Message-ID: <3.0.2.32.19981027105949.00697418@acs.tamu.edu> Date: Tue, 27 Oct 1998 10:59:49 -0600 From: "Jeffrey H. Cohen" <mailto:jhcohen@TAMU.EDU> Subject: Society for Economic Anthroplogy To: mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU
Annual meeting of the Society for Economic AnthropologyDates: April 9 and 10, 1999
Development Beyond the 20th Century: A Critical Discussion in Economic Anthropology
In Encountering Development, Arturo Escobar suggests the 20th century (and in particular the later half of the 20th century) is characterized by "a growing will to transform drastically two- thirds of the world in the pursuit of the goal of material prosperity and economic progress." Whether wrapped within the lofty goals of civil rights or the frightening machinations of genocidal dictators; the voices of local organizers warning that we must consider more than the "bottom line" or politicians arguing free trade, development has become a social fact and a fixture in what Escobar calls the "social imaginary." This meeting is an effort to continue the critique of development and its place in society. In an effort to attract as broad an audience of participants as possible we have defined three key issues with which to anchor our discussion: development in history; development in practice; and development in theory. Each issue is briefly described below.
1. Development in history: Understanding the history of development (broadly defined as programed change as well as the more generalized evolution of human cultural and social systems) is important to debate and for building a foundation upon which to construct a critical review. However, the theme defines more than the discussion history. In the tradition of Ester Boserup, we hope that anthropologists and archaeologists will use their research into social evolution and culture change to carefully examine ongoing developmental/evolutionary models for the analysis of society and culture.
2. Development in practice: One of unique strengths anthropology brings to the discussion of development is our tradition of community based field work. In this second area of debate we ask that practicing and applied anthropologists share their findings as they join with local communities, states, NGOs and international agencies to make development work. The goal is not simply to hear about projects and case studies but to outline factors that imped or impel success and second to define anthropology's role in the success or failure of a project (see R.M. Wulff and S.J. Fiske, Anthropological Praxis).
3. Development in theory: Theories of development have multiplied throughout the 20th century. At the same time debates concerning a model's validity, quality and utility have mounted; yet as Escobar points out; there has been precious little discussion of "the fact of development itself." In this section we ask our participants to approach theories of development with a critical eye to their deconstruction.
Exploring the history, the practice and theories of development is nothing new to economic anthropology. However, we believe this meeting is an opportunity to bring these three areas of investigation together in unique forum that will allow for open debate and discussion.
100-250 word abstracts are due by mid November to Jeffrey H. Cohen or Norbert Dannhaeuser Anthropology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-4352 e-mail proposals are fine.
Participants are expected to become members of the SEA if they are not currently. Jeffrey H. Cohen Assistant Professor Department of Anthropology Texas A&M University College Station, TX 77843-4352 (409) 862-3492 fax: (409) 845-4070 mailto:jhcohen@acs.tamu.edu http://acs.tamu.edu/~jhcohen/index.html