Paper short abstract:

I argue that the behavioural turn in development policy aims for a certain kind of subjectivity which not only problematizes non-Western subjectivities, but also justifies the hegemonic neoliberal project of economization and improvement within development interventions.

Paper long abstract:

The aim of this paper is to examine the use of psychological and behavioural knowledge in development policy and practise by specifically examining the technological expertise deployed in the World Bank's 2015 WDR 'Mind, Society and Behavior'. To do this, I will firstly examine the main proposition put forth in the WDR highlighting the behavioural change framework and policy techniques promoted. Secondly, I review the shifts in development policy through a governmentality perspective offering a critical perspective in how we can understand the recent psychological and behavioural focus in development policy. Thirdly, I will then go on to analyse the behavioural techniques promoted within WDR; examining how a certain kind of subjectivity is being aimed for which not only homogenises and problematizes non-Western knowledge systems, subjectivities and agency, but also justifies the hegemonic neoliberal project of economization and improvement within development interventions. I conclude by urging development scholars to critically engage with the psychologization and behaviouralization of development interventions, especially as the neoliberal project advances.