General Principles of
Development
A Definition
Development
refers to measures of economic growth, social
welfare and the level of modernization within
a society, culture, nation, or region,
as measured against a chosen standard,
usually a western model.
Factors that Influence Development
Physical Geography
Physical geography
determines resource
availability.
Culture
Culture determines how
resources are selected
and used.
Technology
Technology
determines how
resources are used and
modified.
Human Interaction
Human interaction includes
migration, diffusion, trade,
and conflict. All of these
issues will impact the rate
and type of development
within a region.
Models of Development
Rostow’s Model of Economic Growth
And Core-Periphery Models
Rostow’s
Model of Economic Growth
This model is based on the
historical examination of the
economic development of
western capitalist nations.
It is usually closely linked
with the demographic
transition.
Rostow identifies five stages of
development.
Stage 1: Traditional Society
The society is
characterized by
subsistence level
agriculture, domestic
industry and a
hierarchical social
system.
Stage 1 Demographic Transition
Stage 2: Preconditions for Take-Off
In this stage there is localized
resource development
because of the benevolent
actions of an outside force.
With the help of this force,
there is the development of
an export based economy.
A dual economy emerges
combining aspects of a
traditional society with
economic growth through
export.
Stage 2 Demographic Transition
Stage 3:
Take-Off to Sustained Growth
During this stage major resources are exploited to fuel
the export based economy. Radical and rapid
political change accompanies growth.
Stage 3 Demographic Transition
Stage 4: Drive to Maturity
As a result of reinvestment in the local economy during
Stage 3, a diverse industrial base is created
supporting increased trade
focusing on exports.
Stage 4 Demographic Transition
Stage 5:
Age of High Mass Consumption
During this stage
there is the
development of an advanced
industrial economy with
sustained economic growth.
As a result of this economic
growth, a viable
consumer class emerges
with a taste for imported
finished products.
Stage 4 – 5 Demographic Transition
Core-Periphery Models of Development
Largely based on the work
of Friedman, these
models attempt to
explain patterns of
development across a
region.
Assumption
Development produces
spatial inequalities that
must be rectified before
uniform development
can occur.
Assumption
Development produces a
series of distinct
regions that vary in
wealth.
The Regions
The Core
The dominant urban area in which
development is focused.
The Regions
The Region of Upward
Transition
This region is outside the
core but is closely tied
to it by transportation.
The benefits of
development are
diffusing into this
region.
The Regions
The Region of
Downward Transition
This region is too far away
from the core to benefit
from development.
People are moving out of
this zone and into the
zone of upward transition.
As a result,
local economies are
collapsing.
The Regions
The Resource Frontier
This is an area of
peripheral settlement
as people move from
the surrounding frontier
to be closer to the
benefits of
development.
However, few benefits
radiate to this region.
The Solution – Step 1
In order to produce a
uniform pattern of
development, an
infrastructure must be
developed linking all
regions surrounding the
core.
The Solution – Step 2
In addition to the
development of a fully
integrated
infrastructure,
developmental projects
should be fostered in all
regions surrounding the
core to stimulate a
pattern of uniform
development and
reduce spatial
inequalities.
Other Models – Growth Poles
Frequently associated
with core-periphery
models, this approach
argues that uniform
development is not
necessarily possible
and development
should focus on specific
selected places.
Growth Pole Models – Step 1
Identify an area for
resource exploitation
and funnel money into
the site to develop the
resource.
Growth Pole Models – Step 2
Identify a new site close
to the site of resource
extraction where the
raw materials may be
taken for processing
into a finished product.
Growth Pole Models – Step 3
Identify a local market
where the finished products may be sold.
Growth Pole Models – Step 4
Reinvest profits in the development and expansion
of resource extraction facilities, manufacturing,
marketing and regional infrastructure. A pattern of
steady growth should occur within and around the
growth pole as a result of multiplier effects.
Growth Pole Models - Results
Growth pole development
models have been
used extensively in
East and South East
Asia to stimulate
development. Results
have been mixed.
However, they continue
to be used, but with
one major exception to
the original model.
Growth Pole Models – The Results
When applied in East and South East Asia, instead
of locating a new area for resource exploitation,
developmental projects have been focused on major
cities, such as Singapore.