Reflexivity and Development Economics

Abstract

Acknowledging the argument that theory and practice are inter-related, this chapter aims to apply some of the ideas of reflexivity to development economics, and in particular to the dominant mode of development practice of the last two decades. The policies of the Washington and ‘Post’-Washington Consensus have been the subject of much debate. Their underlying methodology has received relatively little attention despite the wealth of literature on methodology that has emerged over the same time period.¹ A methodological dimension helps discern why particular schools of thought achieved prominence, as well as why certain policies were recommended rather than others.