EXTRA READINGS GY202 MICHAELMAS TERM
WEEK FOUR: THEORIES, STRATEGIES AND IDEOLOGIES OF DEVELOPMENT (POTTER)
Theory: set of logical propositions about how the real world is structured, the way it operates. Development
theories can explain how development has occurred in the past and how it should occur in the future.
Normative theories – generalize what should happen in an ideal world
o Hettne, 1995: development studies explicitly normative, practitioners want to change the world
Positive theories – what has been the case in the past
Development strategies: (an actor’s) efforts to change existing economic and social structures and institutions to
find enduring solutions to the problems facing decision-makers (Hettne, 1995).
Practical paths to development which may be pursued by intl agencies, states, NGOs, community-based
organizations or individuals.
Development ideologies: different agendas have different goals and objectives from different influences (social,
economic, political, cultural, ethical, moral even religious).
Development THINKING? – includes theory, strategy and ideology.
Classical-traditional approach
Historical-empirical approach
Radical political economy-dependency approach
Bottom-up and alternative approaches
WEEK FOUR: THEORIES, STRATEGIES AND IDEOLOGIES OF DEVELOPMENT (POTTER)
Theory: set of logical propositions about how the real world is structured, the way it operates. Development
theories can explain how development has occurred in the past and how it should occur in the future.
Normative theories – generalize what should happen in an ideal world
o Hettne, 1995: development studies explicitly normative, practitioners want to change the world
Positive theories – what has been the case in the past
Development strategies: (an actor’s) efforts to change existing economic and social structures and institutions to
find enduring solutions to the problems facing decision-makers (Hettne, 1995).
Practical paths to development which may be pursued by intl agencies, states, NGOs, community-based
organizations or individuals.
Development ideologies: different agendas have different goals and objectives from different influences (social,
economic, political, cultural, ethical, moral even religious).
Development THINKING? – includes theory, strategy and ideology.
Classical-traditional approach
Historical-empirical approach
Radical political economy-dependency approach
Bottom-up and alternative approaches
