Abstract

This thesis explores how boarder guards limits the amount of knowledge an anthropologist really can obtain doing research. The research is based upon a concrete case study in Egypt where local and national government bodies "border guard" how knowledge is gained within a development project. This research shows how although anthropological knowledge and research provide a body of theory within which policy is created the policy should come with a "health warning". Field research undoubtedly give more information than so called "armchair" research, but it is far from giving the policy makers the full picture of the society, or project which is being researched. The policy which is being created on the background of any research will thus suffer. I explore the historical roots of the construction of anthropological knowledge and the limits which are placed upon this production. The theory upon which the research is based covers anthropology and development theory, as well as gender issues, as interconnected approaches to the study of society. The research in this thesis is based upon the interaction between the researcher and the local state representatives. The fieldwork is set in a rural Egyptian village, with a focus on a Literacy Programme that was created to combat the literacy gap in Egypt.

School

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Date of Award

2-1-2006

Online Submission Date

1-1-2005

First Advisor

Cynthia Nelson

Committee Member 1

Cynthia Nelson

Committee Member 2

Pandeli Glavanis

Committee Member 3

Soraya Altorki

Document Type

Thesis

Extent

115 leaves

Library of Congress Subject Heading 1

Rural development

Library of Congress Subject Heading 2

Social planning

Rights

The American University in Cairo grants authors of theses and dissertations a maximum embargo period of two years from the date of submission, upon request. After the embargo elapses, these documents are made available publicly. If you are the author of this thesis or dissertation, and would like to request an exceptional extension of the embargo period, please write to thesisadmin@aucegypt.edu

Call Number

Thesis 2005/87

Location

mgfth;mrs2

Share

COinS