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Academic Debate and Self-Criticism: Embracing Diversity at the Core of Development Studies

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  • Iliana Olivié

    (Complutense University of Madrid
    Elcano Royal Institute
    European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI)
    European Think Tanks Group (ETTG))

  • Antonio Sianes

    (Research Institute on Policies for Social Transformation – Universidad Loyola Andalucia)

  • María Santillán O’Shea

    (Elcano Royal Institute
    Complutense University of Madrid)

Abstract

Intrinsic dissent in Development Studies (DS) is here seen as an asset. Development concepts being rooted in diverse worldviews, a single universal definition of development is almost impossible. Dissent and debate within the DS community are not only unavoidable but also even desirable, since they foster knowledge accumulation and cross-pollination amongst different DS perspectives. We therefore advocate for descriptive and analytical approaches, the recognition of diverse intellectual positions, and self-criticism within DS scholarship. The first section traces the historical evolution of DS, highlighting that different approaches to development have always co-existed and that mainstream has evolved. The second and third section explain the rationale for and the advantages of dissent, whilst the last section concludes and proposes some practical steps.

Suggested Citation

  • Iliana Olivié & Antonio Sianes & María Santillán O’Shea, 2025. "Academic Debate and Self-Criticism: Embracing Diversity at the Core of Development Studies," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 37(2), pages 335-343, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:eurjdr:v:37:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1057_s41287-024-00672-7
    DOI: 10.1057/s41287-024-00672-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mitra, Sophie & Palmer, Michael & Vuong, Vu, 2020. "Development and interdisciplinarity: A citation analysis," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 135(C).
    2. Ryan C. Briggs, 2024. "Beliefs, Values, and Practices in Development Studies," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 60(10), pages 1493-1510, October.
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