Rethinking Global Inequalities: Development (Studies) in Discourse, Critique and Practice

In dealing with developmental phenomena, global connections increasingly come to the fore and shape the conceptual framework in which Development Studies operate: from migration movements and gender regimes, which are effected by and impact on local and global structures, and transnationalisation processes in States and within the global system of States to new dynamics of economic development.

In Vienna, an independent approach to the understanding of development phenomena has been established during the past years. Challenging paradigms of Eurocentrism, this unique academic programme has been further strengthened with the establishment of the Department of Development Studies in October 2010. This inter- and transdisciplinary research platform ties in with a genuine Viennese take on “development”, by refining a trans-/de-national critical development research agenda. The aim of its first International Conference is to present the research activities that are currently conducted at the Department of Development Studies, placing the specific approach to development studies in an international context.