Can governments really build economic powerhouses? Today we're exploring the fascinating role of the state in economic development. From the stunning rise of East Asian economies to today's global challenges, we'll uncover how different countries have succeeded (or stumbled) in their development journey.

In this episode, we explore a thought-provoking article from the Stanford Social Innovation Review that examines the power imbalances in civil society research between the Global North and South. The authors highlight how Northern researchers often dominate these collaborations, sidelining Southern scholars and limiting the impact of their perspectives. We discuss the proposed framework for decolonizing civil society research, emphasizing critical reflexivity, radical equality, and reciprocal feedback, and how these principles can lead to more inclusive, reliable, and impactful research outcomes. Tune in to discover why a shift toward equitable research partnerships is essential for the future of civil society research.

This episode covers key sociological theories, from symbolic interactionism’s focus on shared meanings to functionalism’s view of society as an interconnected system. We also explore conflict theories like Marxism, rational choice theory, and postmodern theory, which challenges traditional ideas in a fragmented, media-driven world. Tune in for a quick dive into these essential perspectives on society!