Reducing The DG: Approaches

Question 1

Neo-liberalism

Answer 1

A set of economic policies that became popular towards the end of the twentieth century, under thatcher and Reagan. It is based on market forces, privatisation and reducing state intervention in the economy. It’s effects tend to be that the rich grow richer and the poor poorer. It is unlikely to change the development gap.

Question 2

Marxism

Answer 2

A belief that capitalism is based on the exploitation of workers by the owners of the means of production and that history has been mainly a struggle between conflicting classes. It seeks to replace existing class structures with a system that manages society for the good of all. This is likely to reduce the development gap.

Question 3

Populism

Answer 3

A philosophy that supports the people in a struggle against the elite. It is about urging change in economic, social and political systems, but it does not have a strong ideological identity in the sense of being either left or right wing. It is unlikely to reduce the development gap.

Question 4

Critique

Answer 4

A new ‘anti-development’ school of thought is emerging based on the following criticisms:

1) development as we know it is a ‘eurocentric’ idea based on material prosperity.
2) it is a subordinating process creating dependency.
3) it undermines local cultures.
4) it is environmentally unsustainable.
5) it infringes human rights and undermines democracy.