Culture, Development and Social Theory: Towards an Integrated Social Development (Book review)

Abstract

John Clammer sets the tone for his timely and necessary publication on the role of culture in the future of development by arguing that it is ‘pre-eminently a cultural process’ (p. 35). The eloquence and insight with which Clammer focuses on the very different ‘kinds’ of culture that could be of value in this context is nothing less than impressive. Bridging religious considerations with indigenous knowledge and creative expressions through their respective roles in the development process is a rather exceptional accomplishment. The book calls for further and profound explorations to carve out theoretical ‘Spaces of Hope’ (with due credit to David Harvey). And that is what it does. This work..