Globalization and Human Development: From Counter-Ideology to the SDGs

Globalization and Human Development emphasizes the contributions and influence of the Global South in the study of international development, while also recognizing the continued inequalities and disproportionate power and wealth of these marginalized nations. It explores the globalization of the human development and capability approach (HDCA) as an ideology of international development and an ideology of globalization, and examines how certain HDCA ideas are promoted, discussed, and cited more often than those stemming from neoliberalism and other development paradigms.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Stories of humans striving for the good life are the focus of this new text from Roni Kay M. ODell and Devin K. Joshi, grounding students' understanding of globalization and international development in real human and practical experience. Globalization and Human Development provides a new history and focus to the study of international development, with a concern for how people have been included, or continue to be left out, of the center of development thinking and practice. While many books on international relations ignore the contributions and influence of the Global South, this book incorporates their important contributions, while at the same time recognizing the continued inequalities and disproportionate power and wealth of these marginalized nations.

This book is the first to examine the globalization of the human development and capability approach (HDCA) as an ideology of international development and an ideology of globalization. It explores the relationship between HDCA and globalization, and the extent to which the HDCA has been globalizing. Further, the authors' analysis looks at:

1. How certain HDCA ideas are promoted, discussed, and cited more often than those stemming from neoliberalism and other development paradigms.
2. How the HDCA was influenced by development thinking in the Global South during the Cold War, along with mobilizations to end all forms of colonialism, neocolonialism, and imperialism.
3. Why the HDCA has re-oriented global development thinking and practice away from state-centric and profit-focused development models fixated on GDP growth to prioritize individual well-being and freedoms.

The HDCA is a powerful ideology of international development that emphasizes the importance of human well-being and capabilities as the basis for social and economic progress. It recognizes that economic growth alone is not sufficient to achieve sustainable development and that social and environmental factors must also be considered. The HDCA has been gaining popularity in recent years, as more and more countries recognize the need to prioritize human development in their policies and practices.

One of the key strengths of the HDCA is its focus on individual well-being and freedoms. It recognizes that people are the ultimate beneficiaries of development and that their rights and freedoms must be protected and promoted. The HDCA also emphasizes the importance of social justice and equity, recognizing that poverty, inequality, and discrimination are major barriers to human development.

The HDCA has been influenced by a range of development thinking in the Global South, particularly during the Cold War. During this time, many countries in the Global South were subjected to colonialism, neocolonialism, and imperialism, which had devastating effects on their economies, societies, and environments. The HDCA emerged as a response to these challenges, seeking to promote a more equitable and sustainable development model that prioritized the well-being of all people.

One of the key ideas of the HDCA is the recognition of the importance of human capabilities. Human capabilities are the range of things that people can do or be in life, including their physical and mental abilities, their knowledge and skills, their social and political relationships, and their ability to enjoy a good quality of life. The HDCA argues that these capabilities are the basis for social and economic progress and that they should be the focus of development efforts.

Another key idea of the HDCA is the importance of social and economic equality. The HDCA recognizes that poverty, inequality, and discrimination are major barriers to human development and that these issues must be addressed to achieve sustainable development. The HDCA advocates for policies that promote social and economic equality, such as progressive taxation, social welfare programs, and access to education and healthcare.

The HDCA has also been influenced by the development thinking of the Global North, particularly in the areas of economic development and globalization. The HDCA recognizes the importance of economic growth and development, but it also emphasizes the need to ensure that these growths are sustainable and equitable. The HDCA advocates for policies that promote sustainable development, such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and sustainable consumption.

The HDCA has been adopted by a range of countries and organizations, including the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. These organizations have recognized the importance of the HDCA and have begun to incorporate its principles into their policies and practices. The HDCA has also been adopted by a range of civil society organizations, such as Amnesty International, Oxfam, and the World Economic Forum.

Despite its many strengths, the HDCA also faces some challenges. One of the challenges is the lack of a clear definition and framework for the HDCA. There is no single agreed-upon definition of the HDCA, and different organizations and countries may interpret it in different ways. This can lead to confusion and inconsistency in the application of the HDCA.

Another challenge is the lack of data and evidence to support the claims of the HDCA. There is limited research and evidence available to support the claims of the HDCA, and this can make it difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of its policies and practices.

Despite these challenges, the HDCA remains a powerful and influential ideology of international development. Its focus on individual well-being and freedoms, its emphasis on social and economic equality, and its commitment to sustainable development make it a valuable tool for promoting social and economic progress in the world. As the world continues to face complex and interconnected challenges, the HDCA will continue to play an important role in shaping the future of international development.

Weight: 363g
Dimension: 227 x 150 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538164150