Gender and Development: A Literature Review (original) (raw)

Women and Development- Issues and Challenges

2018

The discourse on development has traditionally constructed women as beneficiaries and not as key players in creating an equitable society. The deep rooted patriarchal structures coupled with the hegemonic tendencies of the neo liberal state have further pushed them to the margins. However, women constitute half of the humanity and any discursive space would offer only a partial account of progress if it fails to take note of their vast potential. It is imperative, therefore, that any development agenda must evolve a nuanced approach that factors in the differentials – whether it be caste, class, race, sexuality and religion or a combination of all three. The writings in this book cover a wide spectrum of issues from a gendered perspective, critically scrutinizing existing policies and attempting to signal towards the alternative models. Among the themes discussed are: • Deconstructing development from a gendered perspective :Ideological debates • The discourse on rights and resisting inequalities • Reviewing and recasting initiatives: Policies and programmes • Women and media • Viewing women as beneficiaries or determinants? With its interdisciplinary character related to the development discourse in the context of women, this collection of papers will be of great interest to sociologists, historians, political scientists, educationists, home scientists, and those interested in gender studies and policy making.

GENDER EQUALITY AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT in Future Directions in Social Development

Over the last few decades, the impact of the women’s movements within countries and internationally has been central to raising and tackling gender inequality in social development. Arguments have been made that addressing gender equality is imperative for the overall development agenda in terms of economic growth; stability; enhanced productivity and its cumulative effects on other dimensions of well-being, such as education and health, not just women but families (Wold Bank Group, 2015; World Bank, 2011; Giugale, 2011). Despite these arguments, progress and commitment to dealing with gender inequality has been variable and inconsistent because gender discrimination is embedded deep in the culture and structure of social systems. The struggles, strategies and interventions to address gender inequality are in constant negotiation with the underlying structures, socio-cultural contexts and social systems that serve to maintain it, and challenging these aspects often meets with resistance and backlash (Sandler and Rao, 2012). In this ambiguous terrain it is important to understand the extent to which attempts to address gender inequality have been effective in varying contexts and areas of social development, particularly with regard to Millennium development goals (MDG’s) because of its prominence in the international development agenda. To this end, this chapter firstly addresses the complexities involved in measuring gender, as well as the collection and quality of data, as an entry point to the discussion on gender and development, since without measurement we cannot ascertain progress in this area. Second, the chapter utilises some of the core areas of social development to explore the underlying issues that plague progress in the arena of gender equality, through an engagement with some of the MDG’s and to a lesser extent the SDG’s. Finally the chapter briefly engages with the funding and resourcing of gender equality work, since real dedication to development in the field of gender is evidenced by financial and resource commitment. Progress on gender equality to facilitate social development can only be achieved through adequate resourcing and funding. Due to space limitations it is not possible to cover, all social development matters; rather only those development issues that help me illustrate some key points will be extracted and discussed.

Gender Development Approaches to Women's Development: A Sociological Perspective

KALANJIYAM – International Journal of Tamil Studies, 2024

While the concept of development is prevalent across numerous fields, its sociological perspective closely ties it to the advancement of women. This paper investigates the various developmental strategies employed to foster women's progress, specifically through a sociological lens. It analyzes the evolution of these strategies, paying attention to how gender dynamics, social structures, and cultural norms have influenced women's societal roles, as well as their access to resources, education, and economic opportunities. By examining key approaches such as Women in Development (WID), Women and Development (WAD), and Gender and Development (GAD), this study seeks to identify their respective strengths and limitations in promoting sustainable development and gender equity. It underscores the necessity for a comprehensive and inclusive framework that addresses the factors impacting women's development outcomes across different contexts, evaluates the effectiveness of development programs, tackles structural inequalities, and fosters women's empowerment in all sectors. Consequently, this research paper evaluates the effectiveness, benefits, and drawbacks of development models related to women's empowerment