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Key Concepts in Development Studies
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Participatory Development
An approach to development that focuses on involving people, especially the marginalized, in the process of their own development. It is significant as it seeks to empower local communities and ensure their needs and perspectives are considered.
Gender Equality
The equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of women and men. Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world.
Social Capital
The networks, relationships, and norms that contribute to societal cooperation for mutual benefit. Social capital is significant as it facilitates coordination and cooperation for economic and social development.
Neoliberalism
An economic philosophy that promotes free-market capitalism and reduction in government spending. It is significant to development as it influences policies that affect trade, foreign investment, and privatization in developing countries.
Relative Poverty
A condition in which people lack the minimum amount of income needed in order to maintain the average standard of living in the society in which they live. It is significant in development as it highlights inequalities within countries.
Food Security
The situation where all people at all times have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
A standard measure of a country's economic health, calculated as the total value of all goods and services produced over a specific time period. It is used as an indicator of economic growth and living standards.
Human Development Index (HDI)
A composite index measuring average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development—health (life expectancy), education (mean and expected years of schooling), and standard of living (GNI per capita).
Post-Development Theory
A school of thought that critiques traditional development theories and practices for being Eurocentric and imposing a one-size-fits-all model of development that does not respect cultural differences or local knowledge systems.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
A collection of 17 global goals set by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 for the year 2030. These goals are broader in scope than the MDGs and address the root causes of poverty and the universal need for development that works for all people.
Development Aid
Financial and other forms of assistance given by developed countries or international organizations to support the economic, environmental, social, and political development of developing countries.
Urbanization
The process by which cities grow or by which societies become more urban. Urbanization is significant as it is associated with a number of development issues including housing, environment, and infrastructure.
Dependency Theory
An economic theory which suggests that resources flow from a 'periphery' of poor and underdeveloped states to a 'core' of wealthy states, enriching the latter at the expense of the former. It is significant in understanding the historical context of inequality between nations.
Globalization
The process of increased interconnectedness among countries most notably in the areas of economics, politics, and culture. Globalization is significant for development as it can lead to greater access to markets, technology, and investment but also raises concerns about inequality.
Microfinance
The provision of small loans and other financial services to individuals and small businesses in developing countries who are unable to access traditional banking services. It is significant as a tool for poverty alleviation and economic empowerment.
Informal Economy
The part of an economy that is neither taxed nor monitored by any form of government. Informal economy is significant in development for providing income and employment opportunities, particularly in countries where formal employment is scarce.
Capacity Building
The process of developing the technical skills, institutional structure, and human resources within a country necessary for sustainable development. Capacity building is significant because it enhances a community's ability to make informed decisions and implement development initiatives.
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
A set of eight international development goals that all members of the United Nations agreed to achieve by 2015, including reducing poverty and hunger, achieving universal primary education, and promoting gender equality.
Digital Divide
The gap between those who have ready access to computers and the internet, and those who do not. The digital divide is a significant development concern because it can exacerbate existing economic and social inequalities.
Sustainable Development
A holistic approach to development that seeks to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Its importance lies in promoting a harmony between the environment, economy, and society.
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