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Changing Perspectives on the Social Sciences in Ghana pp 263–283Cite as

Evolution and Development of Development Studies in Ghana

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Abstract

This chapter looks at the evolution of content and pedagogy in development studies, linking these with changes in the global discourse on development and policy (also known as international development), as well as paradigm shifts in the theory of development. The chapter maps out the field/sub-discipline into three categories: (i) philosophical basis of “academic development studies” (evolution of undergraduates and Graduates taught and research degree programmes in Development Studies), (ii) methods used in the delivery of development studies, (iii) “practice development studies/development policy,” including research and advisory as well as the changing management of development co-operation, and how these have in turn facilitated research, teaching and training in Development Studies. As part of the discussion of policy relevance of the discipline, the chapter also evaluates the arrival and contribution of development policy think tanks to the development discourse in Ghana and what synergies exist in the relationships between think tanks and academic development studies. Finally, analysis of academic development studies will be assessed in the context of the growth that has been observed in pedagogy in international development studies in OECD countries in a bid to determine whether Development Studies, as a subject, in Ghana has attained commensurate maturity. In the light of these objectives, the main methodology adopted in delivering this chapter is interpretive, and the techniques adopted are exploratory and historical-comparative. The qualitative information sought was ascertained through documentary review and interviews with key informants who have been leaders in the development of the sub-discipline of development studies, and from class discussions with both undergraduate and graduate students.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Social and Economic Studies, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica

    Philip Duku Osei

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  1. Philip Duku Osei
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Correspondence to Philip Duku Osei .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Geog. & Res. Development, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana

    Samuel Agyei-Mensah

  2. MountCrest University College, Accra, Ghana

    Joseph Atsu Ayee

  3. Department of Economics, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana

    Abena D. Oduro

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Osei, P. (2014). Evolution and Development of Development Studies in Ghana. In: Agyei-Mensah, S., Ayee, J., Oduro, A. (eds) Changing Perspectives on the Social Sciences in Ghana. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-8715-4_14

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