Blockseminar Movements for Change in the Global South political parties civil society and the state

This seminar explores the complex and contested relationship between society and politics. The course begins by exploring the complex phenomenon of the state. It addresses the debates about the conceptualisation of the developmental state: What is the developmental state? Is it an agent for change? What is the relationship between the developmental state and democracy? What other agents for change promote a more egalitarian vision of society? Developing an analytics of power is central to this task. Rather than treat power as something that is possessed by an individual or a social group, this seminar investigates how power is exercised, reproduced, and transformed in a relational context (i.e., among various actors in society such as the state, economic elite, political parties, social movements, etc.). Whatever view one takes of the state, there is little dispute that it has had a profound effect on social and public policy throughout the world during the past two centuries. The course is divided into two parts. The first part will address some of the theoretical issues relating to states, civil society, and economy. The course addresses the role of the state as a key actor in the formulation and implementation of development and social policy, and the challenges posed by globalisation and the emergence of neo-liberalism. It also addresses the role of civil society in challenging the state and economic actors in efforts to effect a more just and equitable society. The course examines the state's attempt to address poverty and regulate the relation between resources and needs. It looks at the notion of the developmental state designed to address the unique conditions pertaining in developing and under-developed countries. In the second half of the course, we will then look at case studies from India and South Africa. To deepen our understanding of the structural and cultural forces shaping struggles over power, we will take an in depth look at the innovative and heterodox development approach of Kerala, India and some of the attempts in South Africa. The aim of the course is to provide seminar participants with the analytical tools and skills to better understand key debates in the contemporary political arena of development. FB 05 Gesellschaftswissenschaften Uni Kassel SS 2009 Soziologie FB 05 Gesellschaftswissenschaften Williams Michelle