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The aim of this article is to discuss the notion of "culture" frequently used in development-theoretical literature, which is the implicit mapping of the world as a series of coherent, distinct, & territorialized "cultures." In order to deconstruct this conception, one must understand how it operates to enforce separations. It is argued that the world should be viewed in terms of interconnected spaces, which are characterized by hierarchical relations & multiple power constellations. This makes it possible to examine critically the contexts within which constructions of "locality" & "community" takes place as well as the power constellations involved in these constructions. As an example, the texts of scientists are analyzed, whose main effort is to examine, categorize, & support "indigenous knowledge systems." Their practices of Othering consist in defining the people under study as "indigenous" & "local." They fix thereby elaborated criteria as essential to development cooperation. 32 References. Adapted from the source document.