Neo-Colonialism in Jessica Hagedorn’s Dogeaters

This study aims to examine and analyze the forms of neo-colonialism depicted in Jessica Hagedorn's Dogeaters, which was first published in 1990. The novel was chosen because it explicitly depicts Western influence on the postcolonial Philippines, particularly in cultural and economic aspects. This research uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive-analytical method, with the text of the novel as the main data source. Additional data were obtained from secondary sources, such as literary theory books, scientific journal articles, as well as online and offline literature sources relevant to the topic of neo-colonialism and postcolonial studies. The data collection process was conducted through a thorough reading of the novel and noting important elements related to the issue of neo-colonialism. The findings were then categorized and analyzed using postcolonial literary theories, especially those related to the cultural domination and economic dependence of former colonized countries on former colonizers. The analysis shows that neo-colonialism in Dogeaters is manifested in two main aspects: cultural and economic. In the cultural aspect, American and Spanish influence is seen through the use of English and Spanish, the consumption of cultural products such as Hollywood movies and music, the worship of Western technology, Westernized lifestyles, and the shift in local art values. Meanwhile, the economic aspects include the dominance of Spanish and American products in the local market and the dependence on these foreign products. Through a satirical and fragmentary writing style, Hagedorn sharply criticizes the global power structure that continues to prevail in the postcolonial era.