Theories and Practices of Development

Global economic crisis, political instability and climate change have led academics and policy-makers to consider how ‘development’ in all parts of the world should be achieved. However, ‘development’ has always been a contested idea. While often presented as a positive process to improve people’s lives, the potential negative dimensions of ‘development’ on people and environments must also be recognised.

Theories and Practices of Development provides a clear and user-friendly introduction to the complex debates around how development has been understood and achieved. The third edition has been fully updated and expanded to reflect global political and economic shifts, as well as new approaches to development. There is a new chapter on politics and development, encompassing debates around development and democracy, civil society organisations, and human rights. Sections on diversity and development have been expanded and the book considers the future of development in the era of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The book deals with the evolution of development ideas and policies, focusing on economic, political, social, environmental and spatial dimensions. It highlights how development cannot be considered as a neutral concept, but is entwined with inequalities in power at local, as well as national and global scales. The use of boxed examples, tables and illustrations helps students understand complex theoretical ideas and also demonstrates how development theories are put into practice in the real world. Each chapter ends with a summary section, discussion topics, suggestions for further reading and website resources.