Development Theories and Critiques

Start with an overview

For a broad starting point, open the global development mind map that lists modernization theory, dependency theory, world systems theory and neoliberalism. It also mentions global inequality and underdevelopment. Use its branches to identify perspectives you want to explore, then note the terms or names you would like to look up in the other resources.

The World Development mind map on terminology offers another way in. It lists terms such as gross domestic product and the human development index. The World Development map on theories brings together modernization, dependency, neoliberalism and aid.

Explore definitions and critiques

Development & its limits presents development as a contested term and includes poverty, economic growth and living standards. Read it alongside Post-Development Theory, which describes a critique of development as reflecting Western and Northern dominance. Together, they offer starting points for thinking about how development is defined and questioned.

International Development brings civil society, the state, markets and institutions into its map. The Global Development Studies map includes Eurocentrism and colonialism and imperialism. For a different perspective, Week 4 Journal discusses Ubuntu and the interconnectedness of humanity.

Use maps and flashcards together

After reading an overview map, use the global development theories and theorists flashcards to revisit names associated with the topic. You can also turn to Neo-liberal Theories/New Right or Postmodernist Theory of Development when studying a particular perspective. Return to the maps to place the terms you encounter alongside related ideas.

There are no quizzes listed on this page. A free account lets you make your own quiz from the ideas in a map and saves your quiz scores; it also lets you create mind maps, flashcards and notes.

Place the topic in its unit

Development Theories and Critiques is a section of Global Development in Sociology. The resources on this page give you several routes through that section, from broad maps to focused decks and notes. Choose a perspective to explore, then follow it across the formats.