This document is a summary of the first 5 chapters of the prescribed textbook (theories of development. It is very detailed and broken down in a much easier way to understand.
-Development is the pursuit of a better life for everyone.
- In an unequal world, it primarily involves meeting basic needs: sufficient food, safe living
conditions, affordable services, and dignity.
- The course of development varies based on material and cultural visions of societies.
Democratic Decision-Making:
- Development's methods and purposes should be subject to popular, democratic decision-
making.
- Disagreements exist on the feasibility and means of achieving a better life for all.
Contentious Nature of Development:
- Development is a contentious issue with diverse positions leading to intense debates.
- Its discourse can be used for various political purposes, sometimes conflicting with its
egalitarian ethic.
Development vs. Economic Growth:
- Development is distinct from economic growth, which often focuses on expanding the
economy without addressing inequality or poverty.
- Neoliberal growth has occurred alongside widening income inequality, questioning the
effectiveness of this approach.
Conditions of Development:
- Development is concerned with the conditions under which production occurs.
- It pays attention to environmental impact, labour relations, and the social consequences of
economic activity.
, Optimistic and Utopian Nature:
- Development is an optimistic and utopian concept aiming to change the world
for the better.
- It emphasizes starting at the bottom rather than the top for true societal improvement.
Two Dimensions of Emancipation:
- Development embodies human emancipation from nature through technology and self-
emancipation, allowing control over social relations and cultural proclivities.
Poststructuralist Critique:
- Poststructuralists challenge developmentalism, asserting that it defines all progress and
drains emotions, making people machine-like.
- Modernity, reason, and consumption are not automatically deemed "good" in their view.
Complex, Contradictory, and Contentious:
- Development is complex, contradictory, and contentious, reflecting both the best and worst
of human projects.
- It is subject to manipulation and can be used for purposes conflicting with its original intent.
Developmentalism as a Battleground:
- Developmentalism is a battleground with contention between various perspectives such as
bureaucratic economists, Marxist revolutionaries, environmental activists, feminist critics,
postmodern skeptics, and radical democrats.
- Shifts in emphasis, like the World Bank's focus changes, can have profound consequences
on vulnerable populations.
Need for Informed Critique:
- Critiquing development requires assessing fundamental pros and cons.
- Avoid assuming that the latest criticism is the final word; informed critique may lead to a
more valid conception of development.
, The Geography of Development
The Geography of Development
Social-Scientific Perspective on Development:
- Development is examined through various academic disciplines.
- Authors emphasize their perspective as human geographers, focusing on the geographic
aspects of arguments and theories.
Geography's Dual Focus: Nature and Space:
- Geography explores the interrelation between nature (societies and environments) and
space (regional variations, global tendencies).
- Regional variations in human characteristics are produced by different modes of socially
transforming nature.
Spatial Connections in Geography:
- Geography examines spatial connections, especially through trade and power relations
between societies.
- Different types and levels of development lead to interactions through various spatial
relations such as commodity chains, ideologies, ownership systems, and investments.
Global Totality and Geographic Approach:
- The global totality is understood by examining the regional and local parts through a
geographic approach.
- This method helps make sense of global complexity by analyzing its individual components.
Link Between Past Production and Current Human Existence:
- Human existence today is a result of past production.
- Modes of production vary spatially, influencing the character of social forces, relationships,
institutions, and thought processes.
Variability in Material Development and Living Standards:
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller nadiaduplooy. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $4.24. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
