Theories of development : capitalism, colonialism and dependency /
Jorge Larrain
- Cambridge : Polity Press, 1989
- ix, 252 p.
This text provides an up-to-date account of leading theories of development. The book includes a discussion of classical accounts of development, particularly that of Marx, but comes right up to the present time in considering current debates on the issue. Theories of imperialism, neo-imperialism, dependency, world systems theory and other conceptions are all given full and balanced consideration.
The book seeks to connect questions of development to the evolution of capital ism, but emphasizes that capitalism cannot be understood in an abstract way, as if it were simply the same in different areas of the world. Contrasts are drawn between variations in sequences of development which reflect the specific nature of different historical contexts.
A feature of the work is the connections drawn between theoretical interpretation and empirical application: in this respect, the author concentrates particularly on materials stemming from the Latin American experience. Readable, accurate and incisive, the book also provides an original standpoint on problems of development. It will be of interest to students and professionals in sociology, political science and anthropology. (Font: Editor)