The So Called 'Impasse of Development Theory' and the Alternatives Proposed to Move Beyond It

The So Called 'Impasse of Development Theory' and the Alternatives Proposed to Move Beyond It PDF Author: Cynthia Dittmar
Publisher: GRIN Verlag
ISBN: 3640378652
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 33

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Book Description
Seminar paper from the year 2008 in the subject Politics - International Politics - Topic: Development Politics, grade: distinction, University of Manchester (Institute for Development Policy and Management), course: Perspectives on Development, language: English, abstract: In the mid 1980s development studies experienced a crisis, the often called impasse of de-velopment theory and policy (Schuurmann 1993). The reasons can be found on the level of development thinking and of "real-world changes and problems" (Simon 2003: 6). Devel-opment thinking got stuck in a cul-de-sac as both grand meta-narratives of development the-ory - Modernisation theory and radical Marxist approaches - lost their hegemony: radical alternative theories, based on Marxist and neo-Marxist political economy were discredited by the collapse of socialism. Modernisation theory, based in neoclassical economics did not seem to deliver many benefits as economic growth turned out to produce more ecological, social and economical problems than it solved (ibid.). It became clear that growth and the neo-liberal agenda with its structural adjustment programs (SAP) in the 1980s and 1990s was not necessarily connected to other development goals like employment creation, reduc-tion of inequality and poverty or the provision of basic needs. The acceleration of globalisation and with it the questioning of the nation state as a "trusted point of reference" (Schuurman 2000: 7) of development studies intensified the crisis of de-velopment theory. Moreover new theoretical approaches like feminism, post modernism and post colonialism, and the growing recognition of heterogeneity of the third world, challenged development studies and theory even more (Schuurman 1993). There have been two major reactions to the impasse of development theory and policy. The first reaction was the search for development alternatives with the intention of reforming and redefining the goals of development. The second reaction, post

The So Called 'Impasse of Development Theory' and the Alternatives Proposed to Move Beyond It

The So Called 'Impasse of Development Theory' and the Alternatives Proposed to Move Beyond It PDF Author: Cynthia Dittmar
Publisher: GRIN Verlag
ISBN: 3640378652
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 33

Get Book Here

Book Description
Seminar paper from the year 2008 in the subject Politics - International Politics - Topic: Development Politics, grade: distinction, University of Manchester (Institute for Development Policy and Management), course: Perspectives on Development, language: English, abstract: In the mid 1980s development studies experienced a crisis, the often called impasse of de-velopment theory and policy (Schuurmann 1993). The reasons can be found on the level of development thinking and of "real-world changes and problems" (Simon 2003: 6). Devel-opment thinking got stuck in a cul-de-sac as both grand meta-narratives of development the-ory - Modernisation theory and radical Marxist approaches - lost their hegemony: radical alternative theories, based on Marxist and neo-Marxist political economy were discredited by the collapse of socialism. Modernisation theory, based in neoclassical economics did not seem to deliver many benefits as economic growth turned out to produce more ecological, social and economical problems than it solved (ibid.). It became clear that growth and the neo-liberal agenda with its structural adjustment programs (SAP) in the 1980s and 1990s was not necessarily connected to other development goals like employment creation, reduc-tion of inequality and poverty or the provision of basic needs. The acceleration of globalisation and with it the questioning of the nation state as a "trusted point of reference" (Schuurman 2000: 7) of development studies intensified the crisis of de-velopment theory. Moreover new theoretical approaches like feminism, post modernism and post colonialism, and the growing recognition of heterogeneity of the third world, challenged development studies and theory even more (Schuurman 1993). There have been two major reactions to the impasse of development theory and policy. The first reaction was the search for development alternatives with the intention of reforming and redefining the goals of development. The second reaction, post

The so called ‘impasse of development theory’ and the alternatives proposed to move beyond it

The so called ‘impasse of development theory’ and the alternatives proposed to move beyond it PDF Author: Cynthia Dittmar
Publisher: GRIN Verlag
ISBN: 3640378202
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 15

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Book Description
Seminar paper from the year 2008 in the subject Politics - Topic: Development Politics, grade: distinction, University of Manchester (Institute for Development Policy and Management), course: Perspectives on Development, language: English, abstract: In the mid 1980s development studies experienced a crisis, the often called impasse of de-velopment theory and policy (Schuurmann 1993). The reasons can be found on the level of development thinking and of “real-world changes and problems” (Simon 2003: 6). Devel-opment thinking got stuck in a cul-de-sac as both grand meta-narratives of development the-ory – Modernisation theory and radical Marxist approaches – lost their hegemony: radical alternative theories, based on Marxist and neo-Marxist political economy were discredited by the collapse of socialism. Modernisation theory, based in neoclassical economics did not seem to deliver many benefits as economic growth turned out to produce more ecological, social and economical problems than it solved (ibid.). It became clear that growth and the neo-liberal agenda with its structural adjustment programs (SAP) in the 1980s and 1990s was not necessarily connected to other development goals like employment creation, reduc-tion of inequality and poverty or the provision of basic needs. The acceleration of globalisation and with it the questioning of the nation state as a “trusted point of reference” (Schuurman 2000: 7) of development studies intensified the crisis of de-velopment theory. Moreover new theoretical approaches like feminism, post modernism and post colonialism, and the growing recognition of heterogeneity of the third world, challenged development studies and theory even more (Schuurman 1993). There have been two major reactions to the impasse of development theory and policy. The first reaction was the search for development alternatives with the intention of reforming and redefining the goals of development. The second reaction, post development thinking, was more radical as it rejects development as a whole. However, development studies and practice survived the impasse and is back on the agenda: “a flourishing industry centred on social capital and social development has arisen in the World Bank, the UNDP and other multilateral institutions” (Hart 2001: 649). This paper aims to review alternative development (section 2) and post development (section 3), and analyses which contributions have helped to overcome the impasse.

Beyond the Impasse

Beyond the Impasse PDF Author: Frans J Schuurman
Publisher: Zed Books
ISBN: 9781856492102
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 252

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Book Description
Development theory in the past decade has met with increasingly heavy criticism. Dependency theories, as well as modes of production and world-system approaches, have come to be considered as internally inconsistent and inadequate for explaining the increasing diversity and unevenness of the Third World. This book confronts the theoretical impasse which many feel has been reached. Development scholars from various disciplines review recent changes in research priorities, procedures and orientations, and detect the emergence of new and diverse lines of theoretical development in the field. In particular, they deal with the important meta-theoretical, political, cultural and ethical questions that have come to the fore.

Theories and Practices of Development

Theories and Practices of Development PDF Author: Katie Willis
Publisher: Psychology Press
ISBN: 0415300525
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 254

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Book Description
Throughout the twentieth century, governments sought to achieve 'development' not only in their own countries, but also in other regions of the world; particularly in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. This focus on 'development' as a goal has continued into the twenty-first century, for example through the United Nations Millennium Development Targets. While development is often viewed as something very positive, it is also very important to consider the possible detrimental effects it may have on the natural environment, different social groups and on the cohesion and stability of societies. In this important book, Katie Willis investigates and places in a historical context, the development theories behind contemporary debates such as globalization and transnationalism. The main definitions of 'development' and 'development theory' are outlined with a description and explanation of how approaches have changed over time. The differing explanations of inequalities in development, both spatially and socially, and the reasoning behind different development policies are also considered. By drawing on pre-twentieth century European development theories and examining current policies in Europe and the USA, the book not only stresses commonalities in development theorizing over time and space, but also the importance of context in theory construction. This topical book provides an ideal introduction to development theories for students in geography, development studies, area studies, anthropology and sociology. It contains student-friendly features, including boxed case studies with examples, definitions, summary sections, suggestions for further reading, discussion questions and website information.

Africa's Development Impasse

Africa's Development Impasse PDF Author: Doctor Stefan Andreasson
Publisher: Zed Books Ltd.
ISBN: 184813603X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 331

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Book Description
Orthodox strategies for socio-economic development have failed spectacularly in Southern Africa. Neither the developmental state nor neoliberal reform seems able to provide a solution to Africa's problems. In Africa's Development Impasse, Stefan Andreasson analyses this failure and explores the potential for post-development alternatives. Examining the post-independence trajectories of Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa, the book shows three different examples of this failure to overcome a debilitating colonial legacy. Andreasson then argues that it is now time to resuscitate post-development theory's challenge to conventional development. In doing this, he claims, we face the enormous challenge of translating post-development into actual politics for a socially and politically sustainable future and using it as a dialogue about what the aims and aspirations of post-colonial societies might become. This important fusion of theory with empirical case studies will be essential reading for students of development politics and Africa.

Critical Development Theory

Critical Development Theory PDF Author: Ronaldo Munck
Publisher: Zed Books
ISBN: 9781856496384
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 246

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Book Description
In the late 20th century, there has been a rethinking of the whole concept of development, including a growing awareness of its gender, cultural and environmental dimensions, and the impact of globalization. The contributors to this volume seek to extend these debates to a more fundamental level, tackling such issues as the crisis of development as an intellectual and practical project, the need for a break with development as a Eurocentric concept, and the viability of alternative, non-Western forms of development. The contributors aim to transcend critiques of development which simply engage in a blanket dismissal of the whole enterprise and instead offer ways of re-engaging with reality that, despite globalization, is still a dimension of the late-20th century.

The Development Dictionary

The Development Dictionary PDF Author: Wolfgang Sachs
Publisher: Zed Books Ltd.
ISBN: 1848136455
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 430

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Book Description
In this classic collection, some of the world's most eminent critics of development review the key concepts of the development discourse. Each essay examines one concept from a historical and anthropological point of view, highlights its particular bias, and exposes its historical obsolescence and intellectual sterility. The authors argue that a bidding farewell to the whole Eurocentric development idea is urgently needed, in order to liberate people’s minds in both North and South for bold responses to the environmental and ethical challenges now confronting humanity. The combined result forms a must-read invitation to experts, grassroots movements and students of development to recognize the tainted glasses they put on whenever they participate in the development discourse.

Theories of Development

Theories of Development PDF Author: Peter Preston
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1136855947
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 303

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Book Description
Dr Preston’s book, first published in 1982, presents a critical history of development studies since the Second World War, linking the recent, neo-Marxist, debate with the whole tradition in the field, going back to the work of economists like Arthur Lewis. He identifies a series of ‘schools’ and evaluates their contribution, supplying in each case a careful analysis, informed by the sociology of knowledge, of the work of its leading theorists. His final assessment draws on the critical theory of Habermas, arguing that social theorising is essentially practical; a matter of the construction, criticism and comparative ranking of ideologies, and that theorists should therefore consider what it makes sense for them to do or say, given their circumstances and the problems they address.

Development Theory in Transition

Development Theory in Transition PDF Author: Magnus Blomström
Publisher: London : Zed Books ; Totowa, N.J. : US distributor, Biblio Distribution Center
ISBN:
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 232

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Book Description


Beyond Development

Beyond Development PDF Author: Miriam Lang
Publisher:
ISBN: 9789070563240
Category : Latin America
Languages : en
Pages : 195

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Book Description