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The Anthropology of Professionals in International Development Studies

Ian Mitchell

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Published in Adventures In Aidland: The Anthropology Of Professionals In International Development (Studies In Public And Applied Anthropology 6)

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International development studies is a field that seeks to improve the lives of people in developing countries. Professionals in this field work in a variety of roles, including researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. Anthropologists have studied these professionals to understand their motivations, values, and practices.

Adventures in Aidland: The Anthropology of Professionals in International Development (Studies in Public and Applied Anthropology 6)

Adventures in Aidland: The Anthropology of Professionals in International Development (Studies in Public and Applied Anthropology Book 6)

by Steven W. Bender

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1200 KB
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Print length	:	250 pages

The History of International Development Studies

The roots of international development studies can be traced back to the colonial era. During this time, European powers established colonies in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The goal of these colonies was to exploit the resources of these regions and to promote the interests of the colonizing countries.

In the aftermath of World War II, there was a growing recognition that the colonial system was no longer sustainable. A number of factors contributed to this, including the rise of nationalism in the colonies, the increasing cost of maintaining colonies, and the growing awareness of the human rights abuses that were being committed in these regions.

In 1945, the United Nations was founded. One of the goals of the UN was to promote economic and social development in the world. The UN established a number of agencies to carry out this mission, including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the United Nations Development Programme.

The 1950s and 1960s saw a rapid expansion of international development studies. This was due in part to the increasing awareness of the problems facing developing countries, as well as the growing availability of funding for development projects.

In the 1970s and 1980s, there was a growing critique of international development studies. Critics argued that this field was too focused on economic growth and that it did not adequately address the social and environmental problems facing developing countries.

In the 1990s and 2000s, there was a shift towards a more sustainable and participatory approach to international development. This approach emphasizes the importance of involving local people in the development process and of respecting their cultural values.

The Role of Anthropologists in International Development Studies

Anthropologists have played an important role in the development of international development studies. They have studied the cultures of developing countries, the impact of development projects on these cultures, and the challenges facing professionals who work in this field.

Anthropological research has helped to shed light on the complex social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to poverty and underdevelopment. This research has also helped to develop more effective and sustainable approaches to international development.

The Challenges Facing Professionals in International Development Studies

Professionals who work in international development studies face a number of challenges. These challenges include:

* The complex and often contradictory nature of development goals * The lack of resources and capacity in developing countries * The political and economic constraints that often limit development efforts * The cultural and linguistic barriers that can make it difficult to work effectively with local people * The personal and professional challenges of working in a foreign country

Despite these challenges, professionals in international development studies continue to work to improve the lives of people in developing countries. They are motivated by a belief that all people deserve to live a life of dignity and opportunity.

International development studies is a complex and challenging field. However, it is also a field that has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of people in developing countries. Anthropologists can play an important role in this field by providing insights into the cultures of developing countries, the impact of development projects, and the challenges facing professionals who work in this field.

Adventures in Aidland: The Anthropology of Professionals in International Development (Studies in Public and Applied Anthropology Book 6)

by Steven W. Bender

5 out of 5