Deconstructing Development Discourse
Buzzwords and Fuzzwords
ISBN 978-185339-706-6
Edited by Andrea Cornwall and Deborah Eade
Abstract
Commendations
About the authors
Table of contents
Related links
Abstract
Writing from diverse locations, contributors critically examine some of the key terms in current development discourse. Why should language matter to those who are doing development? Surely, there are more urgent things to do than sit around mulling over semantics? But language does matter. Whether emptied of their original meaning, essentially vacuous, or hotly contested, the language of development not only shapes our imagined worlds, but also justifies interventions in real people's lives. If development buzzwords conceal ideological differences or sloppy thinking, then the process of constructive deconstruction makes it possible to re-examine what have become catch-all terms like civil society and poverty reduction, or bland aid-agency terms such as partnership or empowerment. Such engagement is far more than a matter of playing word games. The reflections included here raise major questions about how we think about development itself.
Commendations
"A sparkling addition to the student's tool-kit, and a sobering call for renewed thinking to long-time development thinkers and practitioners."
Gita Sen, Professor, Centre for Public Policy, Indian Institute of Management
"'With a lightness of touch that belies a deadly seriousness of intent, this book is both a useful guide and a powerful antidote to the dangerous oversimplifications of twenty-first century development policy.'"
David Lewis, Professor of Social Policy and Development, London School of Economics and Political Science
"An exciting, fun and deeply challenging book for all engaged in development."
Wendy Harcourt, Editor of Development, Society for International Development
"This book goes a long way towards demonstrating the emptiness of development jargon, unveiling the naked emperor."
Firoze Manji, Editor in Chief, Pambazuka News
"This collection fills the important gap by demystifying the jargon and concepts for practitioners and students of development.'"
Rajesh Tandon, President, PRIA, India
About the authors
Andrea Cornwall is Professor of Anthropology and Development in the School of Global Studies at the University of Sussex.
Deborah Eade was Editor-in-Chief of Development in Practice from 1991 to 2010, prior to which she worked for 10 years in Latin America. She is now an independent writer on development and humanitarian issues, based near Geneva.
Table of contents
Preface
Deborah Eade
1. Introductory overview
Andrea Cornwall
2. Development as a buzzword
Gilbert Rist
3. Words count
Naomi Alfini and Robert Chambers
4. Poverty reduction
John Toye
5. Social protection
Guy Standing
6. Globalisation
Shalmali Guttal
7. The F-word and the S-word
Cassandra Balchin
8. Participation
Pablo Alejandro Leal
9. Citizenship: a perverse confluence
Evelina Dagnino
10. Taking the power out of empowerment
Srilatha Batliwala
11. Social capital
Ben Fine
12. Reflections on relationships
Miguel Pickard
13. Talking of gender
Ines Smyth
14. Sustainability
Ian Scoones
15. From the right to development to the rights-based approach
Peter Uvin
16. Civil society
Neera Chandhoke
17. Public advocacy and people-centred advocacy
John Samuel
18. NGOs: between buzzwords and social movements
Islah Jad
19. Capacity building
Deborah Eade
20. Harmonisation
Rosalind Eyben
21. 'Country ownership'
Willem H. Buiter
22. Best of practices?
Warren Feek
23. Peacebuilding does not build peace
Tobias Denskus
24. The uncertain relationship between transparency and accountability
Jonathan Fox
25. Corruption
Elizabeth Harrison
26. 'Good governance'
Thandika Mkandawire
27. The discordant voices of security
Robin Luckham
28. Fragile states
Eghosa E. Osaghae
29. 'Knowledge management'
Robin Broad
Coda
Deborah Eade
Index