Introduction to Gender and International Development

Decades of international development efforts have not eliminated global poverty and inequality. Why do these disparities persist, and how do policies often fail to address the needs of all people equally? This course provides a foundational understanding of the complex relationship between gender, power structures, and international development. You will gain a critical framework for analyzing global economic transformations and policy decisions, equipping you to evaluate how development projects are experienced on the ground in diverse global regions. What you'll learn: * Understand the historical evolution and core assumptions of international development theory and practice. * Analyze how gender and intersectionality shape access to resources, power, and development benefits across different cultures. * Examine the political and economic dynamics that perpetuate poverty and global inequality despite aid efforts. * Apply critical frameworks to evaluate the success and failure of major development projects and aid initiatives. * Master the principles of gender mainstreaming and their role in achieving modern Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We begin by defining key terminology and tracing the history of international aid before moving into detailed case studies from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The final sections focus on contemporary policy tools and critical policy analysis used by international organizations today. This course is designed for absolute beginners interested in global studies, public policy, anthropology, or gender studies. No prior knowledge of economics or development theory is required. Start building your critical toolkit for understanding global change today.