The study of development is a very broad, multi-disciplinary field that encompasses many different topics such as psychology, biology, sociology, economics and history. While its expansiveness may intimidate some, it’s a great area to explore if you have an interest in how these subjects impact, influence and relate to each other.
The term “development” is used to refer to a number of things, including economic growth, social change and environmental sustainability. The goal of development is to improve the lives of people around the world, which can be achieved through access to education, health care and a decent standard of living.
When considering the meaning of development, the most common view is that it is a process through which societies grow and become richer. Some scholars, however, have argued that this narrow definition is problematic as it excludes other elements of well-being, such as social equality and a healthy environment.
One such theory of development is the work of Piaget, who outlined four stages of human development. He believed that children pass through a series of crises, with each crisis requiring the individual to learn a new skill in order to move on. These skills include using their senses, learning to represent the world in their minds, developing a logical mind and becoming mature adults.
Another view of development is that it is the result of a society’s ability to organize its resources to exploit opportunities and overcome challenges. This includes the creation of better organizations and institutions that can manage resources more effectively, as well as policies that promote community development and empowerment.
