This book re-establishes the relevance of mainstream anthropological (and sociological) approaches to development processes and simultaneously recognizes that contemporary development ought to be anthropology's principal area of study. Professor de Sardan argues for a socio-anthropology of change and development that is a deeply empirical, multidimensional, diachronic study of social groups and their interactions.The Introduction provides a thought-provoking examination of the principal new approaches that have emerged in the discipline during the 1990s. Part I then makes clear the complexity of social change and development, and the ways in which socio-anthropology can measure up to the challenge of this complexity. Part II looks more closely at some of the leading variables involved in the development process, including relations of production; the logics of social action; the nature of knowledge; forms of mediation; and 'political' strategies.

De Sardan reasserts the relevance of mainstream anthropology to development and argues that contemporary development should be the main theme of modern anthropological research. Much of the empirical material is drawn from Africa.

Introduction: The three approaches in the anthropology of development1. The discourse of development2. Socio-anthropology of Development: some preliminary statements3. Anthropology, Sociology, Africa and Development: a brief historical overview4. A renewal of anthropology ?5. Stereotypes, ideologies and conceptions6. Is an anthropology of innovation possible ?7. Developmentist populism and social science populism: ideology, action, knowledge8. Relations of production and modes of economic action9. Development projects and social logic10. Popular knowledge and scientific and technical knowledge11. Mediations and brokerage12. Arenas and strategic gamesConclusion : The dialogue between social scientists and developersBibliographyIndex