Social Science As Imperialism: The Theory of Political Development

Claude Ake

ISBN 10: 978121130X / ISBN 13: 9789781211300

Published by Ibadan University Press, 2003

About this Item

2nd edition edition. 236 pages. 8.25x5.50x0.50 inches. In Stock. Seller Inventory # x-978121130X

Bibliographic Details

Title: Social Science As Imperialism: The Theory of...

Publisher: Ibadan University Press

Publication Date: 2003

Binding: Paperback

Condition: Brand New

Edition: 2nd Edition

About this title

Synopsis:

Claude Ake's study is primarily concerned with what he terms 'the most perinicious form of imperialism' namely scientific knowledge. Ake analyses how Western social sciences, whether consciously or inadvertently, foist capitalist values and capitalist development on the Third World, and serve imperialist ends. He unravels the theory of political development/'westernisation', exposing its ideological character and condemning 'Western development studies as worse than useless'. He then develops his analysis of the imperialist and ideological characteristics of Western social sciences to posit alternatives which may more successfully overcome permanent underdevelopment; and advocates a struggle for a new model of social sciences which is socialist-orientated, and that developing countries reject Western models. The study was first published in 1979, revised in 1982, is newly reissued, and for the first time, widely available outside Africa. Claude Ake (1939-1996) was one of Africa's most distinguished political and social scientists and democrats of the twentieth century, writing widely and polemically on what were his life-long concerns of democracy and the future of the African continent.