4 Theories of development: from modernisation to post‑development and beyond
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Nick Sage
Abstract
This chapter offers a critical overview of the main theoretical perspectives on development, from early theories of ‘modernisation’ to later diametrically opposed theories of ‘dependency’, ‘world systems’, and ‘post-development. Variations of some of these theoretical perspectives, such as ‘dependent capitalist development’ are also reviewed. In addition, the chapter explores the later revival of some of the earlier theories, and the emergence of new concepts that have found their way into development theory such as ‘sustainable development’, ‘human development’ and ‘popular development’. The chapter concludes by pointing out that there has been a move towards more open and flexible approaches to understanding development during the 21st century. This is notably reflected in the concept of ‘reflexive development’ and the theoretical approach surrounding it. As a result, there is now greater awareness of the need to address the issues of development not only in the Global South but also in the Global North.
Abstract
This chapter offers a critical overview of the main theoretical perspectives on development, from early theories of ‘modernisation’ to later diametrically opposed theories of ‘dependency’, ‘world systems’, and ‘post-development. Variations of some of these theoretical perspectives, such as ‘dependent capitalist development’ are also reviewed. In addition, the chapter explores the later revival of some of the earlier theories, and the emergence of new concepts that have found their way into development theory such as ‘sustainable development’, ‘human development’ and ‘popular development’. The chapter concludes by pointing out that there has been a move towards more open and flexible approaches to understanding development during the 21st century. This is notably reflected in the concept of ‘reflexive development’ and the theoretical approach surrounding it. As a result, there is now greater awareness of the need to address the issues of development not only in the Global South but also in the Global North.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures and tables viii
- Abbreviations and acronyms x
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Debating development
- Introduction: international development in the 21st century 3
- The challenge of development: from economic to sustainable development 13
- From the Third World to the Global South: mapping and measuring development 31
- Theories of development: from modernisation to post‑development and beyond 47
- Globalisation and the dilemmas of development: is globalisation good or bad for the Global South? 77
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Development challenges
- Population, food and famine: where are we now? 109
- Poverty and inequality: the key challenges for development 125
- Health and education: moving towards healthy human development 147
- Looking to the future: digital technology, a green environment and gender equality 175
- Conclusion: making international development sustainable 207
- References 219
- Index 241
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures and tables viii
- Abbreviations and acronyms x
-
Debating development
- Introduction: international development in the 21st century 3
- The challenge of development: from economic to sustainable development 13
- From the Third World to the Global South: mapping and measuring development 31
- Theories of development: from modernisation to post‑development and beyond 47
- Globalisation and the dilemmas of development: is globalisation good or bad for the Global South? 77
-
Development challenges
- Population, food and famine: where are we now? 109
- Poverty and inequality: the key challenges for development 125
- Health and education: moving towards healthy human development 147
- Looking to the future: digital technology, a green environment and gender equality 175
- Conclusion: making international development sustainable 207
- References 219
- Index 241
