The Cultural Framing of Conceptions of Development

Abstract

The notion of development as an objective phenomenon views it as if it occurs "out there". Thus conceptions of development entail endpoints or idealised goals to be achieved. The developmental trajectories and endpoints may be quite diverse both within and across cultures. By becoming aware of, and separating cultural values from conceptions of devel opment, the phenomena viewed as developmental is broadened and the scope of its description and explanation expanded. Such concepts which originated in developmental theories have become everyday notions in many cultures, and, therefore, have significant implications for a wide range of socio-cultural and political discourses.