Sylvia J. Wynter’s Concept of the Over-Representation of Man and Its Relevance to Gender and Global Development in the 21st Century

This essay critically examines Sylvia J. Wynter’s (2003) concept of the “overrepresentation of Man” (p. 263) and its profound implications for gender and global development in the 21st century. I examine Wynter’s critique of “Man” as the universal subject of knowledge and power through a Caribbean-transnational, decolonial, and intersectional feminist lens. My reflection challenges the historical reduction of the human experience to a singular, patriarchal notion and highlights the voices and contributions of previously excluded marginalized voices and women scholar-activists. In the context of global development, the overrepresentation of Man undergirds the continued dominance of Western, patriarchal ideologies that shape international economic, political, social, and environmental practices and discourses. This dominance not only reinforces gender inequities in public and private institutions, but it also perpetuates the marginalization of non-Western knowledge systems, particularly in development strategies that fail to account for the realities of all women. By drawing on Wynter’s work, I argue for the necessity of integrating decolonial, intersectional feminist perspectives into global development discourses and policies. This integration is critical to shift the dominant paradigm toward more equitable and culturally responsive development practices that honor diverse identities and knowledge systems. Finally, I emphasize the urgent need for a transformative approach that promotes justice and change for marginalized communities in gender and global development discourse and practice.