Written by Hennie Swanepoel and Frik de Beer(both based in South Africa) this development studies text, first published in 1997, is suitable for all introductory-level courses.

Now in its fourth edition, Geographies of Development: An Introduction to Development Studies remains a core, balanced and comprehensive introductory textbook for students of Development Studies, Development Geography and related fields. This clear and concise text encourages critical engagement by integrating theory alongside practice and related key topics throughout. It demonstrates informatively that ideas concerning development have been many and varied and highly contested - varying from time to time and from place to place. Clearly written and accessible for students, who have no prior knowledge of development, the book provides the basics in terms of a geographical approach to development what situation is, where, when and why. Over 200 maps, charts, tables, textboxes and pictures break up the text and offer alternative ways of showing the information. The text is further enhanced by a range of pedagogical features: chapter outlines, case studies, key thinkers, critical reflections, key points and summaries, discussion topics and further reading. Geographies of Development continues to be an invaluable introductory text not only for geography students, but also anyone in area studies, international studies and development studies.

This textbook helps students understand the fundamentals of development studies by adopting a multi-disciplinary approach. Introduction to Development Studies presents a balanced mix of economic, social, political, cultural and administrative premises of development and analyses its theoretical and practical dimensions. Through preceding and contemporary examples from developing countries, it provides a holistic understanding of development, effectively demonstrating how it differs from economic growth. Beginning with development theories, paradigms and actors involved in the development process, this book goes on to explain the concepts of development governance, management, communication and planning. It would prove to be an indispensable companion to students of economics, sociology, political science, public administration, public policy and other social science disciplines. Key Features • Presents an exhaustive treatment of ‘development’ from theoretical and practical perspectives • Covers three key aspects of contemporary development—development governance, development administration and development communication • Provides accessible and thematic explanation of the core concepts to engage students with/from various disciplinary backgrounds

This book provides an overview of the key issues of development studies from a critical perspective: the nature of the global capitalist system and the dynamics associated with the development process, the outmigration and urbanization of rural areas, the formation of a global working class and the emergence of powerful resistance movements.

This book brings together multiple critical assessments of the current state and future visions of global development studies. It examines how the field engages with new paradigms and narratives, methodologies and scientific impact, and perspectives from the Global South. The authors focus on social and democratic transformation, inclusive development and global environmental issues, and implications for research practices. Leading academics provide an excellent overview of recent insights for post-graduate students and scholars in these research areas.

′A sure-footed and self-confident book, ambitious in scope, authoritative in execution and practical in its implications′ - Simon Maxwell, Director, Overseas Development Institute, London ′At last, a development studies text that encourages self-reflection from within the discipline. Highly recommended′ - Professor Ray Kiely, Chair in International Politics, Queen Mary University of London ′This is the book that academics, development researchers and practitioners have been seeking for a long time. [It] addresses the most important issues which development researchers and practitioners cope with each and every day′ - Dr Tran Tuan, Director, Research and Training Centre for Community Development, Hanoi, Vietnam. ′An insightful book for both development practitioners and researchers alike′ - Professor K.N. Nair, Director Centre for Development Studies, Kerala, India This book is about working professionally in Development Studies as a student, researcher or practitioner. It introduces and addresses the fundamental questions that everyone engaged with development must ask: " What is ′development′ and why do we wish to study it? " How do the many theoretical, methodological and espistemological approaches relate to research and practical studies in development? " How are development research and practice linked? Accessibly written, with extensive use of case study material, this book is an essential primer for students of development studies who require a concise, penetrating overview of its foundations. It is also core reading for students and practitioners concerned with the design of studies in the course of policy analysis, sector reviews, or project formulation, management and evaluation.

Clear, accessible and concise, this is an ideal primer for students unfamiliar with the central themes and theoretical perspectives in the study of development.