Chapter 1 Chapter Summary

In this chapter we consider important concepts and ideas in the study of international development. We begin by discussing the birth, evolution, and implications of the term development and related nomenclature—such as developing countries, Third World, and Global South—used by academics, practitioners, and inter-national organizations. We then turn to a critical examination of growth, inequality, and absolute and moderate poverty. This leads to discussion of “development” as a contested concept. Multi-dimensional approaches to development are considered in detail, particularly Amartya Sen’s capability approach and its translation into the Human Development Index. We also explore the ethics and morality of international development and look at various arguments for and against global redistributive justice by asking whether development assistance should be considered a moral obligation for rich countries and their citizens, or little more than an individual choice akin to a charitable do-nation. The chapter concludes by introducing the personal ethical dilemmas experienced by development practitioners and researchers, including the need to be attentive to power and positionality, as well as local norms of ethical and culturally sensitive behaviour.