GEOG110 Development

Introduction to Development

Rebecca Mitchell introduces the course, emphasizing an interactive environment where students should feel free to ask questions. The next six lectures will cover introductory ideas, well-being, inequality, and climate change, connecting these topics to economics and the broader themes of people, places, and the environment.

What is Development?

Development is defined as "good change." There is no universally agreed-upon definition, but the course will focus on change that positively impacts people. Considerations include who decides what constitutes "good" and how change is implemented.

Why Development Matters

Development is crucial to global, regional, and local politics, influencing how countries and communities interact and support each other. It also touches upon the moral imperative to assist those in need, reflecting altruism and community support on a larger scale.

Aims of Development

Development aims to:

  • Reduce poverty.

  • Decrease inequalities.

  • Improve overall well-being through access to health, food, water, education, and shelter.

  • Increase individual freedoms and rights for marginalized groups.

  • Enhance disaster response capabilities.

  • Promote sustainability.

  • Mitigate and reverse climate change.

Historical Context

Between 1765 and 1938, Britain extracted 45,000,000,000,00045,000,000,000,000 from India, leaving behind a low literacy rate (16%) and life expectancy (27). India's global economic contribution decreased from 27% to 3%, leading to widespread famine deaths. This raises questions about historical responsibility and the need for development.

Post-World War II and the Cold War

The USA emerged as a global financial power, and the Cold War led to new, non-violent ways to exert global influence through aid and support to other countries. President Truman introduced the term "underdeveloped" to distinguish between rich and poor nations, framing a narrative of responsibility for wealthy nations to assist poorer ones.

Terminology

The terms "Global North" and "Global South" are used to avoid implying superiority of one group over the other, though these terms have their own limitations and are not perfect. The importance of specificity when discussing countries or regions (e.g., Fiji or Kiribati instead of "The Pacific") is emphasized to avoid generalizations.

Evolution of Development Theories

Theories have evolved since 1949 to address global poverty and inequality, but with limited success. Key theories include:

  1. Modernization: Mimicking industrialized, capitalist nations, which didn't work.

  2. Liberal Modernization: Modernization with redistribution policies (taxes, welfare, social services).

  3. Neoliberalism: Imposed on poor countries, emphasizing open markets and reduced government intervention (globalization).

  4. Retro Liberalism: Neoliberalism with specific policies like the Millennium and Sustainable Development Goals.

Current Development Theories and Jargon

Beyond economic development, current theories include:

  • Sustainable Development: Improving lives without harming the planet.

  • Capabilities Approach: Expanding freedoms through education, health, and agency.

  • Participatory Development: Involving local communities in shaping development processes.

  • Post-Development Theory: Criticizes previous models as neo-colonial, emphasizing indigenous and local knowledge.

  • Systems Thinking: Addressing the complexity of development by considering interconnected systems and contexts.

Origin and Application of Development Ideas

Development ideas historically originated in the Global North, conceived by wealthy white men, and applied to the Global South. This approach often overlooked local needs and knowledge, leading to a shift towards more inclusive and locally-led development practices.

Economic Growth as a Measure for Development

The idea that economic growth leads to better lives is questioned. Economic growth doesn't guarantee equitable distribution of wealth. Videos from political figures highlight the focus on economic growth, while the IMF acknowledges GDP's limitations in measuring true welfare and sustainability.

Critiques of Development Theories

Criticisms include:

  • Failure to alleviate poverty and increased inequality.

  • Neo-colonialism and erosion of state sovereignty.

  • Environmental destruction driven by growth demands.

  • Ignoring local knowledge and creating an "exotic other."

  • Use of negative language and "poverty porn" in media portrayals.

Ultimately the question to ask is what is development and who is it for?