Blakemore - Key Idea 2 Flashcards
What is the Shock Doctrine and who is behind the idea?
Naomi Klein. Argues that after a shock people are more likely follow their leaders. Puts forward any ‘painful policies’ immediately after a crisis.
Are there any examples of the Shock Doctrine?
After the coup in Chile in 1973. Milton Friedman (A free market economist) suggested that shock theorpy should be administered immediately. He called for immediate cuts to social funding and privatisation.
Background to Bolivia and El Alto
South Americas poorest country.
El Alto has a population of around 900,000 and an average monthly salary of $70.
The water and sewage were provided by French company Aguas de Illimani.
Why was water in Bolivia privatised?
It was a condition of the renegotiation of Bolivian debt by the IMF and World Bank, who suggested privatisation would create jobs, increase investment etc.
What problems did water privatisation create?
Aquas de Illimini failed to provide water for the poorer population. Meant they had to dig wells in order to provide water for themselves, led to diseases etc.
Price for a connection to the water supply was $445 making water unaffordable.
Why did the Bolivian Government terminate Aquas de Illimani’s contract?
There was a 4 day civic strike in the city, in protest of the water company. This left the government no choice but to terminate the contract.
What is Vadana Shiva’s perspective on development?
Believes that water is a basic human right and nobody has the right to commodify natural resources.
What is Paul Erlich’s perspective on development?
Erlich warns of the consequences of population growth and limited resources. He believes in neo malthuseanism which is the theory that population rises at a faster rate than the level of resources. This leads to Malthusian checks such as famine or water.
What is Margaret Thatcher’s perspective on development?
She has a strong neo-liberal view and believed that privatisation was the effective way of resource management and it was a better deal for the consumer (TINA).
What is Grassroots Development?
Development which is managed by and run in accordance with the wishes, styles and work of the communities who are effected most. Uses intermediate technologies which ensure loWHcal people can fix and maintain the development, reducing dependance on the outside for help.
What are Sand Dams?
Sand Dams are reinforced concrete walls, built into seasonal sandy river beds, which can store up to 40 million litres of safe drinking water free from parasites and malaria etc.
How are Sand Dams an example of sustainable grassroots development?
They are low cost and low maintenance, whilst meeting peoples basic needs. Furthermore, they offer empowerment to local women and children who no longer have to walk 10km a day for water, meaning children can attend school and women can work.
What is Post-Development theory and who is behind it?
The idea that the whole concept and the practise of development is a reflection of Western control over the rest of the world. It is championed by Arturo Escobar.
What are the positives of grassroots development?
1) Appropriate technologies for local people
2) Uses local peoples knowledge, thus empowering them
3) Recognises the importance of meeting peoples basic needs.
4) Recognises the importance of social, economic and environmental factors?
What are the negatives of a grassroots approach to development?
1) Small Scale
2) Meaningful widespread participation is very difficult to achieve
3) May trap people into small scale local activities
