Development is the term used to refer to positive change across various aspects of life. It can occur at both an individual or global level and encompasses economic expansion, social improvement and realizing human potential. Development is a multifaceted concept with numerous theories and approaches for approaching it; motivations such as essential preconditions are also considered factors in its progress as is its ability to overcome obstacles that prevent progress from being made.
Economic theories were initially responsible for conceptualizing development; since then it has expanded to cover other disciplines, including sociology, biology and history. Development theory rests on the idea that human societies are similar to fabric pieces and require continual reorganization to take advantage of opportunities and overcome challenges presented by resources, technologies and infrastructure; ultimately development is determined by capacity; this relies heavily on available resources, knowledge and abilities within its population base.
At this physical stage of society development, individuals are focused on basic survival and subsistence. People live an agrarian culture where land serves as the principal asset. Hereditary status dictates status hierarchies with little upward mobility possible.
At this stage, children begin learning to read and write but remain dependent on their parents for most decisions regarding literacy instruction. Piaget and Ericson’s stages of cognitive development become more apparent; according to these experts, everyone goes through them in the same order: infancy for trust vs mistrust; toddlerhood with autonomy versus self-consciousness; preschool years initiative versus guilt; early school years industry versus inferiority; adolescence identity role confusion etc.
Natural hazards can have an extremely negative impact on development. Countries with large mineral deposits often find it hard to develop other industries due to focusing on exploiting those deposits. Climate related diseases also create widespread illness and even deaths; moreover, countries without access to sea ports tend to rely heavily on imports for food and raw materials.
Development can also be determined by a nation’s ability to trade on world markets. Nations with robust foreign exchange positions have an advantage in procuring equipment that will boost their economies and accelerate progress. Additionally, nations can purchase more raw materials and fuel to increase production. Healthcare quality also plays a pivotal role in nation development – having access to high quality medical facilities can attract foreign investors while creating a stronger economy. Furthermore, education can play a pivotal role in reducing infant mortality and providing citizens with healthy lifestyles. A proper education system is also critical to the nation’s development; providing more employment opportunities while expanding intellectual capacities of young people.
