Developing people requires a complex mix of economic and social factors. The issues of environment, education, poverty and hunger must all be considered and addressed in a holistic approach. Development involves a change in living conditions and is usually measured in terms of increased productivity, improved health, wealth and quality of life.
Several different theories of development have been proposed. Some theorists believe that development is determined by nature (genetics, biology) while others, especially those who endorse lifespan or ecological systems approaches, suggest that it is more influenced by nurture and context. There are also those who believe that the individual plays an active role in their own development and that it is a process that changes over time.
Countries that are more developed benefit from better infrastructure and an increase in jobs. This allows for a higher level of prosperity which in turn reduces conflict, violence and crime. Education systems improve as a country develops and this helps to eradicate illiteracy.
All countries face challenges and crises at some point. Poorer and less developed countries are more dependent on outside help to overcome these events and to recover from them quickly. This can be in the form of financial aid, humanitarian assistance or military support. This dependency increases vulnerability and limits a country’s ability to meet its own needs in the long-term. Developed countries are also better able to defend themselves against attacks from other nations as they have larger armies, better technology and are more integrated into the global economy.