Understanding Development: Theory and Practice in the Third World - Softcover

This book provides both an assessment of the current state of development theory and an extensive survey of structural adjustment's results throughout the developing world. Rapley traces the evolution of development theory from its strong statist orientation in the early postwar period, through the neoclassical phase of the 1970s and 1980s, to the emerging middle-of-the-road position of the present day. Using case studies he shows where, how, and why various approaches to development have worked, or failed. He finishes with a look at one of the most disturbing subjects theorists and practitioners alike must now tackle: why development appears to be so far out of reach for so many poor countries.