Introduction

This book is an anthropological tool for decision-makers, development practitioners, policy-makers and academics who deal with the well-known limitations of linear models of development.

The source is an ethnographic and interpretative study that combines 15 years of fieldwork in public sector management of development programmes with a symbolic analysis of cultural imaginaries and rhythms of life. Analyzing the symbolic dimension of development in Argentina, this study deploys alternative proposals for the political and scientific management of these processes in Latin America.

It shows different ways that get beyond current models' failure, based solely on economics and technology dissemination, to air and reconcile conflicts that repeat failed intervention strategies and problems that have already been understood both academically and practically. It proposes future design strategies useful for business, community leaders, political decision-makers and scientists from all over the world.