Chapter 3: Theories and strategies of development
Introduction
The purpose of this chapter is to provide an introduction to the different approaches to
development that have been proposed and followed, principally since around 1940, both in
theory and practice. The theories outlined often exist and are still subscribed to in parallel, by
different schools of thoughts.
Theories, strategies and ideologies of development
Introductory definitions
Development theories: sets of apparently logical propositions which purport to explain how
development has occurred in the past and/or should occur in the future.
Development strategies: practical paths to development that may be pursued in an effort to
stimulate change within particular nations, regions and continents.
Development ideologies: development agendas will reflect different goals and objectives. These
goals will reflect social, economic, political, cultural, ethical, moral and even religious influences.
Paradigm: broad sets of ideas about development. The evolution and nature of these
paradigms in the field of development studies that forms the focus of this chapter
Development thinking: the sum total of ideas about development, including pertinent aspects of
development theory, strategy and ideology.
The contested nature of development
As a new set of ideas about development ahs come into favour, earlier theories and strategies
have not been totally discarded and replaced. Rather, theories and strategies have tended to
stack up (=opstapelen) upon one another, coexisting in what can sometimes be described as a
very convoluted manner (= ingewikkelde manier).
There are many ways to categorise development thinking through time. Broadly speaking, it is
suggested here that four major approaches to the examination of development theory can be
recognised (figure 3.2)
1. The classical-traditional approach
2. The historical-empirical approach
3. The radical-political economy-dependency approach
4. Alternative and bottom-up approaches
Classical-traditional approaches: early views from ‘developed’ world (North)
Introduction
The traditional approach to the study of development derives from classical and neo-classical
economics and has generally dominated policy thinking at the global scale. Economic
development was equated with the growth of world trade and the law of comparative advantage.
Neo-classical theories stresses the importance of liberating world trade as the essential path to
growth and development.
Introduction
The purpose of this chapter is to provide an introduction to the different approaches to
development that have been proposed and followed, principally since around 1940, both in
theory and practice. The theories outlined often exist and are still subscribed to in parallel, by
different schools of thoughts.
Theories, strategies and ideologies of development
Introductory definitions
Development theories: sets of apparently logical propositions which purport to explain how
development has occurred in the past and/or should occur in the future.
Development strategies: practical paths to development that may be pursued in an effort to
stimulate change within particular nations, regions and continents.
Development ideologies: development agendas will reflect different goals and objectives. These
goals will reflect social, economic, political, cultural, ethical, moral and even religious influences.
Paradigm: broad sets of ideas about development. The evolution and nature of these
paradigms in the field of development studies that forms the focus of this chapter
Development thinking: the sum total of ideas about development, including pertinent aspects of
development theory, strategy and ideology.
The contested nature of development
As a new set of ideas about development ahs come into favour, earlier theories and strategies
have not been totally discarded and replaced. Rather, theories and strategies have tended to
stack up (=opstapelen) upon one another, coexisting in what can sometimes be described as a
very convoluted manner (= ingewikkelde manier).
There are many ways to categorise development thinking through time. Broadly speaking, it is
suggested here that four major approaches to the examination of development theory can be
recognised (figure 3.2)
1. The classical-traditional approach
2. The historical-empirical approach
3. The radical-political economy-dependency approach
4. Alternative and bottom-up approaches
Classical-traditional approaches: early views from ‘developed’ world (North)
Introduction
The traditional approach to the study of development derives from classical and neo-classical
economics and has generally dominated policy thinking at the global scale. Economic
development was equated with the growth of world trade and the law of comparative advantage.
Neo-classical theories stresses the importance of liberating world trade as the essential path to
growth and development.
