International Development Studies: Theories and Methods in Research and Practice

The past decade has not been kind to the study of development. Critics of the relatively amorphous field of Development Studies (DS) are having a field day in the light of recent accusations that paradoxically DS is often the cause of problems in many developing countries. An example of such criticism is Queuing, Complaining and Photocopying: Notes on the (Im)possibility of Development Studies, 2005, by S. Corbridge, available at www.devstud.org.uk. This accusation, along with other sustained scepticisms regarding representations of development, claims to objectivity, and the threat of ‘neo-colonial knowledge production’ (Corbridge, p. 43) posed by development academics and workers, has added to the pressure of global scrutiny. Questions have been raised about the essential nature of DS, forcing those involved to enter a phase of introspection, or, as Sumner and Tribe put it, a period of ‘soul-searching’ (p. 1). This act of searching is central to their book and represents the beginning of an era of self-reflective, ethically based development, grounded in theory, but with an emphasis on instrumental application. The authors do not lose sight of the fact that DS is a worthwhile enterprise. They endeavour to present and weigh opposing opinions evenly and professionally in this clearly focused, accessible exploration of the foundations of development.

The book has two primary aims: to provide a comprehensive understanding of the roots of developmental theory, and to argue for a cross-disciplinary, instrumental application of development practice as the key to the future of DS (p. 1). Readers may feel frustrated by the unanswered questions posed in this book, but Sumner and Tribe make it clear that they do not presume to provide answers, aiming instead to ‘contribute to ongoing discussion which we hope and expect will continue’ (p. 1). This admission of uncertainty aptly reflects the vein of self-awareness which is advocated by the publication and is implicitly present throughout the authors’ writing.

Instrumentality is presented within this publication as a means of acknowledging DS as a field of multiple realities, and developing and enabling its tools and practices to be implemented effectively. The recent shift in DS away from academic rhetoric towards a cross-disciplinary, practice-based application of theory can be taken as an illustration of the general support for this manner of application. There is a danger that unbalanced foundations can lead to cracks that split the edifice of Development Studies from the roots to the surface. Sumner and Tribe recognise that many of the ‘cracks’ in DS result from a lack of theoretical awareness on the part of those who work and who have worked within development. The authors’ presentation of the evolution of DS since its birth during post-1950s de-colonisation up until the present day succinctly illustrates and clarifies beyond doubt that the flaws and failures of DS result from a lack of balanced consideration of the duality of developmental theory and instrumentality. It is fair to say, as the authors do, that in order to effect change in a self-reflective, considered, sensitive manner, DS approaches must be cross-disciplinary and instrumental in research and practice, and those working in this subject must be constantly mindful of the importance of balance. In sensitive situations, theory and practice counter-balance each other and should not be forced into either vying for the lead or dropping out of the field: for example, the need for research-based ‘policy-relevant results’ that have been achieved in a specified length of time does not mean that a ‘rigorous and systematic approach’ is any less valuable and necessary to ensure real and reliable results. (p. 154).

The clear format of the book creates a text which reads fluently and easily. It is divided into seven chapters, headed by key questions relating to the foundations of knowledge in DS: What is ‘development’? What is the purpose of Development Studies? What can we ‘know’ in Development Studies? What is the ‘big picture’ in Development Studies? How are research and practice linked in Development Studies? And what is the future for Development Studies? Each chapter begins by offering an assortment of definitions of the topic, in the form of quotes from a variety of academic perspectives. These definitions are then critically appraised in an introduction which also maps out the chapter’s general layout. Each section of the chapter is subsequently numbered and headed by a pertinent question. Helpful visual aids in the form of numbered charts, tables, and graphs break up the text. Each chapter ends with a summary of the issues addressed within it.

There is a refreshing honesty in the authors’ approach to their subject. Their intentions are clearly stated, and potential hurdles are acknowledged. Combined with the clarity of language and layout, this culminates in a direct, self-reflective, and insightful textbook for the contemporary and future study of development. All terminology is presented inclusively, without discrimination: for example in Chapter One, where the common labels used to describe developing countries are presented in tabular form and discussed thoroughly and thoughtfully. The reader is assured that the inclusion of non-academic practitioners is a primary objective of the authors, in order to strengthen the development community in terms of ‘getting research into practice’ (p. 3).

‘Effectiveness’ within DS is very difficult to measure. There certainly have been positive changes in some parts of the world, whereas others have not seen any improvements since the birth of DS. As noted by Sumner and Tribe, ‘Whether DS can make any claims to be in part responsible (for these positive changes) is – of course – a highly contentious question’ (p. 164). But the authors argue convincingly that DS, if implemented correctly, has the potential to make lasting changes for the better within the societies that need them. The so-called homogeneous category of the ‘Third World’ no longer exists, and the changing nature of developing countries clearly makes it essential for DS to evolve in response. The future may be rosier for DS if it becomes a part of these changes, as opposed to simply studying them. The future of Development Studies is based on the subsequent successes or failures of development practice. This book constitutes a solid, self-confident basis from which those potential successes can begin to be realised.