Post-modern and post-colonial approaches to development have received some criticisms; in particular theorists are accused of ‘playing academic games’, rather than dealing with the day-to-day problems that millions of the world’s poorest people face (Nederveen Pieterse 2000; Simon 1998; Sylvester 1999). These criticisms have also been levelled at the related ‘post development’ ideas (see Chapter 8). However, the importance of recognizing diversity in constructing development theories and practices is crucia as is an awareness of the context in which theories are formulated. In the remainder of this chapter, three elements of social diversity will be considered; ethnicity, gender and life stage. These are not the only
social differences that need to be recognized, but they provide a useful indication of why if ‘development’ is viewed as encompassing freedom and equality, policies need to embrace cultural and social diversity.