Foucault in der Entwicklungstheorie

In: Peripherie: Politik, Ökonomie, Kultur, Band 23, Heft 92, S. 406-429

Abstract

The article examines the numerous attempts to use Foucauldian concepts of power & discourse in analyses of development policy. Best known among these is the so-called post-development school, whose exaggerations & implausible generalizations can be traced back to an improper use of Foucauldian theory. Other attempts also provide interesting insights while leaving some questions unanswered. Foucauldian concepts in development theory point to the historical contingency of the idea of development as well as to its Eurocentric & ideological implications. As yet, however, the relations between the macrolevel of development policy & the microlevel of the individual are not sufficiently explored. Therefore, an application of the thus far neglected Foucauldian concept of governmentality on development policy seems promising. 44 References. Adapted from the source document.