Imagine a Post-Development Era by Escobar - Book Report/Review Example

College: Post-Development Development is characterized by numerous theories, including globalization, modernization, worldsystems, and dependency. All these theories attempt to explain how countries that make up the globe combine capital, knowledge, education, and technology, among other elements, in order to progress politically and economically. Development is, therefore, perceived to be a social state within a country, in which the fundamental needs of its residents are met through viable and sustainable utilization of systems and resources. However, debate in developmental theory emerges when scholars question the source of influence in distribution of national wealth to a country’s population. This contention is evident from the post-development school of thought, which entirely contravenes the previous theories, and calls for alternatives to understanding development. This paper seeks to explore post-development, intervention strategies linked to this developmental outlook, and its applicability to actual progress. In the long-run, post-development appears to be an abstract ideology, which presents potential development interventions, but fails to show how they could aid in implementing future progress in ‘Third World’ countries. Post-development is a theoretical ideology, which is critical of the concept of development. This developmental theory further advocates for alternatives to the manner in which the concept is understood and implemented in society. From Escobar’s perspective post-development is best understood as a framework which associates information concerning the Third World with execution of various forms of intervention or power. This description of post-development is attributable to the notable shift in development theory, between the period following the Second World War until the late 1970s and the subsequent years. During the post war to 1970s’ phase, development was mainly a matter of education, technology, capital, proper policy, and planning for societal success. However, since the aforementioned period, development has been perceived as a concept of the West. It has, as a result, been viewed as an invasion of knowledge, capital, and technology into Third World countries, which are considered underdeveloped (Escobar 20-21). Escobar, as an influential supporter of post-development theory, posits that substitutes to development require a practical change to progress, modernism, and economies. This transformative change, according to the scholar, can best be achieved through interventions that foster engagement in social movements. Participants in the latter must also understand that these movements lay the foundation for creation of alternative societal, democratic, and economic structures. Escobar (46) emphasizes that these social movements can provide insight into their transformative effects of the society in which they are carried out, while allowing for re-assessment of post-development and its demands. Escobar proposes these interventions based on the notion that, the current development measures constitute of ideological exports. Consequently, the direct transfer of Western value judgments and norms to Third World countries is not any different from cultural domination or imperialism. The author is also emphatic that, even though some societies may lack political power and resources compared to others, developmental efforts must support approaches designed in accordance with local needs. Given the requisites of development approaches proposed in the preceding paragraph, a suitable intervention should engage local communities and cultural norms in addressing existing problems. For instance, rather than providing financial aid for projects strictly defined by Western donors, locals should be allowed to formulate their own programs which suit their values and norms. Escobar (47) also proposes adoption of an intervention that is not solely based on rational scientific evaluation of basic needs and the open-minded human rights argument. This is because the “right to basic needs” strategy does not promote required geopolitical participation. He argues that this approach to development is a primary reason for political struggle of actors involved, in the effort to redirect state resources and foster development. Escobar, therefore, insists that recommended social movements and experts involved must strive to develop new ways of discussing needs and demanding their fulfillment. These ways should bypass the notion of development for the primary purpose of meeting basic needs. Although one can formulate possible interventions from Escobar’s recommendations, the scholar fails to explicitly provide a direct example of the same, making the proposed actions vague. It is imperative to note that the concept of development in the traditional aspect is Eurocentric. This is because development is labeled as one of the principal aspects that have influenced the present development. Therefore, it is apparent that Escobar’s argument is incorrect by arguing that developers need to rid itself of its discursive history and assumptions. This is because there is still a future for development in the future. As clearly indicated by Escobar (48), third world nations should not take a revolution as a mere extension of the past. However, they should further practice the rationality of popular movements not sharing the same thoughts. There is a future for development because, different countries are embracing alliances in order to achieve the necessary goals in terms of growth. It is evident that postmodern insights are extremely crucial in terms of creation of demand. However, people should still remember that traditional theories are still applicable in enhancing development. New theories are derived from the old aspects that enhances structuraltion of new development ways. This means that new ways of development as well as those in the future will adopt old aspects that will enhance their credibility. According to Escobar (49), there have been numerous changes in terms of development discourse in the last few decades. This has been largely influenced by events have been crucial in changing the old ways of doing things. Many scholars have discussed the traditional aspects of development discourse as opposed to basic rupture in terms of development. Developments culminate a different mode of looking at things as well as how the world operates. Additionally, development has been observed as an extension of colonialism and this is why people would like to shun the old theories. Post-development without the traditional aspects is worthless. This is because it does not offer solutions, but purely criticizes development. In some cases, it offers romanticized views of the discursive history and assumptions without offering solutions to which variables should be considered. Development in many cases is observed as a means as well as a goal. This usually creates a tautology, since the main objective is embraced as a goal, but the start of a development procedure. This should be assumed that people that need development desire it. Discursive history and assumptions of development have not only assisted in keeping it alive, but also acts as a huge influence towards community development. Development as stated by Escobar (49), is supposed to aid people in setting out their goals. It is, therefore, imperative to encompass the history and assumption disease in ensuring that people get the right meaning of development. Development is therefore, important because it has the same kind of effects to people and the community at large. For instance, resources should be influenced I numerous ways, especially in making sure that the people concerned embrace their diversity and accountability. Development also ensures that countries have the necessary resources that will influence the growth of the society at large. In conclusion, it is crucial to note that despite post-development appearing to be an abstract ideology presenting potential development interventions, it fails to show how they could aid in implementing future progress in ‘Third World’ countries. therefore, development practices should not only be influenced by alternatives or rationalities, but should be influenced by crucial aspects that encourage growth. It is notable that post-development theories have not clearly answered numerous questions pertaining to the development. However, it is crucial to note that development has contributed highly in supporting the local communities in their initiatives. Development should be focused on evaluating and starting initiatives that ought to be expanded and helpful to people in general. Therefore, there is need to have a foundation of discursive history and assumptions which would assist highly expansion of peoples’ capabilities, as well as, their roles in development. Work Cited Escobar, Arturo. Imagine a Post-Development Era? Critical Thought, Development and Social Movements. Third World and Post-Colonial Issues, 31/32 (1992): pp. 20-56. Read More