Reflexivity and Development Economics: Methodology, Policy and Practice

by D. Gay

Overview

This book outlines a taxonomy of development practice using the notion of reflexivity, and examines it in the case of two countries at opposite ends of the development spectrum: Vanuatu and Singapore. The methodological approach, which gives greater voice to people in developing countries, has practical benefits for economic policy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780230220164
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication date:	10/09/2009
Edition description:	2009
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	5.60(w) x 8.60(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

DANIEL GAY is a consultant to the United Nations and other development agencies. He has worked in the South Pacific, East Asia, Central Asia and Africa. Dr Gay holds a PhD in economics from the University of Stirling, a Masters degree in economics from the University of Edinburgh, a Masters degree in political theory from the London School of Economics and an Honours degree in politics, philosophy and economics from the University of York. www.emergenteconomics.com.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements Contents List of Tables and Figures Introduction PART I Beyond Modernism and Postmodernism Theories of Reflexivity Reflexivity and Development Economics PART II Introduction to the Case-studies Vanuatu: The Anti-Crusoe Economy Singapore: The Lionized City Comparisons Conclusions Bibliogrpahy

Editorial Reviews

"Daniel Gay has written a remarkable account of how detailed fieldwork, case studies and thoughtful study of the nature of and approaches in social sciences may interrelate to produce both richer and, at the same time, more modest understanding of the nature and application of development policies than have those, who, trained in mainstream economics, worked within the framework of the Washington Consensus. Gay's book has vitally important lessons for both development economics and economic theory and practice in general."

G. C. Harcourt, Jesus College, University of Cambridge

"This innovative volume by a promising young author demonstrates the importance of reflexivity to both the theory and practice of development economics. This is achieved by methodological argument, developing our understanding of the concept of reflexivity at an abstract level. But it is also achieved by application to two case studies, Vanuatu and Singapore. The work is therefore itself an admirable illustration of its own argument for achieving balance between general argument and attention to particular contexts."

Professor Sheila C. Dow, University of Stirling

From the Publisher