What is development?

Development is confusing. I believe there is a distinct difference in the ideological definition of development, and the empirical definition of development based on how it has been practiced through policy, aid distribution, and trade.

In my opinion, development means the progression of a nation or a peoples to the point at which the vast majority of the population have their basic needs fulfilled – food, water, shelter, and access to education and some level of economic participation. In a world with such immense inequality, it seems unacceptable that there are still large numbers of people without such basic provisions.

However, when it comes to the practice of development, of helping nations or groups of people achieve these human rights, the actors and approaches are many. NGOs and aid agencies often play a large role in basic humanitarian relief and provision of services, whereas aid driven by policies of Western governments is focused on trade and economic development. Even the most well intentioned actor has some level of self-interest, and this is especially true for governments and aid agencies. Taking this into account, I would define development as:

“The desire to progress a nation or people to a point where the vast majority of the population has its basic needs fulfilled – driven to a great extent by the self-interests of the developed world.”

Comments

[Daryn K]

Hi JPM - while I sadly have to agree with your definition of development as currently practiced by many in the development industry, I hope that becomes less and less the case over time, as the process of development has its intended effect and fewer countries need assistance. I really do believe (and say this as an employee of the industry) the development sector’s goal should be to work itself out of a job. Having said that, conflicting feelings arise at times (my specific function is in communications and public relations to ultimately support our fundraising)…but I guess as long as the needs remain so great we’re obliged to continue (as per blog topic #1), mixed motives and all.

[Nathalie]

I agree with the author, development is a process of progress for a nation or its people where the vast majority has basic need. However, what might make the idea of development confusing as you mentioned it is not the difference between the ideological definition and the empirical definition. I believe what makes the idea of development confusing is that different people: politicians, economists, common people in different nations etc. have different ideas of what development encompass. While some people might believe development is about economic power, others might believe development is about the provision of a dignified life and provision of rights to all the people in a community. It seems that the author is more inclined for the latter (provision of a dignified life). In my opinion, development is a combination of economic growth and provision of rights to citizens of a nation.