Social development

This chapter argues that, despite conceptual ambiguity and different perceptions of it, social development as a goal, strategy, idea and ideal has remained with us. The term has passed though phases of popularity, decline and reemergence in varied manifestations. It has not been devoid of ideological orientations and has been greatly influenced by these. Despite all its ups and downs, we shall argue in this chapter that social development is practical and its goals achievable. To develop this core argument, the first section of the chapter analyzes several meanings of social development; the second traces its historical evolution and shows how social development draws strength from various theoretical/ideological traditions; and the final section discusses an emerging approach to social development.