Defining This Space
Setting the stage for meaningful engagement. Before diving into the resources and written pieces available on this platform, it is crucial that we establish a shared understanding of the foundational concepts and goals that guide our discussions.
This space is designed to be more than just a collection of articles and viewpoints; it is a forum for critical reflection, thoughtful dialogue, and deep exploration of complex social issues. To ensure that we are all on the same page, it is important to align on the meanings and implications of the key terms and themes that will frequently arise in our conversations. Words and ideas are not neutral—they carry histories, values, and power dynamics that shape how we understand and interact with the world. For this reason, we must approach our discussions with a shared awareness of the language we use and the perspectives we bring.
This platform encourages us to reflect on our assumptions, challenge our biases, and consider the diverse experiences of others. It is only by starting from a place of common understanding that we can engage in productive dialogue and move towards a more inclusive and equitable society. Therefore, as you explore the resources here, we ask that you remain open-minded, curious, and committed to learning and growth. Let’s ensure that our engagement is rooted in respect, empathy, and a genuine desire to understand and address the complex issues we face together.
What is 'Privilege'?
Before engaging in discussions on this platform, it is essential to understand the key concepts and themes that are continually raised and examined. Our conversations are shaped by the recognition that words hold immense power, often carrying deep meanings and representations. Language itself can be contentious, as it reflects and influences our perceptions of the world. Even the title of this platform and our use of the word 'privilege' can provoke strong reactions and varied interpretations.​​
The concept of 'privilege' is complex and multifaceted. It raises important questions: Who gets to define what privilege really is? How do we legitimately determine who possesses it? On this platform, when we talk about privilege, we are not only referring to 'white privilege.' We are also addressing various other forms of privilege, such as those related to gender, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic class, and religion.​
The decision to focus on privilege was a deliberate one, made with careful consideration of its relevance to our discussions. We aim to bring to light the often-unseen advantages that certain groups may have and the impact of these advantages on others, particularly those in more vulnerable positions. The goal is not to exclude or alienate but to encourage a critical examination of how privilege operates within our society and to challenge those who might unknowingly benefit from it.​
By focusing on privilege, we hope to foster awareness among individuals about their positions and the potential influence they may wield, both consciously and unconsciously. This platform serves as a space for reflecting on these dynamics, understanding the responsibilities that come with privilege, and exploring how we can all contribute to a more equitable and inclusive world.
How Do We Define Development?
Much like the word 'privilege,' the term 'development' is also fraught with complexity and contention.
When we talk about 'development,' we often encounter fundamental questions: what criteria determine whether a nation or community is considered 'developing' or 'developed'?Who gets to define these terms, and from whose perspective are they being defined?
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These classifications are frequently coined and perpetuated by Western countries, which often frame the concept of development through a narrow, biased lens. This perspective tends to impose Western standards and values onto other societies, positioning Western modes of development as the ideal or norm. Such practices can inadvertently undermine the autonomy and cultural context of various communities, seeking to mold them into an image that aligns with the West's dominant and often perceived as superior standpoint.​
Our goal on this platform is not to provide a fixed definition of development. Instead, we seek to critically examine how the concept is currently constructed and practiced. This involves unpacking a wide range of factors that contribute to the meaning of development, recognising that it is not a monolithic concept but one that must be continually interrogated and re-evaluated. Development should be understood as a dynamic process, shaped by a constellation of ideas, actions, and goals that vary greatly depending on the context.​
In effective development practice, it is crucial to incorporate the diverse experiences, ideas, and practices of multiple stakeholders who are directly connected to the issues at hand. This means recognising that development often acquires different meanings and implications in different contexts, and there is no single, universal definition that applies everywhere. What might be considered 'development' in one community may not hold the same significance in another.
Over time, the language we use in the field of development has evolved.
Descriptive terms like 'developing countries' and the 'global south' have been introduced to replace outdated and pejorative terms such as 'third world.' This shift reflects a growing awareness of the need to use language that more ethically and accurately represents diverse populations. As we continue to engage in discussions about development, we must remain conscious of how our terminology influences perceptions and power dynamics, and strive to use language that respects and uplifts the communities involved.
Who Is The West?
The term "Western world," often referred to as the "West" or the "Global North," encompasses a range of countries that generally includes Western Europe, Australasia, and North America.
Depending on the context, the definition of the "West" can vary, but in the realm of global politics, economics, and development, it is frequently associated with nations that wield significant power and influence over international affairs.
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In the context of this blog, the "West" is recognized as a dominant force, particularly within the fields of development and other socio-political arenas.
The influence of the West in these domains is often substantial, as highlighted by William Easterly, who stated: "It is the rich governments in North America and Western Europe who largely control international agencies and the effort to transform poor nations." This quote reflects the considerable power that Western countries have in shaping global development agendas and the frameworks used to understand progress, often setting the terms for how development is defined, funded, and implemented. The decisions made by these nations can have far-reaching effects on policies and practices in countries across the globe, particularly those in the Global South. In contrast, terms like the "Global South" or the "Eastern World" are used to describe countries that are often characterised as low and middle-income nations. The "Global South" includes a wide range of countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. These nations are typically categorized as either "newly developed" or "developing," reflecting a narrative of economic and social progress that is often measured against Western standards of development.​
However, it's important to recognise that these terms—"Global South" and "Global North"—are not just geographical descriptors; they also carry implicit assumptions about economic status, development trajectories, and cultural identities. The term "Global South" often implies a stage of development or a set of economic conditions that are seen as inferior or needing improvement compared to those of the "Global North." This categorization can sometimes reinforce stereotypes or oversimplified views of the diverse and complex realities of these countries.​
Moreover, by framing the world in terms of a binary opposition between the "West" and the "Global South," there is a risk of perpetuating a hierarchical view that places Western countries at the top and others in a subordinate position. This perspective can undermine the autonomy and agency of countries in the Global South, reducing them to passive recipients of aid and development rather than active participants with their own voices, strategies, and innovations.
​Thus, while these terms are useful for discussing global inequalities and power dynamics, it is crucial to approach them critically and to recognise the limitations and biases that they might carry. Understanding these nuances helps us move beyond simplistic labels and towards a more inclusive and accurate discourse on global development and international relations.
Defining Ethnocentrism
and the 'Orient'
Ethnocentrism is defined as: "the view that one's own culture is better than anyone else's culture".
As a practice, it consists of evaluating another culture through the perspective of one's own. Ethnocentrism is the act of judging another culture based on predispositions that are formed through values and standards of one's own culture; such values involve language, behaviour, customs, and religion.
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Palestinian professor, Edward Said's concept of 'Orientalism' was born in 1978 and drew heavy controversy due to its confrontation on how both the 'East' and the 'West' was being portrayed in academic literature. Edward Said particularly focused on the Western structuring and values towards the 'East' and how often these values have been misrepresented and stereotyped. ​
Said describes the 'Orient' as the category in which the entire 'East' is confined; such a category is made up of the Middle East and East Asian cultures. We see this similarly with the grouping of the entire African continent also. Through such a broad categorisation, Said suggests that bias perceptions have hindered a true understanding of these differing cultures. Through an ethnocentric lens, these cultures have been portrayed as destinations filled with 'exotic' and 'curious' tales for the 'West' to explore and exploit.