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Abstract

This thesis sheds light on hegemonic discourses of development of development agencies and implementers and their impacts on participating communities. The thesis discusses how ideologies about development and gender plague the theory and practice behind development projects, especially those that focus on gender empowerment initiatives, and affect their ability to effect structural and social change. To consolidate the argument, a case study is provided to show the underlying effects and results of the perpetuation of these discourses in Guatemalan society: it comprises a discourse analysis on a UNDP development project in Guatemala, known as the Programa Maya Fase III. The discourse analysis highlights the gendered and hegemonic discourses of development present in the Programa Maya Fase III, and the ways it is representative of a greater phenomenon within the international development field. The conclusions drawn from the analysis lead the author the importance of incorporating feminist and postcolonial critiques to development practices and projects, in efforts to avoid repeating the consequences from perpetuating hegemonic discourses of development.

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