There is a third perspective from a group of writers that Hickey and Mohan (2003:
38) broadly identify as ‘post-modernists’.2 The ‘post-modern’ position is that ‘development’
is a ‘discourse’ (a set of ideas) that actually shapes and frames ‘reality’ and
power relations. It does this because the ‘discourse’ values certain things over others.
For example, those who do not have economic assets are viewed as ‘inferior’ from
a materialistic viewpoint. In terms of ‘real development’ there might be a new
‘discourse’ based on ‘alternative value systems’ which place a much higher value on
spiritual or cultural assets, and within which those without signifi cant economic
assets would be regarded as having signifi cant wealth.
reduction and of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).