Migration and development in Latin America (original) (raw)
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Structuralism and dependency theory were the first significant contributions to political economy to arise from Latin America. Their enduring influence can be gauged by the casual manner in which the previous sentence uses the term 'periphery' -no explanation is required, because it seems to express an obvious feature of the contemporary world. Yet, on reflection, there is nothing simple about it: dividing the world into 'centre' and 'periphery' implies the existence of systemic and possibly insurmountable differences between rich and poor countries, which must themselves be explained, both historically and analytically. This is what these theories set out to do, initially in the context of the Latin American transition from primary export-led growth to import-substituting industrialisation (ISI). In spite of this geographically and historically specific frame of reference, the insights of structuralists and dependency theorists have been incorporated into a rich literature on development policy, and the condition of underdevelopment, spanning most of the world.
After structuralism, a development alternative for Latin America
Research Conference on Economic Doctrines in Latin America: their Evolution, Transmission and Power”, sponsored by the Latin American Centre, St Antony's College, Oxford University, 2000
Abstract. The paper, first, summarizes Latin American structuralism, and offers reasons why it was so influential and durable in the region, as it attended to real demands, and was part of 1950s' mainstream economics. Second, says why, with 1980s' Great Crisis, structuralism eventually ended itself into crisis, as it was unable to keep pace with historical new facts, particularly with the industrial revolution or take-off, that made Latin American economies intermediary, still developing, but fully capitalist. Third, it lists the consensus that today ...
Reflections on the Latin American Contribution to Development Theory
Development and Change, 1991
During the last decade a series of essays by prominent development theorists were published in which it was argued that development theory was in crisis. In my view the First World bias of development theory has contributed to its shortcomings. This bias is evidenced by the failure of development theory seriously to examine and incorporate into its mainstream the theories emanating from the Third World. In this paper I deal with the Latin American contribution to development theory. While development theorists have given some attention to dependency studies and structuralism, far too little appreciation has been given to the writings on marginality and internal colonialism. However, the significance of the structuralist school for development thinking and practice has yet to be fully acknowledged. Furthermore, dependency theory has been much distorted and key dependency writers have been completely ignored, especially in the Anglo-Saxon world. The following themes of the multi-stranded Latin American development school are examined: the debate on reform or revolution, the structuralist or centreperiphery paradigm, the analyses on internal colonialism and marginality, and the dependency studies. Wherever relevant the key differing positions within the Latin American school are presented. I then proceed to examine the shortcomings as well as the contemporary relevance of these Latin American theories of development and underdevelopment.
Latin American Theories of Development: Structuralism and Neostructuralism
In this essay I will carry out a description of the evolution of the thinking of the ECLAC, I will depart the concept of the system center - periphery exposed in documents originating of this institution, which is the essence of structuralist perspective that dominated its reflection during the first 40 years of this institution; also in this period, and particularly since the 60's, the Dependency Theory (with its various analysis approaches) was developed within the institution and thinkers related to it. Subsequently I will analyze the appearance of what has been called neo-structuralism, emerging in the late 80's, describe the context in which it appears, its main proposals and scope. Finally, there will be a comparison of the two strands of thought of the ECLAC, based on which it is concluded that although neo-structuralism maintains conceptual and methodological elements it incorporates and synthesizes elements from different, and sometimes conflicting, perspectives of analysis. For example we can identify some of the neoliberal strategy proposals, development models of Asian countries and human development, environmental sustainability and gender concepts, raised by other agencies of the UN system.
Rethinking development from a Latin American perspective
Canadian Journal of Development Studies / Revue canadienne d'études du développement, 2018
Latin American contributions to development theory have given the field of development studies a more critical edge. These contributions relate not only to the vibrant debates on the development question but also to the activism of the social movements and a history of experimentation with diverse forms and models of development. This article traces out that history, with a focus on scholarship in the neoliberal era. The key ideas and theories range from a recovery of indigenous values of social solidarity and harmony with nature to envisioning new communal systems of production and consumption and ways to protect the global commons. RÉSUMÉ Les contributions latino-américaines à la théorie du développement ont donné une perspective critique au champ des études du développement. Ces contributions concernent non seulement les débats dynamiques sur la question du développement, mais aussi l'activisme des mouvements sociaux et une histoire d'expérimentations avec des formes et modèles de développement divers. Cet article retrace cette histoire, en portant une attention particulière aux écrits de l'ère néolibérale. Les idées et théories clés vont de la réappropriation des valeurs autochtones de solidarité sociale et d'harmonie avec la nature à la conception de nouveaux systèmes communautaires de production et de consommation, ainsi qu'à de nouvelles manières de protéger des biens communs de l'humanité.