| ISBN: 978-1-55587-664-7 $26.50 | ||
| 1996/151 pages/LC: 94-22223 Women and Change in the Developing World | ||
Early modernization theorists, points out Scott, often juxtaposed modernity and tradition in ways reminiscent of Enlightenment dichotomies that pitted the rational, productive city against the particularistic, fragmented, and stagnant countryside. Dependency theory, despite its radically different focus on the causes of underdevelopment, also rests upon masculinist conceptions of the unfolding of history, human labor, and the gendered divisions between the public and private realms. Recent theories of the African "soft state," realized in policymaking, revive modernization theory's dichotomies; and revolutionary political leaders in African countries, though they have challenged imperialism, have retained the Marxist blindspot regarding gender.
This provocative critique of both theory and practice goes beyond the "women in development" approach to explore fundamental reconceptualizations of tradition, modernity, masculinity, femininity, revolution, and development.
"Challenges assumptions held by both liberal and Marxist positions that what is good for the individual (male) is good for all (female) citizens."—Shelley Feldman, Journal of Developing Areas
"Sophisticated and compelling."—Choice
"An important step in challenging claims to objectivity and 'science' in political analyses of development."—American Political Science Review
"Scott effectively explores the influence of social constructions of gender differences in contemporary definitions of development, dependency, capitalism, and socialism.... Essential reading for all development practitioners and professionals."—Choice