Since 2015 the DSA has awarded an annual dissertation prize to Masters’ students working in the field of international development, development studies and development economics. This annual prize is awarded to the best masters’ level dissertation in these fields of study.

The winner of the 2022 DSA Masters Dissertation Prize is Joy Lin, of the Institute of Development Studies, for her thesis entitled: #MeToo with Chinese Characteristics– Analysis through The Lens of Chinese Feminism. (Read Lin’s thesis by clicking this link). 

The judging panel agreed unanimously that Joy’s was an innovative and accomplished dissertation, notable for its embedding of the analysis and theory in a specifically Chinese literature tradition. The focus on the #MeTooCN movement, and thinking about the specific historic and cultural context from which it emerged from, and how that shaped it in ways that differed from other #MeToo movements gave it considerable originality.

The methodological approach of the autoethnography (qualitative research in which an author uses self-reflection and writing to explore anecdotal and personal experience and connect this autobiographical story to wider cultural, political, and social meanings and understandings) was fully incorporated and embedded in the analysis. It spoke to the power of social movements and education as the author’s personal journey was reflected in their academic trajectory. This reflection on growth was embedded in the analysis in a deeply thoughtful and analytical manner, and the analysis overall was excellent with wonderful critical insight.

Joy will receive a cash prize of £250 and free attendance to the DSA2022 online conference in July, where they will also present their research.

Every year, all Development Studies and Economics departments in the UK were invited to submit one MA or MSc dissertation each for consideration the DSA Masters Dissertation Prize. This year nominations were accepted in the autumn of 2021. We asked all the Heads of Centres of DSA affiliated institutions in the UK to nominate the highest scoring masters’ dissertation (MA or MSc) awarded on their international development, or related subject, programmes in 2022. We were happy to accept nominations of extended essays but these needed to be of exceptional quality to win when compared to longer dissertations. The nominations were evaluated by an academic panel from the DSA. Decisions were made in mid-February 2022 and the winner and their department notified.

You can read more about the Masters Dissertation Prize and access the back catalogue of winning dissertations to the DSA Masters dissertation prize page.

The DSA is committed to supporting the development of students and early career researchers. Find out more about what the DSA offers students and early career researchers on our website.

The Development Studies Association (DSA) is a UK based membership organisation for all those studying, researching and teaching in the field of global development. The DSA promotes and advances international development as a field of study, research and action. We aim to deepen understanding of how global poverty, inequalities, conflict and environmental destruction are produced, sustained and may be overcome, and how a better future may be advanced. The DSA is a membership organisation, with both individual and institutional members, and is wholly funded through its membership premiums and activities.

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