Geographies of Development in the 21st Century

Book excerpt: This is an excellent book and should prove to be a valuable text for geography and development studies students. Hedley Knibbs, Geography Geographies of Development in the 21st Century provides a very accessible and comprehensive account of a broad spectrum of key contemporary issues of concern to geographers and development studies specialists the world over. I am sure that this excellent volume will be widely read and appreciated. Professor Andrea Cornwall, University of Sussex, UK Uneven, contradictory and complex is how Sylvia Chant and Cathy McIlwaine describe the processes of development that constitute the subject of this distinctive and lively introductory text. Seeking to comprehend, let alone portray with any degree of accuracy, the burden of these three adjectives with reference to the sheer diversity within what is sometimes called the majority world is a daunting challenge. Chant and McIlwaine draw on their first-hand experience on the ground in several countries spread across all the major continents of the global South, stretching well beyond conventional academic research into NGOs, social movements and major international agencies. Students will find the blend of accessibly written broad survey and case study very helpful. In addition to lists of important websites, further reading and learning outcomes, the text is interspersed with focused activities to foster active learning. Professor David Simon, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK Written by two widely published academics with many years experience in university teaching, research and consultancy, Geographies of Development in the 21st Century provides a concise yet informative introduction to development in the contemporary Global South. Incorporating field research from Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Colombia, El Salvador, the Philippines, Botswana and The Gambia, Sylvia Chant and Cathy McIlwaine bring alive a body of fascinating subject matter extending across gender, family, poverty, employment, household livelihoods, the informal economy, housing, migration, civil society, conflict and violence. Reflecting both authors enduring interests in the academic policy interface, the book is also informed by assignments they have undertaken for various international organisations such as the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, UNDP, UNICEF, ILO and the Commonwealth Secretariat. This timely and engaging volume will be an essential companion for undergraduate students taking introductory courses in development and globalisation as well as a useful reference and repository of teaching and learning ideas for those lecturing on the subject. Students will not only find this resource refreshingly accessible and user-friendly, but will be able to further their knowledge guided by annotated readings, key internet sources and a range of learning activities.