Rethinking development from the perspective of feminist economics and the global South
This text is an interview between Mohammadreza Moeini and Saadia Mahboob-Elahi, a political economy lecturer at Aga Khan University, conducted as part of a graduate course at Iran Academia. The discussion offers a deep dive into feminist economics and post-development theory, challenging mainstream economic assumptions that often marginalize women and the Global South.
The core of the conversation revolves around post-colonial critique, highlighting how dominant development policies are often rooted in colonial structures and fail to account for the unique socio-historical realities of non-Western societies. Mahboob-Elahi draws on the insights of thinkers like Vandana Shiva and concepts such as “Buen Vivir” (Good Living) to advocate for a return to indigenous values and sustainable living. Ultimately, the text argues for “decolonizing economics” by reclaiming development through the lens of local identity, environmental harmony, and the lived experiences of those traditionally silenced by capitalist growth logic.
To read the Persian translation of this discussion, please change the language of this page.
