DARIA DIANA MACHINGA
The discussion below will be looking at the contrast between development and post-development theorist, a discussion on SDGs and another contrast between World Economic Forum and the World Social Forum.
Development theorists believe that just like developed countries, once colonized countries or underdeveloped countries can also develop in a similar way. Rostow, who is one of the key thinkers on the development theory had a certain approach to development which has been based on the belief that the idea of modernization is epitomised by developed counties rather to say western countries. He believed that other countries should follow the footsteps of the West using a modern state of capitalism and liberal democracy. In 1960, Rostow introduced his classic stages of economic growth, which he believed were the five stages which all countries must go through to become developed.
These stages being traditional society, preconditions to take-off, take-off, drive to maturity and age of high mass consumption. In his argument he was focused on the universal process of modernization and high mass consumption. Lipset believes that socio economic development can be achieved through industrialization, urbanization, wealth, education, open class system with large middle class which will lead to a democratic transition and stability. There has been a lot of critiques surrounding this idea of development theory which includes the point that it is not ideal for the whole world to follow the trends of the western countries as it can cause social and political problems of development, the idea of state control over the freedom and lives of people was also a cause for concern.
The shortfalls of the development theory gave rise to the post-development theorists. The theory has been popular in the 1990s.Theorists of post-development question the Western model of development, argue that development theory was always unjust, bad and inappropriate for developing countries. Theorists of the post-development theory see the development of the Third World as a failure and that it causes dependence of the underdeveloped countries which might result in the depletion of resources.
Western aid agencies think that people who lack material and are in poverty and are unhappy but this is not true in regards to people from developing countries. He believes that they may actually be happy because they belong to a supportive environment.
Post-development theorists also argue that development was not meant to deal with humanitarian problems but to maintain economic and cultural dominance. They also go on to state that underdevelopment might have been a result of development in some regions of the peripheries. However, The post-development theorists have also had their shortcomings which include that their methodologies are unsound, their conclusion are not based on sound arguments but sentiments and that their critics to development is based on their failure to notice the change in development over the years. This has led other scholars like Mkandawire to come up with the idea of developmental stages in Africa.
Moving on to the next point of discussion, the Sustainable Development Goals where adopted in 2015 by the United Nations. The SDGs are seventeen objectives which serve as a call for peace and prosperity by ending poverty and protecting the planet. The development which is entailed by the SDGs aims to balance social, economic and environmental sustainability. According to the UNDP, there is need for technology and financial resources in order to achieve the SDGs. The seventeen goals include the following, zero hunger, good health and well-being, no poverty, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land, peace, justice and strong institutions and partnerships for the goals.
The last matter of discussion is on the contrast between World Economic Forum and World Social Forum. The World Economic Forum is an international non-governmental which was founded in 1971 by Klaus Schwab. The organization aims at shaping the global, regional and industry agenda through business, politics and academics. It provides a platform for its leaders to come together and discuss projects and initiatives, members are able to engage in sector-specific initiatives. The Forum believes that a globalized world can best thrive under a coalition of multinational corporations, governments and civil society organizations.
On the other hand, the World Social Forum which first met in 2001 is a political platform that is made up social movements and civil society organizations opposed to the ideas of neoliberal globalization and capitalist economic policies. It seeks international solidarity
In conclusion, the discussion above focused on the contrast between development and post-development theorists, a discussion on SDGs and another contrast of the World Economic Forum and the World Social Forum individually.
