Contested Meanings of Development

Syllabus content

Different definitions of development, including sustainable development and well-being
  • Economic growth, fairer income distribution, reduction in poverty, meeting basic needs, improved capabilities, achievement of political and social freedoms, well-functioning institutions, lifestyles that respect the ecological constraints of the environment
Measuring development
  • Gross national product (GNP), Human Development Index (HDI), Genuine progress indicator (GPI), inclusive wealth index (IWI), Happy Planet Index (also HPI), corruption indices, trust indices

Prepare a case study of a country that has shown strong economic growth, but continues to suffer from human and sustainable growth issues

1) Compile data and supporting arguments
2) Use all different methods and ways how to measure development
3) Follow your country´s development throughout the period; take advantage of the current news and other sources to widen your perspective


Discuss the following aspects:

* to what extent is it fair to say that globalization has benefited the poorest people in your chosen country?
* How have the gender relations and migration impacted your country´s development?
* Examine the view " successful development cannot be achieved without addressing political inequality" by using your chosen country as an example.