Development theory: An analytical framework and selected applications

This note suggests a framework for a concise interpretation of contending theories of development and for description of a variety of development processes. The framework posits flows between six structures that have a certain stability, yet yield to change if they are exposed to strong or persistent pressure. The structures are: environment, population, technology level, occupational structure, family structure, and culture. Schematically, the six structures can be located as points on a circle, with arrows between any two structures to indicate the origin and direction of pressure any structure may exert on another. The framework may be used to describe the dynamic in micro- or macro-studies or to distinguish among major conceptional approaches in development theory.