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Connor F.J. Leckey
Introduction
Building on development studies’ Eurocentric foundations, this article
argues that the addition of a postcolonial understanding would foster
more applicable development strategies put forward by development
professionals, especially in areas where traditional Eurocentric development theories have been proven inadequate. First, this article begins with
an explanation of postcolonial theory as a diverse conglomeration of approaches with contested levels of understanding, yet providing a unified
critique of global development. Second, this article examines the postcolonial critique of development studies. Rooted in development’s reliance
on Eurocentric teleology, postcolonial theory argues that development
studies ignore indigenous knowledge and construct the misconception of
the ‘third world’, leading to the implementation of inadequate development strategies. Third, this article will consider development’s critique
of postcolonialism. Development theorists point to the subjectivity of
postcolonialist responses and the need for a universal global development strategy. Finally, this article will argue that development theorists’
critique of postcolonialism should not be enough to omit postcolonial
theory from development strategy. Ultimately, the inclusion of postcolonial understanding is vital to delivering successful global development.
Explanation of postcolonial theory
Advancement of postcolonial theory has aided academics across various disciplines in their ability to study phenomena from outside of the
traditional Eurocentric viewpoint. More specifically, the traditional Eurocentric viewpoint references the neocolonialist discourse surround