In chapter 6 “Unequal Development” in Economic Anthropology, Hann and Hart critique the concept of
development in the modern world, and the role of anthropologists in the goal of
understanding different economies and protecting the rights of people in
developing nations. The chapter outlines the various ways in which development
can be defined, as well as how the term is used by wealthier nations to justify
their domination of the developing world and to mask the history of exploitation.
This is especially relevant in countries that were once colonized by European nations,
many of which are home to the poorest citizens of the world.
The concept of inequality is prevalent in the ideology of development,
in that it is inherently necessary for some countries to be significantly
poorer than others, in order for the wealthiest nations to justify their role
as providers and role models. In this chapter, they discuss how “Victorian
evolutionism” (Hann and Hart, p. 101), the idea that the nations which
conquered the rest of the world were inherently superior and more deserving of
success, continues to justify the imposition of Western economic practices around
the world. This makes sense, because it seems rather condescending to assume
that certain nations are incapable of economic prosperity without the help of
those wealthier nations. Obviously, the wealthy nations who claim to be helping
are the same ones who caused such catastrophic inequalities in the first place.
Judging by what we have learned from this chapter, and the various
examples of how attempts at aiding development in less prosperous countries
have failed, is it even possible to reduce the vast economic inequality that
exists today? In Chapter 6, Hann and Hart explain the dangers of an
increasingly globalized economy: “Becoming closer and more unequal at the same
time is an explosive combination” (Hann and Hart, p. 104). Despite this danger,
it seems that increased inclusion and commerce amongst all nations is the only
way to create economic prosperity throughout the world. Increased commerce will
only be effective though, if it is coupled with the assurance of social
equality and protection of human rights.
Reference:
Chris Han and Keith Hart. Economic
Anthropology. Publisher: Polity Press. 2011.
This is a great summary of the chapter and you point us to some key points that are worth discussing further. The question of rising inequality is key as Daniel noted earlier too. A Marxist perspective would argue that capitalism thrives on inequality because that is how profit is made. In this sense, yes, in theory international trade is supposed to be a win win but in practice it has not been so. States play a key role in mediating/generating inequality. They are also perhaps the only source of hope for establishing fair trade practices, labor and environmental protections, anti-trust and anti-corruption regulations everywhere. In other words, there is hope but it's not to be found in the "hidden hand" of the market but rather in better governing institutions.
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