Black feminism and development

The development process can be both patriarchal and colonial, specifically when it continues to rely on an unequal distribution of power between economic institutions. To a large extent, the prescriptions of neoclassical economics have formed the basis of development from the late 20th century. The results thereof, have been less than desirable; ranging from unequal relationships between Global North and South countries, an increase in global inequality, widespread poverty and hunger, and the rapid deterioration of the environment. While mainstream feminist arguments have highlighted the effects of these social and economic ills on women, they have placed burdens most severely on Black and Indigenous women around the world. The contention of this chapter is that Black Feminism can provide a more transformative alternative which can help explain why Black women as a group are likely to lag in development indicators, despite policy initiatives aimed at addressing all women’s deprivation.