The critical development studies handbook: tools for change

This edited volume comes at a time of growing global dissatisfaction with the mainstream neoliberal model, as well as increased recognition that a rethinking of the way in which development is conceived, studied and practised is needed. Some call for modification of neoliberal policies (‘neoliberalism with a human face’), but others see the need for a more critical approach that would require basic structural changes to societies necessary to produce a more inclusive, equitable, participatory and sustainable development trajectory. As defined by the authors in the volume, ‘critical development studies’ (CDS) entails a rethinking of development theory and practice, questioning many of the assumptions and beliefs that underlie mainstream models, and progressing toward alternative theory building that emphasises pressing issues such as structural inequalities and social injustices. It links empirical realities with theory in a reciprocal and mutually reinforcing relationship and, by contrast, exposes the socio-political purposes of ideologically based frameworks (such as the modernisation approach, or neoliberalism) that polarise societies into ‘losers’ and ‘winners’ according to preconceived Western ideas and concepts. The critical development studies handbook is divided into 15 sections, each with a number of modules. The structure of the modules, each of which identifies six central themes/issues of a particular subject area, helps to overcome much of the unevenness that typically marks multiple-authored volumes. This review presents each section, drawing out the key issues raised by the authors therein. In Section 1, Parpart and Veltmeyer give an historical analysis of the evolution of development theory, from the postwar period of growth-based models and Keynesian frameworks, through neoliberal globalisation and alternative Marxist, dependency and structuralist approaches, culminating in ‘another development’ and postdevelopment perspectives. According to the authors, it is now possible to identify eight schools of thought, offering distinct theoretical perspectives and useful ideas to orient development policies and practices. However, they note there is a continuing need for a more ‘critical edge’ in development studies, especially given heightened resistance to neoliberalism by a range of social movements, which are oriented toward structural change and social transformation to bring real benefits to the poor and marginalised, and which are driven by the need to translate theory and policies into progressive practice. Section 2 critiques efforts to impose development from the outside, emphasising the inappropriateness of many external concepts and top–down practices of mainstream paradigms, and placing them within the context of dominant ideologies and global power relations. The implication of these critiques, in my view, is that the Global South needs to rediscover its histories and cultures, commonly subverted by externally imposed development, to use its popular creativity and collective wisdom to create its own development approaches. Levitt focuses on the role of the state and global financial relations, and the opportunities and dangers presented by recent