The phenomenology of development

Abstract

The phenomenology of development is presented as the way that development professionals explain the process of development as experienced by themselves and other stakeholders. This justification has itself changed and developed since President Truman coined the term, as theory and practice have proved inadequate. A brief history and explanation of this meta-development are attempted that focuses in on the paradoxical nature of the endeavour as an externally managed intervention. In particular, five paradoxes within development practice are identified as the core challenges to professional practice and congruence that we must address and resolve.