DEVELOPMENT AND IT MAJOR APPROACH

Development refers to a dynamic and multidimensional process aimed at improving the living
standards, well-being, and freedoms of people in a society. While earlier definitions focused
mainly on economic growth and industrialization, modern understandings emphasize human
dignity, political participation, social equity, environmental sustainability, and overall quality of
life. Development involves both quantitative aspects like income levels, employment, and
infrastructure, and qualitative dimensions such as access to education, healthcare, clean water,
and democratic rights. In essence, development means expanding people’s choices and
capabilities so they can lead meaningful, productive, and fulfilling lives.

Definitions of Development by Scholars

1. Amartya Sen

 “Development is the process of expanding the real freedoms that people enjoy.”

2. Gustav Ranis

 “Development is not only about economic growth, but also about reducing
poverty, inequality, and unemployment.”

3. Michael Todaro

 “Development involves both the growth and structural change of economies, as

well as the improvement of living standards and the expansion of economic and
social choices.”

4. Dudley Seers

 “The questions to ask about a country’s development are: What has been
happening to poverty? What has been happening to unemployment? What has
been happening to inequality? If all three have declined, then beyond doubt this
has been a period of development for the country.”

5. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

 “Human development is the process of enlarging people’s choices and enhancing

human capabilities.”
 6. Paul Streeten

 “Development is the reduction and elimination of poverty, inequality, and

unemployment within a growing economy.”
Major approach to development
Economic approach
The economic growth approach was the earliest and most dominant perspective, especially
during the post-World War II period. It viewed development primarily in terms of GDP growth,
capital accumulation, and industrialization. According to this view, increased national income
would eventually "trickle down" to benefit all sections of society. For example, India’s early
Five-Year Plans heavily prioritized industrial growth and infrastructure building. However, this
approach has been criticized for neglecting poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation,
and for assuming that economic growth alone is sufficient to bring about development.
Modernization theory
The modernization theory, emerging in the 1950s and 60s, proposed that all societies progress
through similar linear stages from traditional to modern states. This theory, articulated by
thinkers like W.W. Rostow, suggested that with the adoption of Western-style institutions,
technologies, and cultural values, underdeveloped societies could achieve high levels of mass
consumption. For instance, South Korea’s post-war transformation through industrialization is
often cited as a success story of modernization. However, critics argue that modernization theory
is Eurocentric, ignores historical injustices like colonialism, and assumes that Western societies
offer the only valid model of development.
Dependency theory
In response, dependency theory emerged from Latin America as a critical alternative. This
approach argues that underdevelopment is not a stage but a condition caused by the historical
exploitation of developing countries by developed nations through unequal trade, foreign
domination, and capitalist structures. Thinkers like Andre Gunder Frank and Samir Amin posited
that peripheral countries are structurally dependent on core nations, leading to a continuous cycle
of exploitation. For example, African and Latin American countries exporting raw materials
while importing expensive finished goods results in unequal exchange. Dependency theorists
advocated for strategies like import substitution, self-reliance, and regional cooperation.
However, the theory has been critiqued for overemphasizing external factors and downplaying
domestic issues like poor governance and corruption.
Human development
The human development approach, popularized by Amartya Sen and institutionalized by the
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), brought a transformative shift in thinking. It
defines development as the expansion of people's capabilities and freedoms, focusing on what
people are able to be and do. This approach measures progress through indicators like health,
education, and standard of living, as reflected in the Human Development Index (HDI). For
example, Kerala in India, despite its low GDP per capita, performs well on human development
indicators such as literacy and life expectancy. The strength of this approach lies in its focus on
people rather than just economies, although critics note the challenges in measuring subjective
capabilities and freedoms.
Sustainable development
In the context of climate change and environmental degradation, the sustainable development
approach has gained prominence. First formally articulated in the 1987 Brundtland Report, this
approach aims to balance economic growth with environmental protection and social equity. It
calls for meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations
to meet theirs. Sustainable development is now globally embraced through frameworks like the
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Examples include India’s push for solar
energy and organic farming in states like Sikkim. Although essential in today’s world, the
challenge with this approach lies in its complex implementation and the global inequalities in
environmental responsibility and resources.
Participatory development
Finally, the participatory development approach emphasizes the role of people in shaping
their own development. It advocates for bottom-up planning, local ownership, and inclusive
decision-making. This approach assumes that local communities understand their own needs best
and should be active participants, not passive beneficiaries. Examples include India’s Mahatma
Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), where village-level
institutions plan and implement public works, and community-led watershed development
projects in states like Maharashtra. The participatory approach fosters empowerment and
accountability, although it may face challenges like elite capture or inefficiency in decentralized
institutions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, development is a complex and evolving concept that encompasses much more
than just economic growth. While early models emphasized industrialization and national
income, contemporary approaches recognize the need for holistic development that includes
human well-being, social justice, sustainability, and democratic participation. No single approach
is sufficient on its own. A comprehensive strategy must integrate the strengths of all these
models, tailoring development policies to the specific historical, cultural, and social contexts of
each society. Understanding the diverse approaches to development helps us move toward a
more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world.