ABSTRACT
Anthropologists have called attention to the limits of traditional economic analysis in explaining change. Anthropologists have revealed the gaps between economic analysis and on-the-ground economic and social realities. The work of anthropologists emphasises that all economic action – from the remote village to the corporate boardroom – takes place in social contexts. One of the fundamental tensions in development practice is between the simplicity of policy categories and the complexity of real-world contexts. Development practice includes the creation of policies and programs to make change, as well as the management and implementation of programs and projects. non-governmental organisations, the private sector, and social enterprises have been taking a growing role in development work. Special interest groups, civil society organisations and Indigenous groups are more vocal. Participatory development proposes that people should be involved in decisions that affect them. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
