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Knowledge, learning and development: a post-rationalist approach

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  • Colin McFarlane

    (Department of Geography, The Open University, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK)

Abstract

The relations between knowledge, learning and development are of growing importance in development, but despite the growth of interest in this area since the mid-1990s, key issues have yet to be explored. This review argues the need to attend to how knowledge and learning are conceived in development and how they are produced through organizations. Drawing on mainstream development literature, the review argues that there is a pervasive rationalist conception of knowledge and knowledge transfer as objective and universal, which has political implications. By contrast, the review argues for a post-rationalist approach that conceives development knowledge and learning as partial, social, produced through practices, and both spatially and materially relational.

Suggested Citation

  • Colin McFarlane, 2006. "Knowledge, learning and development: a post-rationalist approach," Progress in Development Studies, , vol. 6(4), pages 287-305, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:prodev:v:6:y:2006:i:4:p:287-305
    DOI: 10.1191/1464993406ps144oa
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David Mosse, 1994. "Authority, Gender and Knowledge: Theoretical Reflections on the Practice of Participatory Rural Appraisal," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 25(3), pages 497-526, July.
    2. Ash Amin & Patrick Cohendet, 2004. "Architectures of knowledge : Firms, capabilities, and communities," Post-Print hal-00279605, HAL.
    3. Ash Amin & Patrick Cohendet, 2000. "Organisational Learning and Governance Through Embedded Practices," Journal of Management & Governance, Springer;Accademia Italiana di Economia Aziendale (AIDEA), vol. 4(1), pages 93-116, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Cociña, Camila & Frediani, Alexandre Apsan & Acuto, Michele & Levy, Caren, 2019. "Knowledge translation in global urban agendas: A history of research-practice encounters in the Habitat conferences," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 130-141.
    2. Tugendhat, Henry & Alemu, Dawit, 2016. "Chinese Agricultural Training Courses for African Officials: Between Power and Partnerships," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 71-81.

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