Strengths and Weaknesses of Postmodern Legacy on Development Studies: a case study from an NGO in China

摘要

This paper tries to analyse the roots of post-development theories, first in modern theories and then, post-modern theories. It also provides an in-depth analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of post-development by an empirical example from an NGO in China. Post-development theory is a powerful tool to re-examine the questions of whose 'development' and whether it is relevant for the social majority. The grassroots initiatives and practice are also valuable raised by the post-development theory. However, practice is even more complicated, full of different actors, power relations and other factors. Post-development theory cannot replace all other development theories; otherwise, it will also become a hegemonic discourse itself. Also, development, as a term and practice, is still fluid and opens to the redefinition and the complete abandonment is not reasonable.