Limits and contradictions of post-developmentalism as a heterodox approach to capitalist development

Abstract

An important part of the current debates and controversies about development and their implications are derived from the post-structuralist turn of development studies. In particular, in recent years the ideas and proposals associated with post-developmental approaches have been extended, trying to promote and lead the anti-capitalist discourse, even challenging efforts to shape horizons of alternative development (non-capitalist). However, this claim to promote alternatives to development, without distinguishing its modalities or linking it with the debate on economic systems, can disrupt the construction of viable strategies of action and dilute important elements of the contributions advanced by the heterodox tradition, mainly. This work aims to critically assess the limitations of post-developmentalism to articulate a heterodox paradigm that can be measured with the conventional and hegemonic approaches in development studies oriented, ultimately, to the reproduction of capitalist development.