Diverse Development Models and Strategies Revisited

Natalie Raaber and Alejandra Scampini explore the different forms of resistance to neoliberal or capitalist globalization and ways in which people, movements and communities are building sustainable societies. Their article is based on discussions at the In-Depth Session entitled ‘Re-envisioning development, exploring alternative constructions across the globe’ held at the 2012 AWID International Forum. The In-Depth Session was, itself, part of AWID‘s program of research on the gendered impacts of the 2008 financial/economic crisis and alternative feminist responses to the crisis, including the envisioning of systemic alternatives. Raaber and Scampini aim to provide a snapshot of the range of views expressed at this session, highlighting, in particular, concrete examples of alternatives to (and within) the mainstream development model. In this way, the article aims to critically question the utility of the mainstream development model, underscoring, as feminists have repeatedly noted, its inability to fulfill the most basic rights of the world‘s people and the environment.