Escobar (Arturo Escobar)

Arturo Escobar is a Colombian-American anthropologist and development theorist renowned for his critique of traditional development models. He argues that development often imposes Western values, overlooking local cultures and knowledge, leading to social and environmental harm. Instead, Escobar advocates for "participatory development" that respects local contexts and promotes community-led change. His work emphasizes understanding diverse worldviews and fostering more equitable, sustainable ways to improve lives without imposing external standards.