The Evolution of Development Theory and Tourism - Tourism and Development: Concepts and Issues - page 36

Table 2.2 Evolution of development theory

Time guide Development paradigms Selected theoretical approaches

or models

Key concepts/strategies

1950s and 1960s Modernisation Stages Societies pass through similar development stages

as Western countries

Diffusion Spread of growth impulses from developed

areas; growth poles; trickle down effect; state
involvement; regional economic development

1950s and 1960s Dependency Neo-colonialism Under-development caused by exploitation by

developed countries; Western cultural infl uence

Dualism Poverty is functional to global economic growth;

rich and poor - between countries and within
countries, regional inequalities

Structuralism Domestic markets; import substitution; social

reforms; protectionism; state involvement

Mid-1970s and 1980s Economic neoliberalism Free market Supply side macroeconomics; free competitive

market; privatisation, globalisation; Washington
Consensus

Structural adjustment Focus on market forces and competitive exports

One world New world fi nancial system; deregulation

internationalisation of production

1970s and early 1980s Alternative development Basic needs Priorities of food, housing, water, health and

education

Grass roots People-centred development; local control

of decision making; empowerment; non-
governmental organisations (NGOs)