Exercise 1. Reading Comprehension Task
Mapua University
Science, Technology, and Society
Instructions: After reading Hickel’s article on the concept of de-development, answer
the following questions in two to three sentences.
1. What is the framework of de-development of rich countries all about?
The framework of de-development of rich countries is all about thinking of
ways on how these countries can “catch-down” to more appropriate levels of
development. We have been using more than half of our planet’s resource
capacity every year and some countries have grown too much. This makes
pushing poor countries to grow not an option anymore and instead, rich countries
should de-develop.
2. How is the de-development framework different from traditional frameworks of
development?
Traditional frameworks of development have growth as their main strategy
in eradicating poverty. These frameworks tell poorer countries to grow more and
some even suggest shifting the growth of the richer parts of the population to the
poorer ones to even it out. This is the opposite of de-development framework for
de-development framework’s strategy is making richer countries catch down to
more appropriate levels of development.
3. According to Hickel, how can rich countries de-develop?
De-development can start if people start to recognize underdeveloped
countries as appropriately developed. Rich countries can de-develop if they strive
to buy and own less. As listed on Robert and Edward Skidelsky’s book, How
Much is Enough?, there are possible interventions such as banning advertising,
shortening working week, and having a basic income which improve quality of life
while reducing consumption.
Mapua University
Science, Technology, and Society
Instructions: After reading Hickel’s article on the concept of de-development, answer
the following questions in two to three sentences.
1. What is the framework of de-development of rich countries all about?
The framework of de-development of rich countries is all about thinking of
ways on how these countries can “catch-down” to more appropriate levels of
development. We have been using more than half of our planet’s resource
capacity every year and some countries have grown too much. This makes
pushing poor countries to grow not an option anymore and instead, rich countries
should de-develop.
2. How is the de-development framework different from traditional frameworks of
development?
Traditional frameworks of development have growth as their main strategy
in eradicating poverty. These frameworks tell poorer countries to grow more and
some even suggest shifting the growth of the richer parts of the population to the
poorer ones to even it out. This is the opposite of de-development framework for
de-development framework’s strategy is making richer countries catch down to
more appropriate levels of development.
3. According to Hickel, how can rich countries de-develop?
De-development can start if people start to recognize underdeveloped
countries as appropriately developed. Rich countries can de-develop if they strive
to buy and own less. As listed on Robert and Edward Skidelsky’s book, How
Much is Enough?, there are possible interventions such as banning advertising,
shortening working week, and having a basic income which improve quality of life
while reducing consumption.
