Understanding Development: Theory and Practice in the Third World

"This book provides both an assessment of the current state of development theory and an extensive survey of structural adjustment's results throughout the developing world." Rapley traces the evolution of development theory from its strong statist orientation in the early postwar period, through the neoclassical phase, to the middle-of-the-road position of the present day, drawing attention to the inadequacy of existing models. Using a wide range of examples, he shows where, how, and why various approaches to development have worked, or failed. He concludes with a look at one of the most disturbing subjects theorists and practitioners alike must tackle: why development appears to be so far out of reach for so many poor countries.