Visions of Development is a path-breaking and original volume, examining concepts and perceptions of human development through a unique synthesis of empirical and philosophical work. The author builds on the foundations of Sen and Nussbaum's capability approach, now at the forefront of development studies.

The book aims to identify and clarify academic concepts of development, to consider how poor people themselves perceive 'development' and confronts abstract concepts of development with the views of ordinary people. It represents the first systematic attempt to construct a development ethic (list of valuable capabilities) that is based directly on the values and experiences of the poor.

David Clark considers the case for viewing development in terms of the expansion of human capabilities instead of some narrow conception of utility or opulence; and develops a non-paternalistic methodology for forging a development ethic that can respect the values of all people. He then proceeds to develop an account of human development based on the perceptions of people living in both rural and urban locations in South Africa - Murraysburg and Wallacedene respectively.

A multidisciplinary and accessible text, this challenging book will appeal not only to scholars and researchers in development economics but also economic geographers, social scientists and political economists. It will also be of great interest to policymakers and practitioners.

About the Author
David Alexander Clark, Brooks World Poverty Institute, University of Manchester, UK

Reviews
'Clark is versed and confident in his comprehension of the two theorists who are at the center of his critical analysis, but it is in his design and analysis f the empirical part of the thesis that Clark excels. Having shown clear and informed insights into the attributes that Sen and Nussbaum have identified as important to well-being, he presents the reader with an improved list, one that is more relevant to the everyday experience of poverty in the two selected research sites.' -- Jaqui Goldin, Review of Radical Political Economics
'This is a useful piece of explanatory research. . .' -- The International NGO Training and Research Centre
'. . . a refreshing attempt has been made by David Clark to provide a conceptual discussion on development along with empirical testing and it highlights the fact that much more needs to be done in this direction.' -- Jandhyala B.G. Tilak, Journal of Educational Planning and Administration
'. . . this book is a valuable contribution to the development field.' -- Haider A. Kahn, Journal of Economic Issues



Book Information
ISBN 9781840649826
Author David A. Clark
Format Hardback
Page Count 296
Imprint Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
Publisher Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd