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Article published In: Culture of Sustainability and Discourses of Social Change
Edited by Franzisca Weder
[Journal of Language and Politics 22:5] 2023
► pp. 707–729

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Discourses on gender in climate change adaptation projects of Bangladesh

New dimensions or reinscribing the old?

ORCiD logo with link | The University of Queensland
ORCiD logo with link | The University of Queensland
Published online: 15 June 2023
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/jlp.22121.dev
Abstract
The study examines why certain discourses on gender are more powerful than others in describing intentions for gender inclusion in development projects. A critical discourse analysis was carried out on texts of climate change adaptation projects implemented during 2009–2020 in rural Bangladesh. This article argues that gender is currently not considered enough in climate action and that gender discourses focus primarily on ‘women’s participation, more precisely, ‘women’s presence in poverty reduction and empowerment projects. The discourses reinscribe to the long-established economic priorities of development rather than exploring new dimensions to challenge social norms that define perpetual gender inequalities. This study suggests that greater attention is required to address the gender realities of non-binary categories, ethnic groups, non-poor social classes, and religious minorities to effectively plan and implement adaptation projects to support the diverse needs of vulnerable people.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Discourses on gender in development
  • 3.Methodology
    • 3.1Research approach
    • 3.2Data collection and analysis
  • 4.Findings
    • 4.1A discourse on ‘gender as a fuzzword’
    • 4.2A ‘gender ‘difference’ discourse of climate vulnerability
    • 4.3An equality discourse through women’s quota in participation
    • 4.4An ‘empowerment as an outcome’ discourse for women
    • 4.5A discourse on gender as binary
  • 5.Discussion
    • 5.1The importance of gender labeling for the organizations
    • 5.2Relations of organizations determining the discourses
    • 5.3Gender discourses are unfavorable to differences among genders
  • 6.Conclusion: Redundant words, shortcomings, and scope
  • References
References (52)
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