The Development Studies Association (DSA) is a scholarly society which works to "connect and promote the development research community in UK and Ireland". It was formally established at the National Development Research Glasgow Conference in 1978. David Hulme is the current president of the DSA.
Contents
The Role of the DSA
The DSA's stated role is as follows:
More broadly they have the aims of:
The Journal of International Development is the official journal of the Development Studies Association.
The Development Studies Association's case for a development studies unit of assessment a sub-panel in HEFCE's Research Assessment Exercise is discussed in Mohan and Wilson (2005) where they report the DSA claim that: Development Studies is driven by real-world issues and problems, rather than by disciplinary perspectives. Success in Development Studies requires that different disciplines find ways to communicate and pool resources. It follows, therefore, that it is characteristic of Development Studies research, that disciplinary priorities are secondary to the engagement with the reality of the lives of men, women and children living in poor countries and also of the processes and policies which affect them. (DSA, 2004)
A History of the Development Studies Association
Tribe, Mike (2009) A Short History of the Development Studies Association, Journal of International Development, Volume 21, Issue 6 (p 732-741)
Affiliations
The DSA is affiliated to the European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI).
Related associations
Developing Areas Research Group (DARG—within the Royal Geographical Society)
British International Studies Association (BISA—within the Political Studies Association)