STS
Assessment 3.1
Read the article by Jason Hickel entitled “Forget ‘developing’ poor countries, it’s time to ‘de-develop’
rich countries.”
Answer the following questions (10 points each).
1. The article criticized the use of growth as the main strategy for the eradication of poverty. Why is that
so?
The article criticized the use of growth as the main strategy for the eradication of poverty because
despite of this strategy, the poverty is still high.The author argues that the focus on growth has not
effectively reduced poverty, as evidenced by the rise in the number of people living on less than $5 a day
despite economic growth. Based on the article , the global economic growth since 1980 had been
implemented, the issue about poverty didn't even decrease but instead it increased. The article also
argues that we should stop developing poor countries instead we should de-develop rich countries and
this statement is true.
2. Based on the article, why do we need to de-develop rich countries? Do you agree?
I agree , the government and the leader of other countries should de-develop the rich countries and
stop fighting with each other, instead each leader of every country should help the poor countries. The
need to de-develop rich countries is highlighted in the article because of the unsustainable levels of
consumption in these countries, leading to overconsumption and exceeding the planets bio-caoacity.
The author of the article suggests that rich countries should "catch down" to more appropriate levels of
development instead of pushing poorer countries to catch up. In this method the poor countries can
catch up to the rich countries and the overconsumption of the rich countries can be decrease and the
issue about poverty can be solved.
3. What is the connection of the article to human flourishing and the progress of science and
technology?
The connection of the article to human flourishing and the progress of science and technology is that
this article is making us aware that we are still not contented with our life now , specially our country
since it's one of the poor countries. By promoting the de-development of rich countries and
reevaluating the standards of development and consumption, the article aligns with the idea of
promoting human well-being and happiness while reducing the economic footprint. This is crucial for
flourishing human development and the improvement of science and technology in our country.
