What is Neo-liberalism in the context of development theories?
A development orthodoxy emphasizing minimal state intervention and major role for the market.
Key aspects include export-oriented strategies, privatization, deregulation, and fiscal austerity.
What did the Berg report (1981) attribute to the failures of development in Africa?
Inappropriate state dominated policies.
This report was associated with the World Bank.
What is the ‘Washington Consensus’?
A set of economic policy recommendations promoted by the IMF and World Bank.
It includes structural adjustment policies aimed at market-oriented reforms.
What is a key criticism of Neo-liberalism?
It failed to understand the complexity of development.
Critics argue that it returned to modernisation theory and blamed Third World governments for development failures.
What does post-development theory propose?
There are no alternative development but alternatives to development.
It emphasizes grassroots movements and local knowledge.
Who is associated with the idea that development is a discourse?
Escobar (1995).
He argued that development identifies abnormalities to justify intervention.
What are the key criticisms of post-development theory?
- Proposed a romanticized vision of non-Western societies
- Neglected relations of domination and exploitation
- Lacked concrete policy recommendations
- Ignored achievements of modernity
- Presented development as monolithic.
Critics argue it overlooks the complexities and heterogeneity of development.
What is colonialism?
A system of settling and occupying a specified territory with domination by one nation over another.
It often involved ideologies of racism to justify interventions.
What is neo-colonialism?
A system where formally independent countries remain economically dependent on former colonial powers.
It relies on market coercion rather than direct control.
What is modernization theory?
A theory that views development as a process of ‘catching up’ through a series of stages.
It emphasizes economic growth and the spread of Western values.
What are the stages of economic growth according to Rostow?
- Traditional society
- Pre-conditions for take-off
- Take-off
- Drive to maturity
- High mass consumption society.
Rostow’s model outlines a linear progression of economic development.
What is dependency theory?
A theory asserting that the North determines the terms of trade, causing dependence of the South.
It originated in Latin America as an alternative to modernization theory.
What are key criticisms of dependency theory?
- Over-states dependency
- Underplays internal causes of under-development
- Role of the state became too big.
Critics argue it neglects local political factors and inefficiencies.
What did André Gunder Frank argue about capitalism?
It generates economic development for the few and under-development for the many.
He linked underdevelopment directly to development elsewhere.
What is the significance of grassroots movements in post-development theory?
They reclaim politics, economy, and knowledge against dominant structures.
Emphasizes local engagement and participatory politics.
Fill in the blank: Neo-liberalism advocates for _______ rather than state intervention.
market solutions.
True or False: Post-development theory suggests that development is a universal process applicable to all societies.
False.
It argues for alternatives to development rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
What does the term ‘global public bads’ refer to in Neo-liberalism?
Negative consequences that arise from unregulated market activities.
Critics argue that these issues can stem from excessive government intervention.
What is the role of the state according to dependency theory?
To drive the economy through protectionist policies and support domestic investment.
It emphasizes the importance of state intervention in achieving autonomy.
