Journal of Social Development in Africa (1991). 6,2,91-103 
Book Reviews 
Triple Jeopardy: Women and AIDS, Panos Institute, London, 1990 (104 pp, price not 
known, ISBN 1 870670 20 5). 
In Triple Jeopardy the authors focus on the three fold impact of HIV/AIDS on women as 
carers, as infected persons, and as mothers who may infect their babies. It is a wellresearched, 
thought provoking, balanced, and sensitive publication. It should prove very 
useful for AIDS service organisations, and for a wide range of community organisations, 
policy makers and concerned individuals. It is, of course, of particular relevance to women 
and women's organisations. 
The book has seven chapters covering epidemiology, the mechanics of risk, questions 
of choice, reproductive issues, pediatrics, economics and prevention strategies. 
It examines the impact of AIDS on women in diverse settings, from sex workers in Asia 
and Australia to poor rural women in Africa, to middle class professional women in Africa, 
Europe and the USA. The authors quote World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 
of the eight to ten million people thought to have already contracted HIV, one third are 
women. WHO estimates that the year 2000 75-80% of HIV infections will have resulted 
from heterosexual intercourse. This places heterosexual behaviour change at the centre of 
prevention strategies. However, Triple Jeopardy highlights the enormous difficulties in 
achieving such change because of fundamental socioeconomic and cultural factors. These 
are well illustrated throughout the book along with examples of current strategies to promote 
such behaviour change and supportive attitudes. Some of the most telling examples used 
are first person accounts which enormously enrich the whole book. 
The authors conclude that HIV is not merely a medical issue but raises fundamental 
issues of equity between the sexes and between regions of the world which are at the heart 
of the development debate. Without radical change, women, and particularly the most 
disadvantaged women in the poorest communities around the world, will remain in Triple 
Jeopardy (pp91-92). Thus the authors strongly advocate improving women's economic 
and social status to promote effective control of AIDS, and to mobilise support for infected 
people. 
The style is highly readable and engaging, with numerous personal quotes and 
comments. The text is broken up with information boxes, case studies, and examples of 
education material, and uses the format of the three earlier Panos books on AIDS. Triple 
Jeopardy is shorter than the previous books, but maintains a similar high standard of factual 
content, breadth and readability. While it does stand on its own, it usefully complements 
the previous publications. 
The book is comprehensively researched and tightly referenced, although one limitation 
is the lack of an index. A detailed index would make it easier to access material on specific 
issues where, from the contents section alone, coverage is not immediately obvious. An 
index could usefully cover factual subjects, such as female condoms or prostitution, for
92 BookRnkwt 
example, as well as geographical references. The book's utility could also be enhanced by 
more developed examples of strategies for education and change. However it in no way 
purports to be a 'how to' manual so this may be an unfair criticism. Its aim is to increase 
information and awareness, and to stimulate discussion and appropriate action based on 
sound analysis. In these aims it should succeed very well. 
Reviewed by Helen Jackson, Lecturer, School of Social Work, Harare. 
Miracle or Menace? Biotechnology and the Third World, Robert Walgate, Panos 
Institute, 1990 (199 pp, price not stated, ISBN 1 87067018 3). 
The word biotechnology is emotive. Recently, I wrote an article arguing that science cannot 
be separated from emotion, though the temptation is to say 'Stop being emotional and 
approach the matter in a scientific way'. Scientifically, biotechnology is almost a miracle 
(Science doesn't believe in miracles!). It is leading science into discoveries and possibilities 
beyond that which many laypeople could imagine is possible. But this also is the menace. 
I remember Pat Mooney giving a talk at a Conference in Harare two years ago. He warned 
that when approaching the issue of biotechnology a basic Law of Technology should not be 
forgotten. He phrased it as follows: "Any new technology introduced into a society which 
is not fundamentally just will exacerbate the disparities between rich and poor". [On page 
107 there is an interesting printing error, instead of 'so patients can be identified early' it 
reads 'so patents can be identified early'. Is biotechnology as it is being researched and 
applied more interested in the patents or the patients?] 
While reading Miracle or Menace? Biotechnology and the Third World, both the 
Development Dialogue 1988 issue "The Laws ofLife" and the New Internationalist 1991 
issue "Test Tube Coup. Biotech's Global Takeover" were important to me. I would certainly 
recommend that all three publications are read to gain a comprehensive picture of the 
implications of this (terrifying?) new technology. Miracle or Menace is the one to start 
with, because it has an accessible style, helped by useful informational inserts which give 
point by point explanations on topics such as Recombinant DNA, .plant cells, vaccines, etc. 
Miracle or Menace covers the main areas of biotechnology application and controversy, 
its potential use and abuse in agriculture and food processing, ho w it can help improve world 
health, ownership of plant genetic resources (most of which come from South, but are being 
altered and patented by the North), and the possible unforeseen environmental dangers that 
could be caused by therelease of novel organisms into the environment But for some reason 
it makes no mention of the potential use of biotechnology in biological warfare, nor how 
research in this direction is going fast ahead. Perhaps the subject is too controversial, or the 
information so classified that it is impossible to report on it satisfactorily. 
Another criticism I would make is that the book fails to question the whole premise on 
which modern science seems to be based, ie treating the symptom rather than looking for 
the real cause. A good example of mis is in agriculture.' The Teal cause of the problem is 
mat agricultural science continues to look for ways of dominating nature, hoping to 
understand and control its incredible complexify instead of working with it. The proposed 
directions for biotechnology areacontinuationof this trend. Any discussion of its beneficial 
potential or dangers needs instead to debate this fundamental issue and not presume that
Book Reviews 93 
biotechnology should grow out of existing scientific paradigms, and often do not recognise 
biodiversity as a fundamental prerequisite to sustainable food and energy production. 
Robert Walgate, the author, outlines the aims of the book (the 'dossier') as: 
* to clarify the bask science behind biotechnology 
* to tackle controversies over the possible risks and benefits of biotechnology for 
the poor 
* toreportstories,actualcasesofapplications,researchprogrammesandpolicies. 
The first aim is achieved in excellent fashion. The second is covered satisfactorily, but 
die third, though a number of stories are reported, is inadequate. The Development 
Dialogue issue T h e Laws of Life" achieves this third aim far more comprehensively by 
giving precise data on what has taken place in research during the last IS years, and what 
die trends are in die corporate world where most of die research is being carried out. 
What comes out of die three publications mentioned in this review is that biotechnology 
has potentially far reaching effects for us all. It is, therefore, important that we lay people 
have some understanding of die implications. Miracle or Menace is a good introduction 
to this, but does not answer die question posed. 
Reviewed by John Wilson, Permaculture Association of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe. 
References 
Fowler Cary, Lachkovics Eva, Mooney Pat and Shand Hope (1988) "The Laws of Life. 
Another Development and die New Biotechnologies in Development Dialogue, 
1988:1-2, Dag Hammarskjold Foundation, Uppsala. 
New Internationalist (1991) 'Test Tube Coup. Biotech's Global Takeover", March .No 
217, Oxford. 
Rural Communities under Stress. Peasant Farmers and the State in Africa, Jonathan 
Barker, Cambridge University Press, African Society Today Series, Cambridge, 1989 
(228pp, £8,95 pbk, £25 hbk, ISBN 0 52131358 9). 
The stresses on peasant communities do not all come from die State, and this book offers 
a fairly comprehensive survey of diem. 
Peasant farming is described as touching on self-provisioning, full commercial farming 
and scale of labour, and thus is a complex entity which is not easy to define precisely. The 
influences and stresses on it are equally complex: ecological, economic and political. 
These, wi th less emphasis on die first, are outlined along with the various solutions currently 
on offer, all of which are found to have their disadvantages. Some will take heart from die 
conclusion that a worker-peasant alliance could be a viable political-economic strategy in 
the hands of a longsighted government in control of its economy. 
The wealth of material in this book makes it more dense than could be expected from 
die declared intention of die series, to provide 'scholarly, but lively and up-to-date' books. 
Scholarly and up-to-date it is, and for anyone seeking deeper understanding of die situation 
and problems of the majority of Africa's agriculturalists, and of policy-makers in disregard, 
it will reward the careful reading which it demands. 
Reviewed by Brian MacGarry S J, Silveira House, Harare, Zimbabwe.
94 Book Reviews 
Social Security Policies in Industrial Countries: A Comparative Analysis, Margaret S 
Gordon, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1988 (377pp. US$49,50, £32,50 (hbk), 
ISBN 0521 33311 3bk). 
This book provides a comprehensive analysis of social security policies in 28 industrial 
countries, and focuses on developments since the Second World War. The author contends 
that the social and economic consequences of World War II necessitated a reorientation of 
social security policies. The attention of the readers is drawn to the proclamations of the 
'Four Freedoms', the Atlantic Charter, the International Labour Organisation, and the 
Beveridge Report, all of which in one way or another have helped to shape social security 
policies in industrial countries. The author observes that the concern of many governments 
after the war was to extend coverage of social security to every citizen, and to ensure that 
the benefits provided were adequate. The author, however, argues that the economic 
problems of the 1970s and '80s, characterised by high rates of unemployment and inflation, 
weakened many social security schemes and forced governments to review their social 
security policies. Such reviews often resulted in the withdrawal of some benefits and the 
tightening of eligibility conditions. 
A comparative analysis is made of the coverage of social security programmes, 
eligibility criteria, type and adequacy of benefits, and the financing of programmes. Major 
social security programmes (including old age, longterm invalidity, industrial injury and 
employer pensions, as well as unemployment compensation, health benefits, family 
allowances and public assistance) are analysed in detail. Significant attention is also given 
to the pattern of expenditure on social security. The author observes that there is great 
variation in social security spending among industrial countries, but in general "countries 
with the oldest social security programmes have been found to be the largest social security 
spenders in several studies". The debate on flatrate benefits versus earnings-related benefits 
is given sufficient coverage. An interesting note from the author is that, although earningsrelated 
benefits do not serve the interests of the poor, flatrate benefits are not likely to be 
introduced because of the "strong political support for earnings-related schemes". 
The role of international linkages in shaping social security policies is explored, but the 
author points out that instruments developed within the parameters of these linkages have 
not necessarily been implemented. The author discusses linkages which are effected 
through the ILO, the Council of the European Economic Community, and bilateral 
agreements, and also provides a useful framework for determining the extent to which social 
security policies are sensitive to international linkages. 
The author assumes that readers are familiar with the concept of social security, and 
consequently does not provide a detailed conceptualisation of social security. Those readers 
who are not familiar with the subject may, therefore, find it difficult to follow the analysis. 
Despite this limitation the book is written with great clarity and has thematic flow. The 
analysis shows evidence of wide research and the book provides a detailed comparative 
analysis of social security policies in industrial countries. Policy makers, social science 
students and academics in both developing and developed countries will find this book a 
useful addition to their reference material. 
Reviewed by E Kaseke, Principal, School of Social Work, Harare.
Book Reviews 95 
Women's Liberation and the African Freedom Struggle, Thomas Sankara, Pathfinder 
Press, London, 1990 (36pp, £1,60 hbk, ISBN 0 87348 585 8 pbk). 
This publication contains two of Thomas Sankara's speeches on women: The Revolution 
cannot Triumph without the Emancipation of Women (March 8,1987), and Women's Role 
in the Democratic and Popular Revolution (October 2,1983). 
Sankara basically explains the history of women's oppression in terms of the class 
struggle. He shows how a woman's duties evolved from thedivisktn of labour, and relegated 
her to an inferior position. Because of her love for the family, a woman suffers double 
oppression, both in the home and outside it 
The speeches are easy to comprehend, full of respect for women, and for their status, 
what they go through, why they go through it, and most of all, what they stand for. They 
lead the reader to appreciate the endeavours of governments in different countries who form 
ministries or departments focusing on the affairs of women. 
Reviewed by Stabile Nkomo, Student, School of Social Work, Harare, Zimbabwe. 
The Politics of Reconciliation, Zimbabwe's First Decade, Victor De Waal, David Philip, 
Cape Town, 1990 (146pp, R39.95, ISBN 1 85065 097 7 cased, 1 85065 100 0 pbk). 
This highly readable account of Zimbabwe's past combines a broad historical overview 
with rich personal anecdote to make a sensitive perceptive whole. As a historical document 
it is selective and patchy but the theme of reconciliation is the broad thread that holds the 
book together. 
The book goes back to the early exploitation of Africa to provide the historical 
framework for understanding the issue of reconciliation in the first decade of Zimbabwe's 
independence. The aims and attitudes of the white settlers, the missionaries, the politicians, 
and of the different sec tors of the black population and the liberation movements are brought 
to life by pertinent anecdote and illustration. 
The book is divided into twelve chapters examining issues concerning the colonial 
period, Zimbabwe-Rhodesia under Bishop Muzorewa, the election period, the churches' 
role at different stages, moral and cultural issues, and different facets of the postindependence 
period. The latter provides some critique of the move towards socialism, 
indicating some of the pitfalls end limitations in achievements so far. There is also a three 
page chronology highlighting key events from 1888 and the Rudd Concession to the 1990 
elections and the lapse of the remaining Lancaster House provisions. References are given, 
including firsthand interviews, and there is a useful index of names. The author spent six 
months, in 1988, interviewing a wide cross section of Zimbabwean society for the book, 
recording a wealth of personal impressions and views. 
A particular focus is on the role of the church, and on the moral justifications given for 
colonialism, the liberation struggle and reconciliation. Calls for the churches to remain 
neutral in the face of oppression, or to plead for peace in opposition to Smith's aggression, 
•re seen as totally inadequate, if understandable in context. The fundamental linkage 
between Christianity and the socialist politics of liberation and reconciliation is well argued 
and illustrated, contrasting with the hollow rhetoric of Christianity used by the colonial 
regime to justify capitalism and the domination of the people. Indeed, it is argued that such
96 BookRtviewt 
profound Christian charity and forgiveness as exhibited by the new leaders constitute "a 
demonstration of human maturity so far rarely equalled in our world" (pl33). The 
pragmatism of reconciliation is also recognised, but this does not detract from how 
impressive it is that there have been no purges, no war trials, no violent recriminations 
against the former regime or the whites in general - even the opposing armies were 
successfully integrated within a year, with few serious hitches. 
A telling quotation is given from Maurice Nyagumbo speaking in relation to Van der Byl, 
previous Minister of Defence and Foreign Affairs: "If I had not forgiven that man he would 
still be my gaoler". De Waal writes "Themoral insight of that reply is due to the solid ground 
onwhichZimbabwe'spolicy of National Reconciliation is based" (pi). Ironically, the hand 
of friendship was extended so readily at Independence, in complete contrast to what many 
whites feared would come, that some have failed even to recognise the magnitude of 
forgiveness and acceptance, and have continued to feel justified and secure in maintaining 
racist and separatist attitudes. The economic base has remained intact, and many, it is 
argued, have seen little need for fundamental attitude change. 
The problem of reconciliation between different sec tors of the black population, notably 
the two main political parties, is also touched on. The unrest and repression in M atabeleland 
in 1982-3, the rise of the Zimbabwe Unity Movement under Tekere, and the uniting of 
ZANU PF and ZAPU are all briefly explored, although a more critical appraisal of the 
problems would have been useful. 
As noted earlier, this is a very readable book, giving valuable insights into some of the 
thinking and attitudes behind the known historical facts. Apart from the prominent focus 
on moral imperatives, it also examines some of the cultural dimensions of conflict and 
reconciliation. For example, hyperbolic speeches by African leaders are seen as culturally 
expected by the masses, and are interpreted appropriately as a display of strength or 
commitment. They are not intended to be taken literally, whereas the white population and 
white politicians often misread them as insincere or false because they do interpret then in 
a literal way. 
Overall this is a valuable publication, not for the depth nor breadth of its historical 
coverage, but for its attempt to portray personal attitudes, cultural understanding and the 
moral base of its subjects. However, the political and economic realities that block a 
fundamental social transformation are only partially alluded to and this weakens the book, 
but it remains a refreshing and worthwhile addition to the literature. 
Reviewed by Helen Jackson, Lecturer, School of Social Work, Harare, Zimbabwe. 
Modernising Hunger: Famine, Food Surplus and Farm Policy in the EEC and Africa, 
Philip Raikes, Catholic Institute for International Relations/James Currey/Heineman, 1988 
(280pp, price not stated, ISBN 0 85255 111 8 hbk, 0 85255 112 6 pbk). 
This thought provoking book, which evolved from a narrower research study on how 
policies have affected agriculture in Africa, is an attempt to grapple with a series of 
concomitant aspects of what the author calls the 'food crisis' in Africa. It is not an easy book 
to review or read. In part this is because the author is determined to look at policies and
Book Reviews 97 
implications from a refreshingly unblinkered perspective. He does not embrace any 
particular theoretical framework which would bind the considerable loose ends he unravels 
together in a coherent fashion. Raikes appears to be disenchanted with the limitations of 
seme of the obvious ways in which he could have organised his material: by writing a manual 
of policy recommendations which are unrealistic, or by adopting the disciplinary or 
ideological scaffolding offered by either economics or Marxism. 
The book is divided into two parts. After an introductory chapter the author devotes 
three chapters to setting the scene in Africa, by focusing on the cause and nature of the 'food 
gap' and taking a closer look at the implications of food shortages and famine. The second 
part of the book investigates the international situation, with chapters on the EEC, the 
relationship to project aid, food security and agriculture policy. The final chapter is an 
attempt to treat some of the disparate strands that have emerged from adifferent perspective. 
The author concedes that in hindsight he could have organised his material differently. 
His discomfort with the arrangement is evident throughout the book, and one occasionally 
suspects that one is reading a text which has not yet jelled. This notwithstanding, he writes 
lucidly and simply and the book offers a provoking smorgasbord of perspectives on 
different aspects of the food problem: distribution, marketing, food production, agricultural 
policy, peasant agriculture, famine, food shortage, African governments' different responses 
to food security and agriculture (examples from Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and 
other African countries abound), bias towards technological innovation, food aid, the EEC's 
Common Agricultural Policy, US and European protectionism, corruption ("Kleptocracy"), 
and development project design. 
Two interesting interrelated themes dominate. Raikes makes much of the first, and the 
now familiar, argument that the recent approaches to food shortage (in reality caused more 
by poor distribution systems and a concentration on the wrong kind of macro development 
projects) have been technical responses that have underrated political and social dimensions. 
Without flamboyance and jargon Raikes convincingly demonstrates that this multifaceted 
problem cannot be adequately understood or addressed by submitting it to the filter of an 
ideological or disciplinary cage, by deliberately forcing us to infer the implicit conclusions 
for ourselves. The dissatisfaction caused by the lack of forthright 'recommendations' is 
more than made up for by the seriousness of the questions he raises. 
Raikes is able to point to an ironic and false congruity of thought from different camps. 
He resists the temptation to attack any easy targets or to set up straw-horses, but prefers to 
tease out more complex interrelationships. An important example of this is his rejection of 
the two incompatible and simplistic 'explanations' of the food problems of Africa: those 
that blame imperialism and the internationalist capitalist system (iemelMForWorMBank), 
or those that blame high population growth, low productivity and the policies of the African 
governments themselves. He argues that although these views are diametrically opposed 
Ae protagonists of each version agree wholeheartedly mat one must modernise agriculture 
through technologies, inputs and equipment originating from Western or Socialist countries. 
They share the "assumption of the necessarily beneficial and socially neutral impact of 
''modem agriculture"*. Raikes amply demonstrate* the falsity of this assumption. 
The second theme that permeates this book is more subtle and has less relevance to those 
concerned with food shortage or development per se, Raikes' intellectual honesty and
98 Book Reviews 
confidence in the import of his arguments results in his deliberate 'signposting' of the 
perceived weakness of the tools of his discipline (economics), his ideological inclination 
(Marxism), his terms of reference for the original study (designed by the EEC), and his 
organisation of the material. This book thus acquires a significance beyond development 
and emergency studies, because it would be a useful book to use in refining 'write ups' of 
social science research. It would help many 'blocked' research students who are engaged 
in the gruelling business of testing their 'scientific' and 'ideological* hypothesis against 
their empirical findings. 
I recommend this book both to those interested in development and 'food' and to those 
who might gain from seeing how convincing (and rewarding) an argument can be without 
a conceptual framework to organise and hammer the points home. 
Rev ie wed by Gerry S alole, Director, Save the Children Federation (USA), Harare, Zimbabwe. 
Trends in World Social Development The Social Progress of Nations 1970-1987, 
Richard J Estes, Praeger, New York, 1988 (no price available). 
The pedagogy of social development assumes a unique position in the context of social work 
education, practice, and research (SW-EPR) for two important reasons. First, traditional 
social work programmes in the United State do not emphasise, much less require, social 
development as an essential or specialised component of professional education. The list 
of entries in the Encyclopaedia of Social Work does not include social development 
(NASW, 1987). Second, SW-EPR's continuing crisis of confidence as a fullyfledged 
profession warrants the exposition of developmental issues beyond its approaches. These 
premises have special ramifications for social technology that is designed to improve the 
human condition 'Beyond the Third World' (Mohan and Sharma, 1987). 
Estes' Trends in World Social Development: The Social Progress of Nations 1970- 
1987 is a welcome sequel to his previous study (1984). World trends in this field are 
suggestive of numerous dimensions that are crucial for understanding social development 
in a cross-national perspective. The Estes report on the progress of nations is timely and 
authentic. It is a chilling reminder of the hopeless human condition that people themselves 
have contributed to. The forces of dehumanisation - Tanging from racism, colonialism and 
neoglobalism to hunger, disease and ignorance - thwart societal development and global 
welfare. 'Bioglobalism', therefore, should be the ultimate agenda of social development 
(Mohan, 1988a). Trends in World Social Development lends support to aglobal paradigm 
that underscores the oneness of humanity, inequalities notwithstanding. 
In The Progress of Nations Estes made a courageous attempt to assess global social 
progress in a troubled world. The later book "was undertaken for the purpose of better 
understanding the myriad social, economic, and political factors that sustain social inequality" 
(pxvi). A perusal of detailed tabular structures indicates the diversities, complexities and 
perversities of nations that are preoccupied with games of mutual destruction rather than real 
life-enhancing endeavours. "Man is recklessly wiping out life on earth" asserts Linden 
lamenting "The Death of Birth" (1989:32). Social development seeks to promote lifesustaining 
systems at the expense of destructive projects. Trends in World Social
Book Reviews 99 
Development offers a mountain of developmentally significant data relevant to the 
unders tandingofthe regional andglobal dimensions of social development. The assessment 
of national progress is attempted in terms of national trends and world rankings. The 
methodology of the study is sound and clear. It explains the formulation of the index of 
social progress (ISP), criteria for country selection and the socioeconomic development 
groupings of different nations. Of special interest are sectors of social development activity: 
education, health, women, economic trends, population trends, environmental issues and 
development, political participation, cultural diversity and welfare efforts. Students and 
teachers of comparative social welfare will find the analyses of geographic locale and social 
development, regional grouping and "adequacy of social provision," regional changes in 
ISP profiles, and regional and subregional analyses of Africa, North America, Latin 
America, South Asia, East Asia and Europe both interesting and useful. Significant 
developments since 1984 are appropriately recorded. The Epilogue contains "two 
extraordinary events", the US-Soviet accord on intermediate nuclear missiles, and the 
separation of the Chinese Communist Party from the Government of China. While one can 
understand the importance of the INF treaty between the two superpowers, the author's 
subtle admiration of China as "the region's preeminent military and political power" appears 
misplaced. It is counterproductive to applaud the wallows of power that culminate in 
superpower mentality. As "Asia's superpower" (pi 64) China can muffle the aspirations of 
the emerging AfroAsian countries that constitute the 'underclass' of the global community. 
In contrast, I would argue that two most significant events that would shape the future of 
social development across nations may be conceptualised as: the demise of Reaganism- 
Thatcherism and the influence of glasnost. The problems of global welfare, however, 
remain eclipsed by the paradoxes of the post-Cold War vicissitudes. The North-South 
conflicts and continuing problems of international relations thwart social development 
strategies, especially those conducive to developing nations. TherecentGulf Crisis is acase 
in point TheoTetkiansarcbeginningtorornanticisethesuperpowerbalancethatmaintained 
peace and security during the last four decades (Mearsheimer, 1990). 
Social development is a whole and comprehensive process, and is succinctly analysed 
in the following (Gil, 1981:67): 
"Social development involves philosophical, biological, ecological, psychological, 
social, economic, and political dimensions. In contradistinction to conventional, by 
now outdated, notions of economic growth and development, the central criteria for 
evaluating social development is evenly shared, balanced progress of the entire 
population of aregion, or of the globe, towards enhanced collective, segmental, and 
individual wellbeing". 
The pretentiousness of contemporary social work has caused massive disorientatkm 
between professional educatiion and the burning issuesof our times. A global consciousness 
is sadly missing in our education. Professional concerns for basic issues like inequality, 
injustice, poverty, racism, hunger, hunun rights, and, above all, world peace, are at best 
symbolic. 
The incorporation of social development content in social work curricula would help 
devek^ a miiKbet that is conducive to laidentandmg universal wellbeing. Theskelctonof 
a pmSgm it proffered here for constructing a framework that would help strengthen the
100 Book Reviews 
basic premise of a developmental thesis: social development, an essential dimension of 
global welfare, seeks to promote human freedom at the expense of the forces of oppression 
(Mohan and Sharma, 1985; Mohan, 1985). This conceptualisation involves four dimensions, 
each consisting of three elements: 
1. Conceptual Unification: 
1. Zietgeist of global wellbeing and SW-ERP 
2. Redefinition of social problems, welfare state, social work and social welfare 
3. Reconceptualisation of purpose, mission, issues, and methodology. 
2. Curriculum Design 
1. Congruence of interventive approaches and societal goals 
2. Incorporation of metavalues in the learning process and entire professional culture 
3. Human diversity, oppression and social criticism as required components of 
professional foundation. 
3. Creative Planning and Global Welfare 
1. Social policy as the art and science of social regeneration 
2. Social development as a means 
3. Social reconstruction as a goal. 
4. Social Development for the New World Oder 
1. Fallacies of progress 
2. Race beyond races: The "human' race 
3. Universalisation of social justice: postmaterial challenges for human development 
and social transformation (Mohan, 1990). 
A text that would systematically highlight and analyse these elements is not yet written. 
Trends In World Social Development will positively serve as the forerunner of studies that 
will enrich social development as one of the most crucial intellectual activities of the 21st 
Century. 
Reviewed by Brij Mohan, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, USA. 
References 
Estes R J (1984) The Progress of Nations, Praeger, New York. 
Linden E (1989) The death of Birth", in Time, January 2,32 
Mearsheimer J (1990) "Why we willsoonmiss the Cold War" inThe Atlantic, August, 266, 
. 2,35-51. 
Mohan B (1990) "Postmaterial Challenges for Human Development and Social 
Mohan B (1988) "Comparative Social Welfare and World Peace," in Journal of 
Mohan B (ed) (1985) Toward Comparative Social Welfare, Schenkman Book Co, 
Mohan B and Sharma P (1987) " Beyond the Third World: a critical holography of the 
Transformation", XXV International Congress of Schools of Social Work, Lima, 
Peru, August 15-20. 
International and Comparative Social Welfare, June, 4,1,38-43. 
Cambridge, MA.. 
human condition" in International Journal of Contemporary Sociology, XXIV, 
land 2,126-33 
Mohan B and Sharma P (1985) "On Human Oppression arid Social Development" in Social 
Development Issues, 9,1,12-23. 
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) (1987) Encyclopaedia of Social Work, 
Silver Spring, MD, 18,1.
Book Reviews 101 
War and Refugees, The Western Sahara Conflict, Richard Lawless and Laila Monahan 
(eds), Frances Pinter, London, 1987 (201pp, price not stated, ISBN 0 86187 900 7). 
Two thirds of the contributions, collected papers presented at Oxford University Refugee 
Studies Programme in 198 6, deal at greatlength with the theory and practice of decolonisation, 
with special reference to the Western Saharan case. The part played by the World powers 
in the Western Saharan conflict is analysed on a regional and global level. Further papers 
discuss the lives of the refugees, and lessons and prospects for people who are in enforced 
exile and "dependent on the continued interest of the international community". 
Hodges writes that the "aim of this collection is to cast fresh light on the multiple facets 
of the Western Saharan conflict", which, in his view, had "received far less attention than 
it warranted". In this respect, the inclusion of an informed Saharawian voice would have 
been appropriate and relevant The final contributions analyse the role of the Saharawi 
woman in war and as a refugee. Perhaps the most informative and insightful writing in this 
collection. 
It should be noted that people cannot be independent when depending upon the good will 
of donors. The Saharawi people have transformed this dependent situation by relying upon 
a fierce selfreliance, having never been a subjugated people and able to endure the 
remoteness and inhospitality of their desert homeland. 
Hodges, Franckand Joffe draw the reader's attention to the violations of the principles 
of decolonisation laid down by the United Nations General Assembly in resolution 1514 
of 1960. In the forty year history of decolonisation there have been three exceptions to the 
decolonisation process, WesternNew Guinea, the Timor colonies, and the Western Sahara, 
a Spanish colony tiiat the Moroccans occupied against the w&hMrof the inhabitants. The 
case of the Saharawi was heard by the International Court of Justice, and in 197S the UN 
General Assembly resolution 3458A (XXX) reaffirmed "ftp inalterable right of the people 
of the Spanish Sahara to selfdetermination". But they remain in exile, another flagrant 
example of the arbitrary nature of international principle. 
The Moroccan government has consistently violated the Covenant on Civil and Political 
Rights which they ratified in August 1979, and hundreds of Saharawi have vanished. The 
disappearances are a further exposure of a disregard for law: "little short of terrorism". 
For oxer a decade 160 000 Saharawi women, men and children have lived in four 
refugees camps near the Algerian border, fleeing from the Moroccan army who attacked 
defenseless people with napalm and cluster bombs. The Polisario Front (the armed 
liberation movement) has been fighting for selfdetermination since 197S when the Spanish 
colonialists agreed to divide the Western Sahara between Morocco and Mauritania, without 
consulting the Saharawian people. 
The media usually portrays refugees as passive and helpless, but the Saharawians have 
created ordered, stable communities. Environmentally the region is inhospitable barren 
desert, with extreme temperature changes. Food production is difficult and most of the food 
ix provided by external donors and Algeria. Algeria provides more than 90 percent of the 
funding because of the paucity of international donors. The UNHCR assists only selected 
vulnerable refugees (World Refugee Survey, 1986). 
The Saharawis have an organised dairy life in the camps. Except for the very old, every 
adult has a role in servicing camp life through participation in neighbourhood committees
102 Book Reviews 
for health, education, local production, social affairs and provisions. The administration and 
organisation is strong and effective. There are fully functioning schools, health care clinics, 
and nutrition centres. Aid is given directly to the Saharawi people, through their own 
administration. This is the only way the Saharawis can control the aid they receive for the 
running of the camps. Before 1975 over 90 percent of Saharawi women were illiterate, but 
measures w o e taken to make education accessible to all. Women now manage the training 
centres, and die creches, hospitals and clinics, do the training, teach and nurse, organise, 
distribute food and other supplies, and bring up the children. Women's rights have been 
protected by progressive reforms. Arranged marriages can no longer take place without 
agreement, dowries have disappeared, and women work and argue as equals. 
The Saharawi have created an organised, caring society with the full dynamic of women 
positively involved, both in the struggle for liberation and for their own respect and status, 
alongside the necessity to survive as nationals of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic. 
While this publication is a rigorously researched collection of essays which will serve 
students of the Saharawi conflict well, there is a tendency to use oppressive academic 
language which may exclude a wider reading public. In the study of refugees, the refugees 
themselves know what is best for them, and they deserve to be asked and listened to. All 
who work in die field of refugee relief, aid and development would be wise to take a look 
at the Saharawi way of doing things. 
Reviewed by M N Mindd^Harare, Zimbabwe. 
Child Abuse and Its Consequences. Observational Approaches, Rachel Calam and 
Christiana Franchi, Cambridge University ftess, Cambridge, 1987 (x+226 pp, US$13,95 
pbk, ISBN 0 521 316114 6 pbk). 
The rather sweeping title of this book is misleading, implying a major theoretical statement 
or overview of research in the area. In fact the book reads more like a dissertation, bong 
a report of research undertaken by the authors in an English day centre for at risk children. 
The title 'Family Centre' for the day centre is also misleading, since siblings and fathers or 
other family members did not attend. Basically it was a day nursery run by highly qualified 
professional staff with compulsory attendance by mothers at certain times. 
The main body of the book details the behavioral observation of eleven children at the 
centre, in interaction with staff, peas and their own mothers. The account makes valuable 
reading for anyone considering undertaking research into child abuse, with its emphasis on 
the importance of direct observation of the child and child-parent communication process, 
the summary of constraints, and the discussion of the different uses of statistical versus the 
case study approaches. The lack of a control group is explained, but is nevertheless a 
weakness. The authors do not discuss the possibility that criterion behaviours might be 
equally common in controls and there is no way of assessing from the study how much 
nonabused children might also exhibit watchfulness, hostility, etc. 
Another weakness in the book lies in a theoretical discrepancy which might be 
particularly troublesome in a culture such as ours where some physical chastisement is 
normative. The authors seem to assume implicitly that any corporal punishment is 
undesirable, in spite of the fact that they themselves point out that degree of injury has no
Book Reviews 103 
correlation with psychological damage in abused children, and that many children may 
suffer from emotional rather than physical abuse. I am in no way justifying harsh physical 
treatment of a child, but it could be argued that a smack or hiding may be a psychologically 
'cleaner' means of control than emotional coercion, especially in young children who might 
still have a limited understanding of environmental dangers. This is a controversial issue, 
possibleybecause the boundaries are not quite as clear as many first world theorists indicate. 
How applicable is the book generally to Zimbabwe? The research design and details, 
assuggested above, couldbe very usefully appliedhere. Theday centre concept, on theother 
hand,mightneed considerable modification. The Family Centre describedmakes intensive 
use of professional labour, we simply could not afford such facilities in Zimbabwe. Apart 
from cost, the authors point out a major disadvantage, even in the English context, that the 
mothers learn little and are disempo wered, handing over the management of their children 
to the professionals. A much more useful approach would be to work with families to 
increase and improve their nurturing and disciplining competence. Day centres to give 
parentsabreak from parenting, or the use of the extended familyfor the samepurpose, would 
of course be valuable. 
All in all this book is rather dry reading, but useful for those concerned professionally 
with the problem of child abuse, particularly researchers. 
Reviewed by Margaret Henning, Clinical and Training Director, Family Counselling Unit, 
Harare, Zimbabwe.