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Chapter2 Post Development

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Chapter2 Post Development

Uploaded by

Vimalan Jay
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Chapter-2 Post development

1. Introduction to Post-Development Theory

Post-development theory is a critical approach that


questions the very foundation of traditional development
practices. It emerged as a response to the failures of
decades of development initiatives in the Global South.
While the dominant development paradigm promises to
alleviate poverty, reduce inequality, and promote progress,
post-development theorists argue that these efforts have
often perpetuated new forms of dependency, exploitation,
and cultural alienation.
Key Features:

● Post-development rejects conventional


Critical Stance:

development theories like modernization theory,


dependency theory, and basic needs approaches.
Instead, it focuses on critiquing the notion of
"development" itself, seeing it as a tool for
perpetuating global inequalities.
● Alternatives to Development: It advocates for
moving beyond the idea of development altogether,
instead promoting localized, context-specific
strategies that respect cultural and ecological
diversity.
Key Proponents:

● Criticized the intellectual underpinnings of


Wolfgang Sachs:

development, calling it a "ruin" filled with unfulfilled


promises.
● Arturo Escobar: Viewed development as a form of
cultural imperialism that imposes Western ideals on
the Global South.
● Gustavo Esteva: Argued that development is a
colonial concept, perpetuating feelings of inadequacy
in non-Western societies.
Classroom Insight:
Is development inherently beneficial, or is it a tool of
control and domination?

2. Development as a Discourse

Post-development theory draws heavily on Michel


Foucault’s concept of discourse, which highlights how
knowledge systems shape power relations and control.
Key Arguments:

1. Development as Western Domination:


○ Post-development theorists argue that
development discourse emerged as a
continuation of colonialism. It divides the world
into "developed" and "underdeveloped,"
perpetuating Western superiority.
○ By labeling regions as "underdeveloped,"
development discourse justifies interventions that
often serve Western economic and political
interests.
2. "Underdevelopment" as a Social Construct:
○ Esteva (1992) explains that the concept of
underdevelopment was not a natural state but a
label imposed on non-Western societies after
World War II. This framing transformed diverse
societies into objects of intervention, creating
dependency on Western aid and expertise.
3. Perpetuation of Inequality:
○ Development discourse creates a hierarchical
relationship where the Global North provides
solutions while the Global South is positioned as
a passive recipient.
Classroom Insight:Consider terms like "Third World" or
"Global South"—are these neutral descriptors, or do they
carry implicit judgments about value and progress?

3. Intellectual Roots of Post-Development Theory


Post-development theory is deeply influenced by
postmodern and postcolonial critiques of power,
knowledge, and representation.
3.1. Michel Foucault: Power and Knowledge

● Foucault’s analysis shows how development is not


just about material aid but also about defining what is
"normal" and "desirable."
● Docile Bodies: Foucault argued that development
creates "docile" populations that conform to Western
norms, prioritizing productivity over cultural autonomy.
Example for Students: Development programs often
focus on Western-style education and industrialization.
Ask, Does this truly "help," or does it erase indigenous
knowledge systems?
3.2. Edward Said: Orientalism

● Said’s concept of Orientalism reveals how colonial


powers constructed the "Orient" as inferior, exotic,
and in need of European guidance.
● Post-development theorists draw parallels, arguing
that development constructs the "underdeveloped" as
lacking and dependent on Western intervention.
Classroom Insight:
How do Western media and institutions portray the Global
South today?
4. Post-Development Claims

Post-development theorists make bold claims about the


limitations and failures of development. These claims
highlight how development discourse and practices often
exacerbate the problems they aim to solve.
Key Ideas:

1. Cultural Imperialism:
○ Development imposes Western cultural norms on
the Global South, marginalizing indigenous
practices and knowledge systems. For example,
traditional farming methods are often replaced
with industrial agriculture, leading to ecological
harm.
2. Failure of Development:
○ Despite trillions of dollars in aid, many
development programs have failed to reduce
poverty or inequality. Instead, they create
dependency on international institutions like the
World Bank and IMF.
3. Psychological Harm:
○ Esteva and Prakash argue that development
creates a sense of inadequacy among those
labeled as "underdeveloped." This fosters a
mindset of dependency, where communities look
to external actors for solutions instead of valuing
their own capacities.
Classroom Insight:
such as failed infrastructure projects or the unintended
consequences of IMF structural adjustment programs.

5. Development as a Failed Idea

Post-development theorists argue that development has


consistently failed to deliver on its promises, instead
introducing new problems.
Key Critiques:

1. Unrealistic Promises:
○ Development is often presented as a path to
universal prosperity. However, even in cases of
economic growth, benefits are rarely equitably
distributed.
2. Ecological Destruction:
○ Development projects, such as dam construction
and deforestation for agriculture, frequently result
in environmental degradation, harming local
communities.
Key Thinkers:
● Wolfgang Sachs: Highlighted how development’s
failures are not anomalies but inherent in its design.
● Gilbert Rist: Criticized the endless pursuit of progress,
calling it ecologically unsustainable.
Classroom Insight:
question whether "progress" is always good. Discuss: Can
we pursue economic growth without sacrificing the
environment or cultural diversity?

6. Development Generating New Problems

Post-development theory emphasizes that development


often creates new challenges, worsening the problems it
claims to address.
New Challenges:

● Development fosters reliance on Western


Dependency:

aid and expertise, undermining local autonomy.


● Cultural Alienation: Traditional practices are often
labeled as "backward" and replaced with Westernized
systems.
● Unrealistic Expectations: Development creates
aspirations for lifestyles that are unattainable for most,
leading to frustration and dissatisfaction.
Classroom Insight:
, how have large-scale infrastructure projects like dams
displaced indigenous communities while benefiting
corporations?

7. A Post-Development Future

Post-development theorists propose a radical shift in how


we think about progress and well-being. Instead of
focusing on "development," they advocate for localized,
culturally sensitive alternatives.
Key Proposals:

1. Rethinking Progress:
○ Reject universal models of development that
impose a single standard of success. Instead,
embrace diverse ways of living and being.
2. Defending the Local:
○ Local traditions, such as Gandhi’s self-reliant
villages, offer viable alternatives to Western-style
modernization.
3. Ecological Sustainability:
○ Post-development emphasizes harmony with
nature, drawing on indigenous practices that
prioritize ecological balance.
Arturo Escobar’s Vision:

● Escobar argues for grassroots solutions that respect


local knowledge and culture. Change should emerge
from within communities, not from external
interventions.
Classroom Insight:
What does "success" look like beyond GDP and
industrialization?

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