Mirages of Development: Science and Technology for the Third Worlds - Hardcover

Salomon, Jean-Jacques

 
9781555873684: Mirages of Development: Science and Technology for the Third Worlds
Hardcover
ISBN 10: 1555873685 ISBN 13: 9781555873684
Publisher: Lynne Rienner, 1993

Synopsis

This work looks at the issues of development in terms that attack both the earlier idealism and the current mood of cynicism about the Third World. Salomon and Lebeau consider why the great majority of Third World countries have failed to solve the problems of underdevelopment by relying on science and technology, while a very few of them - the newly industrialised countries - have at least partially succeeded. Opposed to the smug optimism of scientific enthusiasts (though equally opposed to the dismal prophecies of others), the authors argue that, while technological advances may speed the process of modernisation in isolated instances, they cannot induce the social transformations that are a prerequisite of development. Scientific research and technological innovation can be effective, they conclude, only where social structures, institutions and habits have first eliminated the ""blocking factors"" that are characteristic of traditional societies. It is also essential to recognise that less advanced technologies still have much to contribute to improving productivity and living standards and should not be neglected in the search for solutions.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Synopsis

This work looks at the issues of development in terms that attack both the earlier idealism and the current mood of cynicism about the Third World. Salomon and Lebeau consider why the great majority of Third World countries have failed to solve the problems of underdevelopment by relying on science and technology, while a very few of them - the newly industrialised countries - have at least partially succeeded. Opposed to the smug optimism of scientific enthusiasts (though equally opposed to the dismal prophecies of others), the authors argue that, while technological advances may speed the process of modernisation in isolated instances, they cannot induce the social transformations that are a prerequisite of development. Scientific research and technological innovation can be effective, they conclude, only where social structures, institutions and habits have first eliminated the "blocking factors" that are characteristic of traditional societies. It is also essential to recognise that less advanced technologies still have much to contribute to improving productivity and living standards and should not be neglected in the search for solutions.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Publisher
Lynne Rienner
Publication date
1993
Language
English
ISBN 10 
1555873685
ISBN 13 
9781555873684
Binding
Hardcover
Edition number
1
Number of pages
200