The World Bank's and UNDP's Changing Conceptions of Development 1950-2016

Abstract

This paper uses an keyword-in-context analysis of words and phrases used in the sections of World Bank and UNDP annual reports that discuss general approaches to development to show how the range of considerations deemed relevant to development have expanded over time to include a heavy emphasis on social dimensions and lesser emphases on political and environmental dimensions. It also reveals some differences in emphasis between the two organizations and over time.