ABSTRACT
A fundamental assumption lies at the heart of dominant, essentially neoliberal approaches to economic and social development: that meeting these objectives is intrinsically linked to the capacity of individuals to leverage knowledge in pursuit of their own development. This chapter interrogates the nature of power and its articulation in the assumptions underpinning knowledge-based development interventions. Having mapped out the historical and contemporary trajectories of mainstream K4D, this chapter unpacks and problematises further the main critiques of mainstream knowledge paradigms, all of which converge loosely around three key concerns: first, a Northern hegemony in the production and dissemination of information intended to promote development; second, the presumption that increased volumes of information will necessarily contribute to decision-making processes; and third, the over-emphasis on ICTs as a corrective relating to concerns around the accessibility of information. Beginning with an interrogation of the nature of ‘knowledge’, the first section highlights the ways in which K4D practice has yet to incorporate the theoretical and practical insights emerging out of the study of knowledge in a range of disciplinary contexts. This is followed by a discussion of the implications of treating knowledge as a tradeable, context-free entity. Finally, the analysis reflects on the tendency for there to be an over-reliance on (new) ICTs, raising critical concerns about the implications of prioritising the ‘digital divide’ as part of strategies to address perceived gaps in the knowledge society. All of this has major implications for K4D theory and practice.
