Doctrines Of Development [Hardcover]

M. P. Cowen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 18, 1995 | ISBN-10: 0415125154 | ISBN-13: 978-0415125154 | Edition: 1

Doctrines of Development examines the history of the idea of development and doctrines governments have employed to practice development policy. Beginning with the nineteenth century 'invention' of modern development, the authors discuss Marx's early critique of development and the creation of the notion of underdevelopment. They argue that trusteeship, the intent of one to act on behalf of another, is the prime force behind all development doctrine and claim that little has changed since early industrial capitalism. Twentieth century case histories from Australia, Canada and Kenya illustrate how and why development doctrine accompanied the early growth of capitalism. Shorter case studies from India, Latin America and Austria are used as examples of how development theory has been part of the history of development doctrine. The authors pursue the analysis by offering a critique of contemporary and increasingly pervasive theories of 'alternative' development.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'an extraordinary book, a real archaeology of knowledge ... about the experience of development in Britain, Europe, the Americas, as well as Australia, Asia and Africa. Theorists, practitioners and critics of development should all read this book.' - Gavin Williams, Oxford University.

'This is one of the most stimulating books to appear for some time.' - Development and Change

About the Author

M. P. Cowen is a Reader in Economics at the London Guildhall University. R. W. Shenton is an Associate Professor in the Deparment of History, Queen's University, Canada.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 576 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (December 18, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415125154
• ISBN-13: 978-0415125154
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,216,101 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars A good conceptual discussion, March 29, 2011

By 

Hannah N. (Columbus, OH) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Doctrines Of Development (Paperback)

I like the way the authors frame the discussion on the concept of development. The book focuses on different perspectives of classic thinkers/theorists from the 19th century up to early 20th century with Schumpeter. In fact, I don't know why they stop with Schumpeter as by the time they published the book (1996), there were already other "doctrines" in the discourse of development. But another thing I like about this book is that it includes some not-very-well-known thinkers in the "presentation" of development doctrines.

Although a bit expensive (I paid $60), it deserves a place in your shelf if you seriously want to explore the area of 'development.'