The Post-Development Reader

by Majid Rahnema (Editor), Victoria Bawtree (Editor)

Book by

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, History, Economics, Sociology, Education, Anthropology

440 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 1997

Reviews

[Javier · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked many of the things the authors had to say, but I can't ultimately get behind the relativism it advocates (ie, let's return to 'communal society' and have the 'respected elders' run the show).

[Milan/zzz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a thought provoking read and an eye opener on so many levels. Maybe I shouldn't rate this one whatsoever because I didn't have enough time to read all essays (my friend who borrowed me while he was staying at my place had to leave and took his book) but the ones I've read were mind-blowing. I don't think I'd be able better to describe this book than what I've read on amazon (or I would be able if I haven't read description there):

"This Reader brings together in a powerfully diverse, but ultimately coherent, statement some of the very best thinking on the subject by scholars and activists from both North and South. They provide a devastating critique of what the mainstream paradigm has in practice done to the peoples of the world and to their richly diverse and sustainable ways of living. They also present some of the essential ideas out of which the victims of development are now constructing new, humane, culturally and ecologically respectful modes of development."

[Gabriel · Rating 4 out of 5]

great compendium of the post-structuralist, decolonial take on development studies and the partisan side many authors, activists and organisers and academics take against domination, authoritarism and the imperialistic means by which development was introduced around the world.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is put together more like a collection of essays rather than an edited book so the chapters don't flow together or add on one another as they usually do in an edited volume - I like it like this though. It means more of the author's voice comes out and makes it a more enjoyable and non-boring read. Great way to get a good overview of post-dev. I would really like an updated version.