Explore with KC

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 decolo...

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 so...

This episode explores the evolution of development theory, contrasting the traditional focus on economic growth with Amartya Sen’s view of development as expanding human freedoms and capabilities. Sen’s "capability approach" highlights the importance of social, political, and cultural factors, emphasizing policies that improve education and healthcare. His ideas have reshaped how we measure develo...

This week, we’re uncovering the powerful, stories of Nepali migrants in Japan. From the bustling kitchens of ethnic restaurants to the challenges of accessing healthcare, we’ll explore how these invisible ties shape lives across borders. Tune in to hear about the struggles, the resilience, and the communities that emerge in unexpected places. 🎧

In this episode, we talk about sociology , the study of human relationships and institutions. Sociology covers a wide range of topics, including crime, religion, social class, and cultural beliefs. By using research methods like surveys, interviews, and historical analysis, sociologists explore how our actions and thoughts are influenced by society, and how we influence society in return. We'll di...

In this episode, we explore the concept of the sociological imagination , a powerful idea developed by sociologist C. Wright Mills. This concept challenges us to look beyond personal problems and understand them within the context of broader social forces. Mills draws a distinction between "troubles," personal challenges within an individual's control, and "issues," larger societal challenges that...

Welcome to today’s episode, where we dive into a fascinating discussion on the four key approaches to understanding development studies. Based on an insightful paper by Andy Sumner, we’ll explore the distinctions between aid-dependent Development Studies, global Development Studies, critical Development Studies, and classical Development Studies. Each of these approaches offers a unique lens on wh...

In this episode, we analyze a compelling article that critiques the language used to classify countries and people in global health and development. The authors argue that terms like "developed/developing," "rich/poor," and even "Global North/South" are rooted in colonialist and racist ideologies, perpetuating harmful hierarchies and obscuring the complex realities of global inequality. We discuss...

In this episode, we dive into a new study on the factors influencing innovation in Nepalese NGOs . The research examines how board effectiveness, board diversity, and organizational characteristics impact innovation within these organizations. We'll break down the key findings, including why effective boards in resource acquisition and monitoring are strong predictors of innovation, while strategi...

In this episode, we dive into a new study on sustainability reporting practices among leading Thai companies . The research by Farrell Tan and Dipendra KC examines how well these companies implement materiality assessments and stakeholder engagement in their sustainability reports. We'll break down the key findings, including why companies scored better on identifying material issues than on a...