Anthropologists, Development, and Situated Truth

• Published in: Human organization Vol. 55; no. 4; pp. 480 - 484
• Main Author: Autumn, Suzanne
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, D.C Society for Applied Anthropology 01.12.1996; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Anthropological research; Anthropologists; Anthropology; Applied anthropology; Commentaries; Cultural anthropology; Developed countries; Economic Development; Exploitation; Job development; North and South; Political anthropology; Political discourse; Social Development; Social movements; Social Science Research; Social Theories; Theoretical Problems; Third World; Truth; World Bank
• ISSN: 0018-7259; 1938-3525
• DOI: 10.17730/humo.55.4.g8515x6q54055j6t

Critiques anthropological involvement in First World international development, focusing on the faults & virtues of Arturo Escobar's (eg, 1992 [see abstract 9300707]) deconstruction of development as a tool for political exploitation. Escobar's main issues concerning First World exploitation & exclusive claims to objective reality, superior knowledge, & singular truth are seconded; but he is criticized for ignoring the critical roles of Third World political actors & for deprecating the work & values of anthropologists studying international development. Escobar claims anthropological discourse on the subject only serves to further legitimize developmental practice. It is argued that he fails to recognize, & therefore repeats, similiar 1960s social theory. Escobar's focus on malign development practitioners & victimized movement participants fails to consider key Third World political leaders who usurp development for personal interest. Awareness of Escobar's insights & shortcomings can provide anthropology with a much-needed sensitivity toward development agencies & grassroots self-empowerment in the Third World. 21 References. D. Bajo