Conflicting paradigms in the economics of developing nations /

David (Howard University) presents a balanced survey of theoretical approaches to economic development. After a brief discussion of the orthodox models for advanced countries, he summarizes the orthodox approach to development, focusing on the broad underlying assumptions and expectations, rather than on specific models. He then discusses some perceived anomalies-the lack of diffusion to the masses of the benefits of development, problematic international economic relations between the center and the periphery, and concerns about domestic foreign investment and transnational corporations. The book concludes with summaries of four theoretical approaches to explain economic inequality, three structuralist and one Marxist. The material is clearly presented with an extensive bibliography, a short index, and a minimum of mathematical material. This brief overview of a large area of economic thought is a useful guide for readers unfamiliar with the various issues and approaches to development economics. It should be of interest to undergraduates as well as to many graduate students and professional economists.-P.R. Allen, University of Connecticut