LIMITS OF POST-DEVELOPMENT IN THE CRITIQUE OF DEVELOPMENT

Author(s)

Maiara Tavares Sodré ^[1] ; Rosangela Aparecida de Medeiros Hespanhol ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste - Brasil

^[2] Universidade Estadual de São Paulo - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Mercator (Fortaleza); v. 21, 2022-04-06.

Abstract

Abstract The theoretical current known as post-development emerged in the 1980s. Its proponents were authors with different analytical focuses and diversified themes, firmly committed to a radical critique of the idea of development. In this regard, this article aims to analyze post-development's theoretical and propositional basis, evaluating its arguments' consistency and the coherence between the basis of this argument and its propositional direction. Initially, the main issues raised by post-development are examined, paying particular attention to the two main strands of criticism of the concept of development. Next, there is a counterargument to the criticisms discussed above to demonstrate their inconsistencies and possible contributions to the reflexive and operational development field. Based on this debate, it is concluded that post-development makes valid and necessary criticisms, if these are intended to improve development projects that aim to address the objective reality of a large part of the Brazilian and global population. However, stripped of this crucial practical focus and an awareness of the gravity of different populations' social situations, post-development contributes little to overcome the history of failures of different development proposals. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/04889-3 - Development as a project: conceptions of farmers, extensionists and managers in the municipality of Pelotas/RS
• Grantee: Maiara Tavares Sodré
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate