Encountering Development The Making And Unmaking Of The Third World(1st Edition)

Book details

Book Price $0 : In 'Encountering Development: The Making and Unmaking of the Third World,' Arturo Escobar critically examines the concept of development, a prevalent paradigm influencing global relations and policies since the post-World War II era. Escobar argues that development is not just a neutral series of economic aid or policy interventions but is a discourse that actively constructs and defines the 'Third World' through economic, social, and cultural dynamics. The book explores themes of economic control, social inequality, and cultural hegemony, portraying development as a form of imperialism and power. Escobar highlights how modern development initiatives often perpetuate the very inequalities and dependencies they claim to mitigate, challenging the Western-centric perspective. He intricately analyses development thinking, providing an "answer key" to understanding how historical, political, and societal contexts interplay with the development narratives. The 'table of content' illustrates Escobar's methodological approach, dissecting various development strategies and their impacts across regions. While the notion of development is perceived as a "solution manual" for global problems, Escobar's analysis reveals that it often fails to address the root causes of underdevelopment and instead contributes to a cycle of dependency. His work invites readers to reconceptualize development through an anti-essentialist lens, encouraging more equitable and sustainable practices. Upon its reception, the book was acclaimed for its impactful critique and contribution to postdevelopment theory and is considered essential reading for anyone studying development theory. The book's insights are crucial for understanding the evolving dynamic between developed and developing regions, particularly in the context of globalization. Ideal for a student’s tight budget, this cheap manual brings clarity to difficult course material. See more