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A survey of the World Development Reports I: discursive strategies

Author

Listed:
  • Emma Mawdsley

    (Department of Geography, University of Durham, UK, e.e.mawdsley@durham.ac.uk)

  • Jonathan Rigg

    (Department of Geography, University of Durham, UK, j.d.rigg@durham.ac.uk)

Abstract

This is the first of two surveys of the World Development Report series. Here we focus on the discursive strategies adopted by the Reports. We begin by setting the Reports within the wider milieu of development theory and practice. Behind the pragmatic, problem-solving image that the Reports aim to promote we identify a narrow and pre-framed position that eschews radical or alternative agendas. The Reports engage in numerous discursive ploys to undermine, ignore or manipulate other positions and establish the Reports (and, by extension, the World Bank) as the repository of development ‘common sense’. While the Reports are impressive synthesizing documents, they have lost their ability to play a truly leading role in thinking about development because of their failure to debate alternative positions or fully acknowledge the mistakes of the past.

Suggested Citation

  • Emma Mawdsley & Jonathan Rigg, 2002. "A survey of the World Development Reports I: discursive strategies," Progress in Development Studies, , vol. 2(2), pages 93-111, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:prodev:v:2:y:2002:i:2:p:93-111
    DOI: 10.1191/1464993402ps026ra
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fox, Jonathan A & Brown, L. David, 1998. ""Introduction", in The Struggle for Accountability: The World Bank, NGOs and Grassroots Movements," Center for Global, International and Regional Studies, Working Paper Series qt2gn108dn, Center for Global, International and Regional Studies, UC Santa Cruz.
    2. Gore, Charles, 2000. "The Rise and Fall of the Washington Consensus as a Paradigm for Developing Countries," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 28(5), pages 789-804, May.
    3. Stiglitz, Joseph E, 1999. "The World Bank at the Millennium," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 109(459), pages 577-597, November.
    4. Guy Standing, 2000. "Brave New Words? A Critique of Stiglitz’s World Bank Rethink," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 31(4), pages 737-763, September.
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    1. van Helden, Jan & Uddin, Shahzad, 2016. "Public sector management accounting in emerging economies: A literature review," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 34-62.

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