseminated through literature, media, and education systems.
Concepts like "Orientalism" by Edward Said explore how the West portrayed the "Orient"
(colonized societies) as passive and inferior, justifying colonial domination.(Postcolonial Theory,
n.d.)
IMPACT ON CULTURE AND LITERATURE:

 Hybridity and Resistance: While colonialism imposed power structures, postcolonial studies also
emphasize resistance and cultural adaptation. Colonized people didn't passively accept Western
dominance. They incorporated some aspects of Western culture while retaining their own
traditions, leading to the creation of hybrid cultural forms. Mimicry, for example, where
colonized people adopted European customs in a subversive way, is one strategy of resistance
explored by scholars .(Homi Bhabha 1983)
 Decolonizing the Imagination: Post-colonial literature plays a crucial role in challenging colonial
narratives and reclaiming cultural agency. These works explore the psychological and emotional
impact of colonialism, giving voice to marginalized experiences. The process of "decolonizing the
imagination" involves moving beyond Eurocentric perspectives and celebrating the diversity of
cultural expressions.(Postcolonial Theory, n.d.)
CONCLUSION
Post-colonial criticism is a major force in many academic fields, aiming to fundamentally

challenge how colonialism shaped knowledge and identities. Previous critiques, like nationalism or
Marxism, still relied on Western frameworks. Post-colonialism seeks to dismantle this Euro-centrism,
acknowledging that even critical theories emerged from a colonial past. It recognizes its own position
within these structures it critiques (similar to Derrida's ideas).
Post-colonialism is a complex field that critiques Western ideas of progress and development,
challenging their universality and questioning their inherent goodness. The term "post-colonialism"
emerged as a replacement for the outdated and homogenizing term "Third World." This field of study
examines how colonialism shaped ideas about identity, knowledge, and power.
Post-colonial scholars emphasize the two-way impact of colonialism, where colonized

cultures not only endured but also blended with Western influences in newly formed "hybrid
cultures." This "decolonization of the imagination" challenged cultural imperialism and led to a more
interconnected view of the world. However, the term "postcolonial" itself needs further analysis to
consider its historical, geographical, and cultural nuances.
REFERENCE
-Postcolonial theory. (n.d.). Obo. https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/display/document/obo-
9780190221911/obo-9780190221911-0069.xml
-Mambrol, N. (2020, July 15). Postcolonialism. Literary Theory and Criticism.

https://literariness.org/2016/04/06/postcolonialism/
-Peet, R., & Hartwick, E. (2009). Theories of Development, second edition: Contentions, Arguments,
Alternatives. Guilford Press.

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JAGONOS, GIO LOUIS V.

POSCI 67 DEVELOPMENT THEORIES

NON-CONVENTIONAL, CRITICAL THEORIES OF DEVELOPMENT: POST STRUCTURALISM,

CRITIQUE OF WESTERN DOMINANCE:

IMPACT ON CULTURE AND LITERATURE:

Post-colonial criticism is a major force in many academic fields, aiming to fundamentally

Post-colonial scholars emphasize the two-way impact of colonialism, where colonized

-Mambrol, N. (2020, July 15). Postcolonialism. Literary Theory and Criticism.

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