Development is a process of growth or improvement. It is a part of the larger concept of evolution. Development takes place in nature as well as in human society. There are different theories about the nature and causes of development. Some, such as Vygotsky and information processing theorists, believe that adulthood is a result of a maturation of basic skills that are acquired in early childhood. Others, such as interactionists and systems theorists, see development as a complex process that is both caused by both nature and nurture.
Development takes place when a system improves its ability to use resources to meet opportunities and challenges. This can occur at four levels-physical, social, mental and organizational. Physical resources include land, water and minerals; social and cultural systems; technology and infrastructure; and the energy, skill and capacity of people. The organizational level refers to the ability to direct and manage these systems.
A major problem with the concept of development is that it is often seen as a tool for economic imperialism. As a result, it tends to be ‘western centric’ and can lead to destruction of traditional cultures and ways of life and damage to environmental sustainability. Development is also seen as a way for corporations to access new markets and resources and to increase their profits. It is therefore vital to understand the various issues surrounding this broad and difficult to define term. The discipline of development sociology addresses these issues by exploring the practices and processes of development.