Developmental Idealism: The Cultural Foundations of World Development Programs.

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Cultural Studies
• Development Studies

Background:

• Cultural models significantly influence societal development beyond traditional family and demographic factors.
• Developmental idealism is a pervasive belief system regarding optimal development goals and strategies.
• This model encompasses values like economic growth, education, gender equality, and democratic governance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To extend theories of cultural development to encompass broader societal factors.
• To analyze the global spread and impact of developmental idealism.
• To propose developmental idealism as a key factor in theories of social change.

Main Methods:

• The study extends existing theories and research on cultural models of development.
• It analyzes the scope of developmental idealism across various societal domains.
• The research examines the entrenchment and influence of this cultural model.

Main Results:

• Developmental idealism has spread globally from European elites to diverse populations.
• It is deeply embedded in social institutions, often perceived as a given.
• This cultural model is a significant driver of cultural clashes and global social change.

Conclusions:

• Developmental idealism is a fundamental force in contemporary cultural conflicts and social transformations.
• The model's influence extends across government, education, human rights, social conventions, and religion.
• Developmental idealism should be integrated into theories explaining human behavior and social change.