RDS-30806 Governance, Livelihoods and Resources

Vak

Studiepunten 6.00

Language of instruction:

English.

Assumed knowledge on:

BSc Sociology of Development or equivalent, participation MDR

Continuation courses:

MID, MDR

Contents:

This course addresses different approaches to the concept of governance, particularly with regard to the use of natural resources, and their meaning in the study of the everyday lives of people in the South. Central governments increasingly loose the monopoly to exercise power through processes of globalization, devolution and decentralization. Neo-institutionalists see the governance of access, rights, and distribution of natural resources as co-management between the state and civil society. Foucault developed the concept of governmentality as the ongoing efforts of authorities to govern populations through disciplinary action. Others approach governance as the exercise of power through networks of transnational organizations, NGOs, popular movements, and local communities that seem to render the state-civil society dichotomy invalid.
The assumptions underlying these approaches appear based on (or biased to) western notions of freedom, democracy, and individualism, and they do not take into account a wealth of different cultural definitions and societal conditions. This course examines the value and meaning of the different approaches to governance, in particular regarding issues of natural resource 'management'. Case studies on rights to land, competing claims to marine resources and transnational power hierarchies will put them into perspective.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- analyze the different theoretical conceptualizations and meanings of governance;
- critically reflect on the literature, and defend their appraisal in workshops;
- choose and apply their methodological choice to their own research;
- evaluate the dilemmas of interdisciplinary research and their relevance for understanding the role of science in society.

Activities:

Weekly courses and workshops. During the workshops the theme of that week will be further discussed interactively between lecturer and students.

Examination:

Written examination.

Literature:

A syllabus will be available electronically at Eduweb.