Introduction The M.Phil. The department has had a long interest in studies of development in the South, and the staff has since the mid-1970s carried out research on a variety of topics related to poverty and underdevelopment. Mass poverty and extreme inequality characterise the South today.
Poverty is also prevalent in several countries in the North, especially in the largest cities.
Economic and social development have for decades been researched and debated upon. This has not resulted in an accepted development strategy that may alleviate poverty and provide poor people with prospects for a better life. There is a great need for comparative knowledge on and understanding of the diverse combinations of development problems in different countries, regions and places in the South. Important lessons can be learnt by viewing them in light of past and present experiences of countries in the North. It is moreover essential to study the implementation of development plans in the South to acquire an understanding of the barriers to and complexities of efforts carried out to improve people's living situations.