Colonial Roots of Modern Development Discourse

Abstract

The paper is structured around a thesis that the historical and colonial roots of modern development shape contemporary development themes and discourses, and that these in turn influence the metrics and indicators used to measure development. The article looks into how colonial relations shape contemporary development themes; the historical evolution of the key themes and measurements of development; finally, how various important “developers,” particularly multilateral and bilateral development agencies, use their epistemic privilege to influence the metrics or indicators that we use to measure development, with particular emphasis on the measures of poverty and inequality. The paper uses a historically grounded narrative structure in demonstrating how colonial legacies have continued to influence development discourse and the related metrics and indicators used in development theory and practice. Finally, the author identifies future avenues of research, particularly how metrics or measures might correspondingly shape emerging development themes and discourses.

Keywords:

• Colonialism
• development agencies
• discourse
• measurement of development

JEL CLASSIFICATIONS:

• B15
• F54
• F63
• I32
• O19

Acknowledgments

The author wishes to acknowledge the detailed constructive comments received from Professor Stephen Baranyi, Professor Geoff McCarney, and Associate Professor Susan Spronk of the University of Ottawa. The comments and feedback significantly enriched the article. The author also wishes to thank Tasnuva Ahmed Oni for insightful comments, suggestions, and editing support. Finally, the comments of the two journal’s anonymous reviewers were gratefully beneficial.

Notes

1 Pinochet coup in Chile in 1973 and the bringing of “Chicago Boys” is another common reference point (Harvey 2007).

2 Jeffrey Sachs' speech at the UN Food Systems Pre-Summit (2021, July). Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZ1xc491mnU.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mohammad Muaz Jalil

Mohammad Muaz Jalil is an International Development Practitioner and a 2nd Year Ph.D. candidate at the School of International Development and Global Studies, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.