On the Causal Powers of Development Policies and Plans
I am interested in starting a conversation on the role of development policies/ plans in social transformation processes. This idea is based on the fact that critical realist philosophy is based largely on ontological issues, in particular, with analyzing the causal powers of the social mechanisms which make the existence of certain social realities possible.
From the critical realist conceptualization perspective, it could be stated that the understanding of the nature of social conditions in a region implies, to a large extent, understanding the nature of the underlying social mechanisms such as national/ regional/sectoral development policies and plans etc. Our development policies and plans have the causal powers to generate certain qualitatively new outcomes in society. The variables that we include or exclude in our development policies and plans thus matter a great deal.
Development policies and plans based on chaotic conception tend to leave out certain necessary variables or include certain non-essential variables to satisfy certain sectional interests. The outcomes of such distorted policies and plans can only add to the existing development problems in the form of increased inequalities in living conditions, increased social unrest, increased environmental problems and increased complaints from the public.
What are the conditions which have created development problems, civil unrest and other unfavourable situations in various countries and localities in recent decades? The answer can, to a large extent, be found in the nature of the underlying policies, plans and programmes that have emanated from the offices of those with political power to formulate and see to the implementation of specific development policies and plans.
My evaluation of the nature of various development policies and plans in a number of communities in various African countries have highlighted the extent to which social mechanisms (development policies and plans) have created major positive and negative impacts in the lives of people. I would like members of Methodspace to provide their own examples to support the idea that the nature of development policies and plans matters a great deal. The core of the philosophy of critical realism is the study of the nature of social mechanisms. Development policies and plans represent an important element of these mechanisms.
From the critical realist conceptualization perspective, it could be stated that the understanding of the nature of social conditions in a region implies, to a large extent, understanding the nature of the underlying social mechanisms such as national/ regional/sectoral development policies and plans etc. Our development policies and plans have the causal powers to generate certain qualitatively new outcomes in society. The variables that we include or exclude in our development policies and plans thus matter a great deal.
Development policies and plans based on chaotic conception tend to leave out certain necessary variables or include certain non-essential variables to satisfy certain sectional interests. The outcomes of such distorted policies and plans can only add to the existing development problems in the form of increased inequalities in living conditions, increased social unrest, increased environmental problems and increased complaints from the public.
What are the conditions which have created development problems, civil unrest and other unfavourable situations in various countries and localities in recent decades? The answer can, to a large extent, be found in the nature of the underlying policies, plans and programmes that have emanated from the offices of those with political power to formulate and see to the implementation of specific development policies and plans.
My evaluation of the nature of various development policies and plans in a number of communities in various African countries have highlighted the extent to which social mechanisms (development policies and plans) have created major positive and negative impacts in the lives of people. I would like members of Methodspace to provide their own examples to support the idea that the nature of development policies and plans matters a great deal. The core of the philosophy of critical realism is the study of the nature of social mechanisms. Development policies and plans represent an important element of these mechanisms.
Comment
-
Comment by Shashikant Kumar on July 7, 2010 at 8:43am
-
Thanks for tought provoking discussion..an important for the developing countries and continents. Like I am dealing with development methodologies followed across the year. Do the policies affect the development? Then who are people benefited. Since reach of the policies to the people is through the system, which allows certain policies to go down right to the people and serves its purpose. Like policies related to environment, but there are plenty of indirect policies like industrialisation, infrastructure etc which is indirectly supposed to benefit the region. Over years the economists (unfortunately) has been only involved with studying and policy making. In fact, its very difficult to frame policy for the benefits which are non material and generates social transformation. Policies which brings the rich and poor together, and serve the large societal purpose of advancement and well being.
Yes economic planning matters at the Macro level and some policies affects the masses but by and large the policies are targetted towards the capitalist mode of production cycle, from resource exploitation to bringing goods and services to the market. What makes then policy effective or accepted by people? Is it method of implementation or who controls the policy? We have seen world economic powers controlling the policies of developing nations in name of libralisation in order to benefit their own enterprises. Then whether the governments are there to serve the foreign companies, governments and fund managers. This is what has happened in India, may be some parts of Africa also deals with such a situation..Is that so?
What can you do on Methodspace today?
Read our featured book or journal article of the month
Share your latest research methods questions on the forums
Blog about your latest research methods activities
Look up events that are coming up in research methods
Share your latest research methods questions on the forums
Blog about your latest research methods activities
Look up events that are coming up in research methods
© 2010 Created by John.
You need to be a member of Methodspace - home of the Research Methods community to add comments!
Join Methodspace - home of the Research Methods community