Tribal Economic Development:  Theory and Practice

Authors

  • P Sudheer Kumar Assistant Professor, Department of History, Govt. College, Mananthavady, Wayanad, Kerala- 670645 Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48047/HM.08.2.2022.708-724

Keywords:

Economic Development Theory, Arturo Escobar, Pluriversality

Abstract

            The discourse on economic development has traditionally been dominated by Western paradigms emphasizing industrialization, urbanization, and market integration. This paper critically examines the applicability of classical economic development theories to tribal communities, with a specific focus on Kerala's tribal populations. Through a comprehensive analysis of development concepts and their evolution, the study investigates whether conventional economic theories adequately address the unique socio-cultural contexts and aspirations of tribal societies. The research mainly engages with Arturo Escobar's groundbreaking work on universality and 'un-development,' exploring how his theoretical framework offers alternative perspectives for understanding tribal development in Kerala. This paper rigorously highlights the limitations of universal development theories, encouraging a critical and analytical approach to understanding tribal economic development. The study concludes by proposing alternative theoretical frameworks that better accommodate tribal worldviews, traditional knowledge systems, and indigenous economic practices while suggesting policy implications for more effective and culturally appropriate development interventions in tribal areas.

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References

References

Daly, Herman E. Beyond Growth: The Economics of Sustainable Development. Beacon Press, 1996.

Escobar, Arturo. Encountering Development: The Making and Unmaking of the Third World. Princeton University Press, 1995.

Ghurye, G. S. Caste and Race in India. Sage Publications India Pvt Ltd, 2016.

Haq, Mahbub Ul, editor. Reflections on Human Development. Oxford University Press, 1996.

Joseph, K. V. Migration and Economic Development of Kerala. Mittal Publications, 1968.

Kurup, K. K. N. The Process of Tribal Land Alienation and Disempowerment in Wayanad. ICHR, 2006.

Munshi, Indra, editor. The Adivasi Question: Issues of Land, Forest and Livelihood. Orient BlackSwan, 2012.

Nussbaum, Martha C. Creating Capabilities: The Human Development Approach. Harvard University Press, 2011.

Sen, Amartya. Development as Freedom. Oxford University Press, 1999.

Varkey, Joy. Peasant Migration to Wayanad and Its Impact on Tribal People, 1930-1999. ICHR Project/IRISH Nirmalagiri, 2008.

Baak, Paul Erik. Plantation Production and Political Power: Plantation Development in South-West India in a Long Term Historical Perspective; 1743-1963. Oxford University Press, 1997.

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Published

2022-04-30

Issue

Section

RESEARCH ARTICLE

How to Cite

Sudheer Kumar, P. . (2022). Tribal Economic Development:  Theory and Practice. History of Medicine, 8(2), 708-724. https://doi.org/10.48047/HM.08.2.2022.708-724