Rwandan developmental ‘social engineering’: What does it imply and how is it displayed?

Malin Hasselskog
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Malin Hasselskog: School of Global Studies; Peace and Development Research, University of Gothenburg, PO Box 700; S 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden

Progress in Development Studies, 2015, vol. 15, issue 2, 154-169

Abstract: Rwandan development policy is frequently referred to as ‘social engineering’. As this concept is not analytically clear and carries negative connotations, this article elaborates on its meaning. An analytical framework is developed and applied to selected Rwandan policies and programmes, as depicted in government documents, academic writing and field work. The analysis points to far-reaching social engineering in terms of visionary design, depoliticized managerialism, firm and partly coercive implementation, state–population separation and paternalism. In the conclusion, impressive results as well as problematic aspects are discussed, as are the negative connotations and the legitimate use of social engineering.

Keywords: Development; development policy; developmental engineering; rural development; Rwanda; social engineering (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:prodev:v:15:y:2015:i:2:p:154-169

DOI: 10.1177/1464993414565533

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