Development studies entering a cul-de-sac? reflections on development studies as an academic discipline: a historical appraisal
List of Authors
  • Ong, Puay Liu

Keyword
  • development, development studies, development science, academic discipline, Malaysian Social Science Association

Abstract
  • The “fate of development studies” in the context of the dominant thinking on development as propagated by development theorists was one of the main themes highlighted in the 5th International Malaysian Studies Conference (MSC5).1 Indeed, the MSC5 convenors evoke the call for a reflection on the implications for and the future of development studies in Malaysia. Reflection on the fate and future of development studies in Malaysia requires us, in particular, to understand how development studies has been understood as an academic discipline and implemented by institutions of higher learning. This article undertakes to do a historical appraisal of development studies as an academic discipline under the guidance of the following questions: (i) How development studies emerge as a (serious) academic discipline in institutions of higher learning; (ii) How these institutions of higher learning define “development” and “development studies”; and (iii) What are their objectives/rationale, methodology and scope? Through this historical appraisal, this article hopes to configurate a model of development studies that incorporates not only the substantive components (interdisciplinary subject matter) but also the praxis component (‘doing’ development through for example, immersion and advocacy) in order to make development studies a socially responsible and relevant field in development process and planning.

Reference
  • Abdul Halim Ali & Abdul Hadi Harman Shah. 1999. Pengajian pembangunan masih relevan. Kertas usul untuk dipertimbang Jawatankuasa Penstrukturan Semula Fakulti/Pengajian. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
    Abdul Rahman Embong. 2006. Rethinking development and development studies. AKADEMIKA 68 (January): 1-4.
    Abdul Rahman Embong. 2005. Development and well-being. Bangi: Penerbit UKM.
    Abdul Rahman Embong. 2004. Memikir semula persoalan pembangunan manusia: Antara teori dan realiti. AKADEMIKA 64 (January): 15-26.
    Brosius, P.J. 1993. Negotiating citizenship in a commodified landscape: The case of Penan hunter-gatherers in Sarawak, East Malaysia. Conference on the Cultural Citizenship in Southeast Asia. Social Science Research Council Conference. Hawaii: Honolulu. May 2-4.
    Carrithers, M. 1992. Why humans have cultures: Explaining Anthropology & social diversity. Oxford University Press.
    Dimbab Ngidang. 2006. Self-empowerment among oil palm smallholders in Miri Division, Sarawak. Paper presented at the 8th Borneo Research Council International Conference, 31 July – 1 August, at Holiday Inn, Kuching, Sarawak.
    Esteva, Gustavo. 1992. Development. In Wolfgang Sachs (ed.). The Development Dictionary: A guide to knowledge as power. London: Zed Books.
    Gross International Happiness. n.d. Gross National Happiness. (Online). http://www.grossinternationalhappiness.org/gnh.html#top (8 October 2007).
    Hettne, Björn. 1990. Development theory and the three worlds. UK Ltd: Longman Scientific & Technical.
    Interview notes with Professor Shamsul Amri Baharuddin, Professor Abdul Rahman Embong and Professor Abdul Samad Hadi.
    Kothari, Uma. (ed.). 2005. A radical history of development studies: Individuals, institutions and ideologies. South Africa: David Philip.
    Madeline Berma & Junaenah Sulehan. 2004. Being multi-disciplinary in development studies: Why and how. AKADEMIKA 64 (January): 43-63.
    Nicholas, Colin. n.d. SUHAKAM and the Indigenous Peoples’ Question. In Aliran Monthly 21 (4): 15.
    Rahimah Abdul Aziz. 2004. Rethinking development: Theory, concept and practice. AKADEMIKA 64 (January): 3-14.
    Rahnema, M. 1992. ‘Poverty.’ In W. Sachs (ed.). The Development Dictionary: A guide to knowledge as power. London: Zed Books Ltd.
    Schuurman, Frans J. (ed.). 1993. Beyond the impasse: New directions in development theory. London: Zed Books.
    Shamsul Amri Baharuddin. 2006. Sejarah pengajian pembangunan: Satu imbasan. Pembentangan dalam Seminar Bulanan Pusat Pengajian Sosial, Pembangunan dan Persekitaran (PPSPP), FSSK pada 21 Julai, di Bilik Mesyuarat PPSPP.
    Sutlive, Vinson. 2006. Where do we go from here? Keynote address delivered at the 8th Borneo Research Council International Conference, 31 July – 1 August, at Holiday Inn, Kuching, Sarawak.
    Thomas, Alan. 2004. The study of development. Paper presented during special session on the “Nature of Development Studies.’ Development Studies Annual Conference. London. November. (online). http://www.devestud.org.uk/conference/workshop. (21 April 2006).