Theories and Practices of Development

by Katie Willis

Global economic crisis and the implications of global environmental 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 recognized. 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 second edition has been fully updated and expanded to reflect global political and economic shifts, as well as new approaches to development. The rise of China and India is given particular attention, as is the global economic crisis and its implications for development theories and practice. There are new sections on faith-based development, and the development dimensions of climate change, as well as greater engagement with development theories as they are put into practice in the Global North. 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.

Genres: Poverty, Politics, Economics

270 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Samiha Kamal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most popular academic books. Thanks to Katie Willis for this book. This helped much in shaping my critical thoughts like many other students.

N.B: reading this book again and again for capturing the overall idea and transitions of development. The author wrote the texts in such a way that it doesn’t feel like you are reading an academic book. A must read for all students, especially those who are studying social science!

[Jake · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, basic, overview of development perspectives up until 2010. It does what it says on the tin.

[Mics · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest edition ties in recent events like Covid and on-going issues on social justice and climate change very well. Overall a great overview of the discussions happening within the development field.

[Lyv Tremper · Rating 5 out of 5]

had to read for class but a good nonfiction read if you’re interested in international development!

[gideon · Rating 4 out of 5]

read through chapter 6 for class

[Hung · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about theories and aspects of development. Quite comprehensive, basic, and neutral narrative about development. Boxes of examples and stories are intriguing.

Some things good for myself:
- Viviendas del Hogar de Cristo Project, Ecuador: building bamboo house for low income families with partial financial support from the project and capital share from families (quite like 'Nha Chong Lu').
- Barefoot College, India: teaching center for the poor. The exception is "the rato of the lowest to the highest wage is no more than 1:2" (such the radical equality within organization).
- http://happyplanetindex.org/
- https://answers.practicalaction.org/

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very dense but interesting book. I personally prefered the enviromental, social and cultural chapters and wish it would have ended on one of those. Wouldn't recommend this book to just read, for a study it is a great overview of development.

[Jo Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Way more readable than the title would have you believe. A great resource.

[Mina Westli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easily read introduction to development issues and studies.

[Mills College Library]

338.9001 W7349 2011

[Juma Mashauri]

Theories and practices of development

[Fionaanderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good clear concise and workmanlike review of development issues