revision: human rights in development

HRD-13 2010

Human Rights in Development We studied contemporary notions of human rights from distinct perspectives - the frame of reference was the experience of developing countries, their trade, aid and strategic relations as well as how they saw human rights. Rights issues studied: imperialism and self-determination, land rights, food security, the rights to water, education and health, labour rights in trade and economic selfdetermination. Through the lens of human rights we studied arguments over the means and ends of development.

Weeks 2-4 - foundational

2. Economic Development and Human Rights Rights in different economic world views? formal and effective rights? the capabilities approach and economic development? 3. The history and institutions of human rights Inputs from western liberalism and from developing countries? Why does sovereignty matter? 4. Imperialism and self-determination Hegemonic stability v. neo-Marxist theories of imperialism

 economic development? - ideas have broadened, from economic growth to capabilities to human development rights in development? - associated, linked or foundational? arguments over the 'means' 'rights based' approaches? - but which? aid and development? - a semi-permanent industry in whose interests? what about sovereignty/democracy?
can development be based on [aid] charity?

approaches to development 'market economy' - private-investor led ('broad based') growth, economic liberalism, exchange solves problems 'developmental state' - state coordination - capitalist and socialist versions - c.f. 'comparative advantage' 'human development' emphases - participation (v. expert solutions), inclusion (v. inequality), education and health as rights (v. commodities)

seven weeks on specific rights' themes, then 'the right to development': 5. land rights and indigenous peoples 6. food security 7. the right to water 8. the right to education 9. the right to health 10. labour rights and the social clause 11. economic self-determination (Venezuela) 12. the right to development and alternative globalisations

exam format choose three from six questions same approach as essays, link ideas and debates to the experience of developing countries no referencing needed, but refer to authors/issues the six questions come from weeks 5-12 but draw on ideas raised throughout the unit short essays, 2 to 3 pages each manage your time! - 30 minutes each (total: 90+10 min)

let's review three of those themes, based on the essay questions:

Land rights and indigenous peoples Q: Discuss the tragedy of the commons argument with reference to the debates over customary land in PNG.
main ideas? private v. social custodianship, privatisation argument? explain debate, engage with (i) reason and (ii) the experience of PNG structure? could be: (i) the idea (ii) the criticisms (iii) evidence from PNG

which evidence bears on this debate?

Food security Q: Explain the economic liberal view of food security and then critically analyse this view in light of the 2008 food crisis.
main ideas? argument? structure?

what implications does the economic liberal view have for infrastructure, agriculture and land tenure?

The right to education Q: Explain the 'fee versus free' debate over education and its impact on education in developing countries.
main ideas? argument? structure?

how does broader ideology (economic liberalism, social democracy, socialism) affect this debate?

any questions?

happy studies and good luck!

all 'on time' second essays will be available for collection at M465 on 11 November, 12 to 1pm (just before the exam) after that they will be available (Mon-Thurs, 9am-4pm) in M269, the Political Economy office