Importance Of Historical Analysis In Development

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This essay will argue for the importance of historical analysis in understanding development and social change. This essay will first provide an understanding of what historical analysis is, and from here look at the dominant theories comprising development and social change, and how these two entities are contrasted. Following this, an example of historical analysis will be used to demonstrate how historical analysis can provide depth and value when understanding development and social change. Finally, limitations to historical analysis will be considered. Throughout the course of this essay, references will be made to various theorists and scholars to support assertions. When considering the value of historical analysis, one must first understand what historical analysis is. Jupp (2006: 135-137) states that historical analysis is a method of “disciplined and systematic analysis” in order to examine the past. Jupp elucidates to explain that historical analysis can be utilised to challenge prevailing assumptions and social theories because it records the history of both dominant powers and marginalised groups, enabling new interpretation and the development of new theories. When studying oppressed and minority groups, historical analysis is valuable in aiding the development of alternative models of social change. Odell (2001: 161-163) substantiates this by stating that historical analysis is characteristically used to develop and critique diverse ranges of political and social theories. More specifically, historical analysis can be utilised to aid in illustrating a theoretical idea, to test a theory, or to generate a new theory. Historical analysis reveals more than theory can on its own, and can provide context and reasoning to... ... middle of paper ... ...reat to the credibility of historical analysis, and if are not overcome, lead to ineffectual and unreliable representations of history (Jupp 2006: 135-137). This would be detrimental when attempting to understand development and social change. Historical analysis plays a vital role in understanding development and social change. This argument has been substantiated with academic scholars and an example of historical analysis relating to modernization. As with all social theories, when considering modernization theory, it is vital to also incorporate comprehensive historical analysis to provide context and to rationalise discrepancies and anomalies. Alone, modernization theory is not enough to contextualise development and social change; however, when combined with historical analysis it can provide further depth and understanding into development and social change.

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