Arresting Development

The power of knowledge for social change

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Earth Sciences, Geography, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Human Geography, History
Cover of the book Arresting Development by Craig Johnson, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Craig Johnson ISBN: 9781134178186
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: November 28, 2008
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Craig Johnson
ISBN: 9781134178186
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: November 28, 2008
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Scholars have become increasingly concerned about the impact of neo-liberalism on the field of development. Governments around the world have for some time been exposed to the forces of globalization and macro-economic reform, reflecting the power and influence of the world’s principal international economic institutions and a broader commitment to the principles of neo-classical economics and free trade. Concerns have also been raised that neo-classical theory now dominates the ways in which scholars frame and ask their questions in the field of development.

This book is about the ways in which ideologies shape the construction of knowledge for development. A central theme concerns the impact of neo-liberalism on contemporary development theory and research. The book’s main objectives are twofold. One is to understand the ways in which neo-liberalism has framed and defined the ‘meta-theoretical’ aims and assumptions of what is deemed relevant, important and appropriate to the study of development. A second is to explore the theoretical and ideological terms on which an alternative to neo-classical theory may be theorized, idealized and pursued. By tracing the impact of Marxism, postmodernism and liberalism on the study of development, Arresting Development contends that development has become increasingly fragmented in terms of the theories and methodologies it uses to understand and explain complex and contextually-specific processes of economic development and social change. Outside of neo-classical economics (and related fields of rational choice), the notion that social science can or should aim to develop general and predictive theories about development has become mired in a philosophical and political orientation that questions the ability of scholars to make universal or comparative statements about the nature of history, cultural diversity and progress.

To advance the debate, a case is made that development needs to re-capture what the American sociologist Peter Evans once called the ‘comparative institutional method.’ At the heart of this approach is an inductive methodology that searches for commonalities and connections to broader historical trends and problems while at the same time incorporating divergent and potentially competing views about the nature of history, culture and development. This book will be of interest to scholars and students of Development, Social and Political Studies and it will also be beneficial to professionals interested in the challenge of constructing "knowledge for development."

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Scholars have become increasingly concerned about the impact of neo-liberalism on the field of development. Governments around the world have for some time been exposed to the forces of globalization and macro-economic reform, reflecting the power and influence of the world’s principal international economic institutions and a broader commitment to the principles of neo-classical economics and free trade. Concerns have also been raised that neo-classical theory now dominates the ways in which scholars frame and ask their questions in the field of development.

This book is about the ways in which ideologies shape the construction of knowledge for development. A central theme concerns the impact of neo-liberalism on contemporary development theory and research. The book’s main objectives are twofold. One is to understand the ways in which neo-liberalism has framed and defined the ‘meta-theoretical’ aims and assumptions of what is deemed relevant, important and appropriate to the study of development. A second is to explore the theoretical and ideological terms on which an alternative to neo-classical theory may be theorized, idealized and pursued. By tracing the impact of Marxism, postmodernism and liberalism on the study of development, Arresting Development contends that development has become increasingly fragmented in terms of the theories and methodologies it uses to understand and explain complex and contextually-specific processes of economic development and social change. Outside of neo-classical economics (and related fields of rational choice), the notion that social science can or should aim to develop general and predictive theories about development has become mired in a philosophical and political orientation that questions the ability of scholars to make universal or comparative statements about the nature of history, cultural diversity and progress.

To advance the debate, a case is made that development needs to re-capture what the American sociologist Peter Evans once called the ‘comparative institutional method.’ At the heart of this approach is an inductive methodology that searches for commonalities and connections to broader historical trends and problems while at the same time incorporating divergent and potentially competing views about the nature of history, culture and development. This book will be of interest to scholars and students of Development, Social and Political Studies and it will also be beneficial to professionals interested in the challenge of constructing "knowledge for development."

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Economics and Hermeneutics by Craig Johnson
Cover of the book Environmental Human Rights by Craig Johnson
Cover of the book Ireland and the Politics of Change by Craig Johnson
Cover of the book The Modern Russian Theater: A Literary and Cultural History by Craig Johnson
Cover of the book Saving a Place: Endangered Species in the 21st Century by Craig Johnson
Cover of the book Within Her Power by Craig Johnson
Cover of the book Sustainability at Work by Craig Johnson
Cover of the book Migration, transnationalism and Development in South-East Europe and the Black Sea Region by Craig Johnson
Cover of the book An Anatomy of Sprawl by Craig Johnson
Cover of the book Corporate Social Responsibility and the Welfare State by Craig Johnson
Cover of the book Valuing the Environment by Craig Johnson
Cover of the book Policing the Victorian Community by Craig Johnson
Cover of the book Raising Parents by Craig Johnson
Cover of the book Parent-child Relations Throughout Life by Craig Johnson
Cover of the book Perception, Politics and Security in South Asia by Craig Johnson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy