Key debates in development
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Flip to reveal answersWhat are the four key debates in development?
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Question
What are the four key debates in development?
Answer
What development means, which factors matter most, globalization (winners vs losers), and sustainability (continue vs rethink).
Question
What is the first skill in a development essay?
Answer
Recognition — read the question and name which of the four debates it is, which gives an instant structure.
Question
'What development means' — the landing point?
Answer
Developing society (well-being) is the goal and the economy the means; they are interdependent, so development is more than growth but growth is a vital part.
Question
'Which factors matter most' — the landing point?
Answer
Economic factors are necessary but not sufficient; good governance is the decisive multiplier that turns money into development.
Question
Globalization — the landing point?
Answer
Globalization cut absolute poverty WHILE widening inequality, so the verdict depends on whether you weigh absolute progress or relative fairness.
Question
Sustainability — the landing point?
Answer
Growth-only development is in doubt on a finite planet, but sustainable development remains possible — with rich countries consuming less while the poor develop.
Question
Why can one case touch several debates?
Answer
A case like climate change raises sustainability, which factors matter, globalization, and links to rights and power at once.
Question
What is the top-band recipe for a development essay?
Answer
Frame (define + spot the debate), explore both sides with real cases, evaluate them, then give a clear judgement.
Question
Is development held back mainly by internal or external factors?
Answer
Both — internal governance and external structures interact, so development needs a capable state AND fairer global terms.
Question
What does 'explored AND evaluated' mean?
Answer
Not just naming perspectives but arguing both sides with cases AND weighing which is stronger — the difference between the 10–12 and 13–15 bands.
Question
What is the overall judgement on development?
Answer
It depends on both a country's own governance and the fairness of the global rules and environment it develops within — the two interact.
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Full study notes for Key debates in development
Topic 3.4 hub
Debates in development and sustainability
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