Theories of Development

Reviews / Votes

"Development is contentious, and contentions over theories and practices of development are unlikely to end soon. Peet and Hartwick do not mince words as they offer a provocative critique of conventional, poststructuralist, and postdevelopmentalist theories. Their critical modernist perspective refuses to abandon hope for a better society through truly democratic development. In the second edition, crucial connections between theory and practice are highlighted by expanded attention to neoliberalism and the Millennium Development Goals, and to the experience of development under socialism in the USSR, Cuba, and now Venezuela. This is an excellent, thought-provoking text for graduate or advanced undergraduate classes on development and globalization. It is sure to be a resource that students will return to again and again as a guide to the theoretical and historical origins of current debates." - Paul K. Gellert, Department of Sociology, University of Tennessee, USA

"This second edition offers more detailed discussions of differences 'within' the schools of thought, and also shows how theories are translated into policies and the consequences for people around the globe. The most recent issues and debates are included. This book's contending-perspectives approach to theoretical analysis, the authors' honesty about their own point of view, and their skill in placing development ideas in historical context make it important reading for anyone interested in economic development and North - South relations. It will enable students to compare and contrast schools of thought, understand theories' relationships to one another, and trace the evolution of contemporary development concepts." - Christine A. Kearney, Department of Politics, Saint Anselm College, USA

"The second edition of Theories of Development lives up to its ambitious title, as did its predecessor. Packed with ideas and arguments, much of the text has been recast and updated; for example, its prescient (in light of the present global crisis) critique of neoliberalism. This is a scholarly and well-referenced book that is an ideal text for upper-level undergraduate and graduate programs in international and development studies, geography, and other social sciences focusing on social change. Beginning doctoral students will find the book useful for situating their own research in a wider context of social theory." - Piers Blaikie, Professor Emeritus, School of Development Studies, University of East Anglia, UK "Development is contentious, and contentions over theories and practices of development are unlikely to end soon. Peet and Hartwick do not mince words as they offer a provocative critique of conventional, poststructuralist, and postdevelopmentalist theories. Their critical modernist perspective refuses to abandon hope for a better society through truly democratic development. In the second edition, crucial connections between theory and practice are highlighted by expanded attention to neoliberalism and the Millennium Development Goals, and to the experience of development under socialism in the USSR, Cuba, and now Venezuela. This is an excellent, thought-provoking text for graduate or advanced undergraduate classes on development and globalization. It is sure to be a resource that students will return to again and again as a guide to the theoretical and historical origins of current debates." - Paul K. Gellert, University of Tennessee

"This second edition offers more detailed discussions of differences 'within' the schools of thought, and also shows how theories are translated into policies and the consequences for people around the globe. The most recent issues and debates are included. This book's contending-perspectives approach to theoretical analysis, the authors' honesty about their own point of view, and their skill in placing development ideas in historical context make it important reading for anyone interested in economic development and North - South relations. It will enable students to compare and contrast schools of thought, understand theories' relationships to one another, and trace the evolution of contemporary development concepts." - Christine A. Kearney, Saint Anselm College, USA

"The second edition of Theories of Development lives up to its ambitious title, as did its predecessor. Packed with ideas and arguments, much of the text has been recast and updated; for example, its prescient (in light of the present global crisis) critique of neoliberalism. This is a scholarly and well-referenced book that is an ideal text for upper-level undergraduate and graduate programs in international and development studies, geography, and other social sciences focusing on social change. Beginning doctoral students will find the book useful for situating their own research in a wider context of social theory." - Piers Blaikie, University of East Anglia