Introduction Millions of people are unable to access basic needs such as enough food and clean water, but across the world countries are seeking ways to improve the living conditions of their people. The Development Studies syllabus gives an understanding of this process and of how politics and economics, together with social and environmental issues contribute to the reduction of poverty. Although the various sections of the syllabus deal with different aspects of development, it is important to understand the interrelationships between these issues and to consider a holistic approach to the development strategies studied in the text.
The political process A government makes decisions on how a country’s natural resources are to be used, where industries will be sited and how the environment will be protected. It decides how taxes will be spent. Conflicts with other countries may result in more money being spent on weapons than on providing clean water. Palaces for the leader may be built instead of hospitals and schools. A government may pass laws to improve the rights of women and abolish child labour, or it may ignore these and other important development issues.
The economic process Economic growth from industrial production and commercial agriculture will make a society wealthier but it can make the living conditions worse for some local people. If people have an income from work, they pay tax to the government and they can purchase goods and satisfy their basic needs. They can make sure their children get an education and all the benefits that this brings. Companies trade goods, earn foreign exchange and also pay tax. However, industries use up resources such as oil and they produce waste which can damage the environment where people live.
The social process Development is a process of change that usually improves the living standards of the people of a country. Education, health care, clean water and good sanitation, a varied diet as well as human rights are all social aspects of development. These need funding from economic growth and the political will to provide them. If people are educated and healthy they are able to contribute to the economy and so drive development forward.