White Savior Narratives in International Development: A Discourse Analysis of the Kony2012 Campaign by Invisible Children

Maïka Sondarjee ()
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Maïka Sondarjee: University of Ottawa

The European Journal of Development Research, 2025, vol. 37, issue 5, No 6, 985-1007

Abstract: Abstract This article defines the concept of White savior narratives for a development studies audience by weaving in research on racial hierarchies and inquiries on White saviorism in various disciplines. It then applies the concept to the advocacy campaign Kony 2012, led by the American organization Invisible Children. After describing the case and its socio-political context, the article defines the concept of White savior narratives by formulating three of its indicators: (1) the centering of the agency of White agents; (2) the erasure of the complexity of socio-economic conditions; and (3) a helping imperative. This research is based on a discourse and content analysis of the Invisible Children’s 2012 campaign (including three videos, promotional articles, organization’s website, and outreach material) and weaves in non-academic criticisms of the campaign from the Global South.

Keywords: White savior complex; White saviorism; White gaze; Kony 2012; Development practice; Coloniality of power; Racial hierarchies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1057/s41287-025-00704-w

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