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The application of development economics: general principles and context specificity
* Glasgow Caledonian University and University of Stirling, respectively
Address for correspondence: Alexander C. Dow, Department of Economics, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK; email: acdo{at}gcal.ac.uk
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to consider the application of development economics at the methodological level. In particular, given the shortcomings of both the modernist and postmodernist approaches to development policy, we consider an alternative approach, drawing on critical realism, which combines the benefits of generality with the benefits of attention to specificity of context. The approach is illustrated by showing how principles in development economics addressing issues of globalisation and peripherality can serve to illuminate some of the causal tendencies at work in a developed economy such as Scotland.
Key Words: Economic development Methodology Scotland
JEL classifications: O1, B4, O5
Manuscript received December 8, 2003; final version received March 15, 2005.