Development Theory And The Three Worlds

An intellectual history of social science and development theories, describing early, primarily European theories on development and their transformation in response to Third World realities, and looking at the relationships between development theory, mainstream social sciences, and international political economy. This second edition discusses major events that have taken place since the 1990 edition, such as the Gulf War, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the Rio Conference. Designed as a core text for upper-level undergraduates. A Longman imprint, published in the US by Wiley. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

"...Quite simply, the book hypothesizes that viewed from an economic, a political, a military, or a social perspective the world exists in a condition of unstable equilibrium, specifically, in a triadic relationship: the First World led by the United States, the Second World led by the Soviet Union, and the Third World comprising the Afro-Asian bloc and portions of Latin America. This Third World is as incapable of preserving its goals and its functions apart from either of the major power centers as it was five years ago. Meanwhile, the Cold War involves three players rather than two. Every calculation of the United States by the Soviet Union bears consequences for the structure of the Third World. Every evaluation of the Soviet Union by the United States requires that a similar evaluation be made of Third World elite and mass sentiment..." -- Preface to the second edition.

Few discussions in modern social science have occupied as much attention as the changing nature of welfare states in western societies. Gosta Esping-Andersen, one of the most distinguished contributors to current debates on this issue, here provides a new analysis of the character and role of welfare states in the functioning of contemporary advanced western societies. Esping-Andersen distinguishes several major types of welfare state, connecting these with variations in the historical development of different western countries. Current economic processes, the author argues, such as those moving towards a post-industrial order, are not shaped by autonomous market forces but by the nature of states and state differences. Fully informed by comparative materials, this book will have great appeal to everyone working on issues of economic development and post-industrialism. Its audience will include students and academics in sociology, economics and politics.

Throughout the twentieth century, governments sought to achieve 'development' not only in their own countries, but also in other regions of the world; particularly in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. This focus on 'development' as a goal has continued into the twenty-first century, for example through the United Nations Millennium Development Targets. While development is often viewed as something very positive, it is also very important to consider the possible detrimental effects it may have on the natural environment, different social groups and on the cohesion and stability of societies. In this important book, Katie Willis investigates and places in a historical context, the development theories behind contemporary debates such as globalization and transnationalism. The main definitions of 'development' and 'development theory' are outlined with a description and explanation of how approaches have changed over time. The differing explanations of inequalities in development, both spatially and socially, and the reasoning behind different development policies are also considered. By drawing on pre-twentieth century European development theories and examining current policies in Europe and the USA, the book not only stresses commonalities in development theorizing over time and space, but also the importance of context in theory construction. This topical book provides an ideal introduction to development theories for students in geography, development studies, area studies, anthropology and sociology. It contains student-friendly features, including boxed case studies with examples, definitions, summary sections, suggestions for further reading, discussion questions and website information.

Crow traces the interconnectedness of the 'disorganisation' of capitalism in the industrialised west, the transformation of former state socialist societies, and the divergent fortunes of third world countries.

Originally published: 1995. Paperback reissue, with a new preface by the author.

Provides a stimulating and substantive intellectual history of social science and development theories, helping towards an understanding of development theory and development problems in the three worlds. Describes early, primarily European, theories on development and how they were enriched, challenged and transformed in response to Third World realities. It moves on to discuss how this body of theory, Marxist and non-Marxist, has become increasingly relevant for understanding structural development problems, which are occurring in the rich world, and the relationships between development theory and the mainstream social sciences.