Question

Escobar's “Post-development” critique argues that the development discourse functions as:

• A. A scientific project
• B. A neutral set of policy instruments
• C. A system of power that constructs “underdeveloped” nations
• D. A strategy for global trade expansion

Hint:

Arturo Escobar argued that: \[ \boxed{ \text{Development} = \text{Discourse + Knowledge + Power} } \] His theory is a major contribution to Post-development Studies.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Arturo Escobar, a leading post-development scholar, argued that development is not merely an economic process but a discourse of power. According to Escobar, development institutions and policies create the category of “underdeveloped” societies and justify external intervention in their affairs.

Step 1: Understand Escobar's argument. Post-development theory views development as:
• A discourse rather than an objective scientific truth.
• A system of knowledge and power.
• A mechanism that labels countries as “developed” and “underdeveloped”.

Step 2: Evaluate the options.
• [(A)] Development is not viewed merely as a scientific project.
• [(B)] Escobar rejects the idea that development is politically neutral.
• [(C)] Development functions as a system of power constructing “underdeveloped” nations. Correct.
• [(D)] It is not simply a strategy for global trade expansion. Hence, \[ \boxed{\text{Correct Answer}=(C)} \]