1. POLI 211 Introduction to Development Studies
Session 2 Part 1– THE DEVELOPMENT DEBATE AND THE RELEVANCE OF DEVELOPMENT STUDIES – PART ONE
Lecturer: Dr. Maame Adwoa A. Gyekye-Jandoh
Contact Information:

2. Session Overview Overview
Session 1 introduced students to the different but interesting meanings of development, and the increasingly broad meaning given to development.
In this session, it will interest students to know that these different definitions have evolved out of a development debate in Development Studies that began as far back as the 1950s in the immediate post-colonial era and has continued through to the 1990s and beyond.
This session will also share some of the reasons why Development Studies is very relevant in today’s world and why it should be studied seriously.

3. Session Outline
The key topics to be covered in the session are as follows:
Topic One: The Development Debate
Topic Two: The Relevance of Development Studies

4. Reading List
Chapter 1 of Recommended Text – Todaro and Smith (2012), Economic Development
Coralie Bryant and Louise White (1982), “Redefining Development”

5. The development debate
Topic One
The development debate

6. The Development Debate
Much of the Development Debate has to do with different perceptions of how and under what circumstances a nation can increase its rate (ie. how fast) and direction of change (which way to go – for example, should a country go in the direction of industrialization, poverty reduction, or increased infrastructure?).
The development debate also involves issues of power and choice -- who is to decide the direction and nature of change. This is where the role of government and policymakers, as well as parliamentarians, in deciding what kind of projects and policies to put in place and what actions should be taken is paramount.

7. Sample Question
Evolution of the Development Debate: The development debate has evolved or progressed through four phases or perspectives of development, beginning with the post-colonial era and its economic perspective; the late 1960s and 1970s era with the political economy perspective; the 1970s and 1980s era with the dependency theory or perspective; and the more current humanist perspective of the 1990s and beyond.
What are two differences between the economic perspective and the political economy perspective of development?

8. The economic perspective: assumed that development was synonymous with industrialization, which was necessary for economic growth, and therefore two approaches for increasing industrialization were put forward.
1. called for developing country governments to stimulate or encourage their young industrial sectors
2. pushed for the traditional sectors of developing economies to be mobilized or used for industrialization.
3. questions of equity and distribution were postponed until some future after industrialization had taken off; economic inequalities continued to exist.
The political economy perspective: argued that economic issues had to be understood in the context of political reality (that political regimes and their leaders also were important for providing the rules and welcoming environment for economic growth.
2. argued that production was closely related with distribution, and gave economic reasons for increasing equality through education, land reform, and redistributive taxes.

9. The dependency theory/perspective: argued that developing countries were made dependent on developed countries under the guise of development.
This dependency was made possible by the middle classes of the developing countries who looked outside to the West for political leadership rather than inside.
Those who are powerful use growth to promote their own interests, with some groups benefiting at the expense of others.
The humanist perspective, which has been discussed in Session One

10. The relevance of development studies
Topic Two
The relevance of development studies

11. The Relevance of Development Studies
Relevance in the World Today:
More than half of all countries are still less developed or developing, therefore this field of study is necessary to bring different perspectives and theories to the table that can be applied to the improvement of the lives of real people and nations.
Development Studies is very beneficial for today’s world because of the necessity to reduce crime, terrorism, blight and despair that can lead to conflicts and instability in many developing societies.
Relevance for Students and Individuals:
Students educated in Development Studies are widely needed for jobs in intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the World Bank, private sector consultancy and aid firms, journalism, and research centers.

12. Relevance to Students and Individuals (continued):
Helps students understand why some countries may be less developed and others developed, and what some of the obstacles to development are.
Helps to better understand the issues pertaining to Ghana’s development, for example, why Ghana after almost 58 years of independence is still not considered a developed country.
Allows students to be in a better position to analyze policies and statements made both by governments and the private sector about the quest for development.
To be better able to evaluate the programs or projects in terms of their actual or real life usefulness for bringing lasting positive change or development in people’s lives.

13. Conclusion of session two –part 1
Topic Four
Conclusion of session two –part 1

14. Conclusion of Session One – Part 1
In this session, you have been introduced to the Development Debate and its evolution through four phases or perspectives of development. You also learned about the relevance of Development Studies in the world today, and to students and other individuals.
The next session will introduce you to current and important issues regarding development, and the role of the West.

15. References
Todaro, Michael Economic Development. England: Pearson Education Limited.
Todaro, Michael and Stephen Smith “What Do We Mean by Development?” in Economic Development. (11h edition). P England: Pearson Education Limited.
Bryant, Coralie and Louise White “Redefining Development.” In Managing Development in the Third World. Boulder, CO: Westview.