INTR3101 Global Inequality

The topic provides an overview of the main theoretical and ideological perspectives which have shaped the study of development since the 1950s. This is a story of twists and turns in development thinking during which the pendulum has swung from state-led models of development to market-led neoliberal approaches. Policy approaches to development are underpinned by concepts of modernization and dependency, inequality and empowerment. Critiques of development have been articulated through the prisms of poststructuralism and postcolonial critique. The apparent failure of dominant models of development are analysed in the context of the Millennium Development Goals and the changing configurations of poverty and inequality at the end of the 2000s. These ideas and approaches will be applied to case studies and countries.

This topic aims to introduce students to:

• The main theoretical and ideological perspectives which have shaped the study of development since the 1950s, including key concepts underpinning approaches to development such as modernization and dependency, inequality and empowerment
• The critical perspectives on mainstream development which have questioned underlying assumptions and provided pathways for alternative development approaches
• Ways of applying and understanding these theoretical and ideological perspectives through case studies and country examples

1. Demonstrate familiarity with the main approaches to development and their strengths and weaknesses
2. Recognise ideological and theoretical assumptions underpinnning approaches to development problems and policies
3. Apply these approaches to contemporary policies, case studies and development problems