Throughout the twentieth century, governments sought to achieve 'development' not only in their own countries, but also in other regions of the world; particularly in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. This focus on 'development' as a goal has continued into the twenty-first century, for example through the United Nations Millennium Development Targets. While development is often viewed as something very positive, it is also very important to consider the possible detrimental effects it may have on the natural environment, different social groups and on the cohesion and stability of societies. In this important book, Katie Willis investigates and places in a historical context, the development theories behind contemporary debates such as globalization and transnationalism. The main definitions of 'development' and 'development theory' are outlined with a description and explanation of how approaches have changed over time. The differing explanations of inequalities in development, both spatially and socially, and the reasoning behind different development policies are also considered. By drawing on pre-twentieth century European development theories and examining current policies in Europe and the USA, the book not only stresses commonalities in development theorizing over time and space, but also the importance of context in theory construction. This topical book provides an ideal introduction to development theories for students in geography, development studies, area studies, anthropology and sociology. It contains student-friendly features, including boxed case studies with examples, definitions, summary sections, suggestions for further reading, discussion questions and website information.

This introductory text explains, and places in an historical context, the development theories behind contemporary debates, such as globalization. The author describes and explains how approaches to development have changed over time and how approaches vary spatially.

The first book in the DARG series,Development as Theory and Practice provides the only student textbook which addresses broad contemporary perspectives and debates on development and development cooperation. It introduces the notions of development and what it means from different perspectives i.e. from the point of view of academics in the wake of the New World Order, regional specialists detached from the field, Third World students of development, and development practitioners. The second part of the book focuses on development aid and examines the changing relationship between donors and recipients, and the effects of these relationships on the wider communities in these countries, and current re-evaluations of aid in principle and practice. Development as Theory and Practice is an ideal course text for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate courses in development aid as part of degree programmes in Development Studies, Geography, Politics, Sociology and Anthropology. It will also be of interest to researchers and development practitioners and professionals.

Taking a critical and historical view, this text explores the theory and changing practice of international development. It provides an overview of how the field has evolved and the concrete impacts of this on the ground on the lives of people in the Global South. Development Theory and Practice in a Changing World covers the major theories of development, such as modernisation and dependency, in addition to anti-development theories such as post-modernism and decoloniality. It examines the changing nature of immanent (structural) conditions of development in addition to the main attempts to steer them (imminent development). The book suggests that the era of development as a hegemonic idea and practice may be coming to an end, at the same time as it appears to have achieved its apogee in the Sustainable Development Goals as a result of the rise of ultra-nationalism around the world, the increasing importance of securitisation and the existential threat posed by climate change. Whether development can or should survive as a concept is interrogated in the book. This book offers a fresh and updated take on the past 60 years of development and is essential reading for advanced undergraduate students in areas of development, geography, international studies, political science, economics and sociology.

Meeting the aims of sustainability is becoming increasingly difficult; at the same time, the call for culture is becoming more powerful. This book explores the relationships between culture, sustainability and regional change through the concept of ‘territorialisation’. This new concept describes the dynamics and processes in the context of regional development, driven by collective human agency that stretches beyond localities and marked-off regional boundaries. This book launches the concept of ‘territorialisation’ by exploring how the natural environment and culture are constitutive of each other. This concept allows us to study the characterisation of the natural assets of a place, the means by which the natural environment and culture interact, and how communities assign meaning to local assets, add functions and ascribe rules of how to use space. By highlighting the time-space dimension in the use and consumption of resources, territorialisation helps to frame the concept and grasp the meaning of sustainable regional development. Drawing on an international range of case studies, the book addresses both conceptual issues and practical applications of ‘territorialisation’ in a range of contexts, forms, and scales. The book will be of great interest to researchers and postgraduates in sustainable development, environmental studies, and regional development and planning.

The result of extensive scholarship and consultation with leading scholars, this text introduces students to twenty-four theorists and compares and contrasts their theories on how we develop as individuals. Emphasizing the theories that build upon the developmental tradition established by Rousseau, this text also covers theories in the environmental/learning tradition.

′A sure-footed and self-confident book, ambitious in scope, authoritative in execution and practical in its implications′ - Simon Maxwell, Director, Overseas Development Institute, London ′At last, a development studies text that encourages self-reflection from within the discipline. Highly recommended′ - Professor Ray Kiely, Chair in International Politics, Queen Mary University of London ′This is the book that academics, development researchers and practitioners have been seeking for a long time. [It] addresses the most important issues which development researchers and practitioners cope with each and every day′ - Dr Tran Tuan, Director, Research and Training Centre for Community Development, Hanoi, Vietnam. ′An insightful book for both development practitioners and researchers alike′ - Professor K.N. Nair, Director Centre for Development Studies, Kerala, India This book is about working professionally in Development Studies as a student, researcher or practitioner. It introduces and addresses the fundamental questions that everyone engaged with development must ask: " What is ′development′ and why do we wish to study it? " How do the many theoretical, methodological and espistemological approaches relate to research and practical studies in development? " How are development research and practice linked? Accessibly written, with extensive use of case study material, this book is an essential primer for students of development studies who require a concise, penetrating overview of its foundations. It is also core reading for students and practitioners concerned with the design of studies in the course of policy analysis, sector reviews, or project formulation, management and evaluation.