300315 Introduction into Development Policy and Development Sociology (Ü) (WiSe 2009/2010)

The first block of the seminar offers an overview on the most important actors and institutions and introduces into the main characteristics of North-South relations, and the changes and consistencies those relations experienced since the end of the Cold War. Central policy approaches with high impact on the plight of developing nations comprise modernization and dependence theory, the management of the “debt trap” and the subsequently initiated structural adjustment programs, and the current approach of good governance which extended conditionality and supported the increasing role of civil society within development policies.

The second block takes a closer look at the societal level. This includes the livelihood approach to adapt development policies more closely to the targeted beneficiaries, the role of the informal sector in developing economies which was well theorized by the Bielefelder School, and the role of civil society for political and economic empowerment.

The final block goes beyond policies and societal aspects on the national level. It seeks to analyze global and transnational processes, and how they feed back into development dynamics. After discussing the phenomenon of globalization we will particularly look at so-called international civil society, the role of migration, and the upcoming issue of environmental change and migration.

01. Session, 15.10.09:
Overview and selection of presentations

Actors and main characteristics of development policies

02. Session: 22.10.09
The plurality of donors, developing nations, and international institutions

03. Session: 29.10.08
The beginnings of development theory: The competing theories of modernization and dependence

04. Session: 05.11.08
The plight of developing nations: The debt trap and debt management

05. Session: 12.11.08
The impact of structural adjustment programs: an example

06. Session: 19.11.08
From economic to political conditionality: the rise of good governance

07. Session: 26.11.08
A new “star”: civil society and the changing role of non-state actors in development

Sociological perspectives on development

08. Session: 03.12.08
The livelihood approach: development beyond national economic growth

09. Session: 10.12.08
Bielefelder School: interrelatedness between formal and informal economic sectors

10. Session: 17.12.08
Empowerment: the role of civil society for self-help and political inclusion

Globalization and transnational dynamics

11. Session: 07.01.09
Dimensions of globalization and its impacts on development

12. Session: 14.01.09
Transnational politics: The role of civil society in international advocacy

13. Session: 21.01.09
Geographical mobility: The role of migration and remittances for development

14. Session: 28.01.09
Environmental change and its possible impact on mobility patterns

15. Session: 04.02.09
Concluding discussion

Requirements for participation, required level

Conditions of Participation: Reading of the basic literature of each session and at least one presentation of 20 minutes together with a handout of 1-2 pages. Continuous attendance is obligatory.

Bibliography

For preparation read:

Martinussen, John: Conceptions and Dimensions of Development; in: Martinussen: Society, State and Market. A guide to competing theories of development, London: Zed Books, 34-45.